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Review: Paloma Faith - Never Tear Us Apart [Single]

RCA // '...without the advert would this song be as popular? I don't think so...'

by ShenSalih, October 16th, 2012 and has been Read 1550 times.
Last Edited by: Chris MUG5 Maguire October 16th, 2012.

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OK, so first things first; is Paloma Faith's version of INXS' 'Never Tear Us Apart' as good as the original? In short, no it's not. It's good, but not as good. Nothing ever would be as good as INXS and this track taken from their Kick album holds a special place in my heart, as does the whole album.

Put that aside though, as Palolma Faith's voice is as gorgeous as ever and her drooling flourishes send shivers down your spine. I'm sure all the UK readers have all seen the John Lewis advert featuring this track by now, and were all as mesmerised as I was by the tantalising teaser of the potential Paloma's version of this song had, but the question is, without the advert would this song be as popular? I don't think so...I think the advert has generated intrigue and interest in both the song itself and, for many, in Paloma Faith too.

Watch // John Lewis Never Knowingly Undersold TV advert

Whilst I do like the song, I just don't think they've done much with it, it feels lazy, like they've just dubbed her beautiful vocals over the original score. I like cover versions to be different from the original - take for example Roisin Murphy's cover of Bryan Ferry's 'Slave to Love'; so different yet still paying respect to the original. So whilst I'm not asking for some crazy overworked dubstep version of 'Never Tear Us Apart', it would have been nice to try and do something different, no?

Watch // Roisin Murphy - Slave to Love

I feel that, much like Charlene Soraia's cover of The Calling's 'Wherever You Will Go', 'Never Tear Us Apart' will make a big impact but then fade away as quickly as it appeared. As for Paloma Faith, she'll be around for a long while yet, and I for one look forward to seeing how she develops and grows as an artist.

'Never Tear Us Apart' will be on the re-issue of Paloma Faith's Fall To Grace album, out October 22nd. Great timing, as INXS have just released Kick25 - celebrating the 25th anniversary of their Kick album... coincidence much?! Of the track Paloma said:

"I have always loved this song and I feel honoured to sing it."

And vocally she did it justice, but I wonder what Michael Hutchence would have made of it...?!

WATCH // INXS - Never Tear Us Apart

Tour Dates:

• 20-1-2013 BELFAST ULSTER HALL
• 21-1-2013 DUBLIN VICAR ST
• 23-1-2013 MANCHESTER MANCHESTER O2 APOLLO
• 24-1-2013 MANCHESTER MANCHESTER O2 APOLLO
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• 1-2-2013 YORK BARBICAN
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• 5-2-2013 PORTSMOUTH PORTSMOUTH GUILDHALL
• 7-2-2013 LONDON HAMMERSMITH APOLLO
• 8-2-2013 SOUTHEND SOUTHEND LEES CLIFF HALL
• 9-2-2013 CARDIFF CARDIFF ARENA
• 11-2-2013 SHEFFIELD SHEFFIELD ACADEMY
• 12-2-2013 LEICESTER DE MONTFORD HALL
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• 17-2-2013 CAMBRIDGE CAMBRIDGE CORN EXCHANGE