Aretha Franklin is one of America’s favorite singer/songwriters/activists. She had such a strong influence on the world through her music, even after her unfortunate passing. She continues to live on though and will continue to.
One of the many ways artists pay respect to the soul and blues icon is by performing their own rendition of her music.
Stories is a channel that shares a variety of acoustic covers — everything from pop and hip hop to R&B and country. For one of their latest sessions, uploaded earlier this year, they enlisted a singer named Arlissa for a cover of Aretha Franklin’s “I Say A Little Prayer.”
Let’s just say this bluesy rendition of the Franklin classic is enough to bring a smile to your face.
Arlissa is joined by two acoustic guitar players — Ariel Posen and Ryan Lerman — and bassist Jesse Seibenberg. The four musicians all work in perfect unison to perform a really solid performance.
The singer couldn’t be more perfect for the song. Her voice is so smooth and filled with so much passion and emotion, she does Franklin justice. And not only does she do Franklin justice, but she makes it seem effortless.
Arlissa’s voice also blends so well with the acoustic arrangement. It sounds like the group has rehearsed together about a hundred times, despite having a guest vocalist. That’s how solid the performance is!
This cover couldn’t come at a more perfect time, too. When everyone’s looking for just a small token of joy these days, this rendition definitely serves that purpose. There is no way you can listen to this and not feel happy and smile ear-to-ear.
The video has almost half a million views because everyone is loving it so much. Hundreds of people have left comments — some are funny and some are really sweet.
“My lawd that voice just cured my corona,” someone joked.
Another person wrote: “One of the best covers of this song. What a feeling.”
So many people agreed that this is one of the best covers of “I Say A Little Prayer” so far and we have to agree. The acoustic arrangement is beyond stunning and Arlissa’s sweet crooning really takes it over the edge.
“Forever and EVER this will be my favorite version of this song,” another person commented on the clip.
“What a voice!! This song lifted my spirits for the whole day during these Coronavirus days,” someone else wrote.
“The moment I wake up / Before I put on my makeup / I say a little prayer for you / While combing my hair, now,” Arlissa sings with ease. “And wondering what dress to wear, now / I say a little prayer for you.”
This song is so sweet, it is actually relaxing to listen to. Even if you’re just trying to wind down from a long day at work, you can turn on this video and sit back and relax.
We hope Arlissa and the rest of this group go far. With this insane amount of talent, they definitely deserve it!
Check out the performance below.
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