15 October 2024

Sage’s acoustic cover of ‘Only You,’ originally performed by Yazoo in 1982, delivers a fresh take on this beloved synth-pop classic. The original track, penned by Vince Clarke just before his (official) departure from Depeche Mode, has seen countless reinterpretations over the years, but Sage’s rendition stands out by offering something different. Rather than relying on the upbeat electronic sound that characterised the original, Sage strips the song down to its emotional core, emphasising the poignant lyrics with a delicate acoustic arrangement. The subtle, yet lush string arrangement brings a softness that tempers the sharper edges of the original. In doing so, it provides an intimate backdrop that allows Sage’s vocals to truly shine. The contrast between the stripped-down instrumentals and her emotive voice creates an atmosphere of vulnerability and warmth, transforming the song into something deeply personal.   One of the standout elements of Sage’s version is the clever use of backing vocals. In many other covers, this aspect is often overlooked, but Sage ensures that these harmonies add depth and richness to the overall sound. The backing vocals don’t overpower her lead, but rather, they complement it, creating a fuller and more engaging listening experience. This thoughtful arrangement prevents the cover from slipping into the realm of forgettable imitations.  When it comes to covering iconic tracks like ‘Only You,’ there’s always a risk of falling into the trap of producing something too derivative or overly sentimental. However, Sage makes astute musical choices that give her cover its own identity. Her decision to keep the vocals soft and understated allows the lyrical message to take centre stage, which is crucial to making this cover feel heartfelt rather than hollow. The result is a version of the classic that resonates with listeners on an emotional level, offering a sense of closeness and sincerity that can sometimes be lacking in other covers. Sage’s interpretation is proof that, when done thoughtfully, a cover can breathe new life into a classic song while paying homage to its original spirit.    Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com

Kicking off this EP with ‘Boon Time’ is a great move by Copeland. The track starts off quiet but brings up the tempo a minute in. The echo on Copeland’s voice adds to the smoky mystique that makes this blues track just fantastic. By the second minute, Copeland takes it all the way down to his voice before the instrumentation builds back up to a sultry, irresistible ending. A real bluesman, Copeland isn’t afraid to take directions that might frighten a lesser artist. The breathing/singing technique that Copeland masters on several tracks only adds to his bad bluesman aura. The acoustic ‘4:59:59’ allows Copeland’s writing to take the spotlight, with exquisite storytelling and a tale of everyday tragedy, Copeland does need to wrestle his sound from the excited start, he simply takes it all the way stripped back. An interlude of ‘Coyotes’ later, the closing titular track comes full circle as Copeland weaves his way through to a gentle closing.     Read the full feature in our free digital magazine here: https://bit.ly/3WUe56j Never miss a story… Follow us on: Instagram: @Maverick.mag Twitter: @Maverick_mag Facebook: Maverick Magazine Media Contact Hannah Larvin, Editor, Maverick Magazine Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: editor@maverick-country.com