Advertisement

Haley Reinhart’s ‘Creep’ cover with Postmodern Jukebox is worth a listen

Share

Postmodern Jukebox has already transformed Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” into a cabaret steamer, added a big-band swing to Bell Biv Devoe’s ubiquitous romp “Poison,” interpreted an Ariana Grande ballad as a James Bond theme and made a sad clown with a booming voice a viral sensation.

For its latest YouTube cover, the New York ensemble – led by musician Scott Bradlee – has dusted off Radiohead’s seminal ‘90s hit “Creep.”

With “American Idol” finalist Haley Reinhart tackling the vocal, Bradlee and co. traded the alt-rock tune’s raging self-pity for a more delicate tone.

Advertisement

Reinhart’s meaty, throaty growl that made her a favorite on “Idol” years ago paired with a piano and horn section makes for a stunning listen -- you’ll forget the lyrics are about a weirdo’s obsessive crush.

The cover is also a reminder that Reinhart got a really raw deal with pop stardom.

During her appearance on “Idol,” she became a fan favorite as a bluesy ingenue on a season full of country and rock singer-songwriters.

Though her stage presence was often criticized by the judges, the singer’s gritty vocals showcased with bold versions of songs from Adele, Alanis Morissette and Elton John made her a dark horse in the competition.

After placing third – country crooner Scotty McCreery won the title – Reinhart was one of the few finalists from that season to quickly score a record deal through the show.

Her post-“Idol” debut, 2012’s “Listen Up!,” was -- and still is -- actually one of the stronger post-”Idol” efforts in recent memory.

On the album, Reinhart traded in carefully crafted pop hits for depth. It featured tunes that reached across vintage jazz, blues, R&B and bright Motown-inspired dance-pop (so it’s no surprise that she’s able to fit seamlessly into Postmodern’s throwback aesthetic).

Advertisement

Despite making history as the first former contestant to perform at Chicago’s Lollapalooza festival, however, “Listen Up!”’s low-selling debut led to a split with Interscope Records and 19 Recordings.

Now, Reinhart has spent the better part of this year as a member of Postmodern’s rotating stable of musicians. She’s performed with them during their recent European tour and contributed other YouTube covers.

Watch her slay Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” (along with another Season 10 “Idol” alum Casey Abrams) and her smoldering, 1930s jazz-inspired take on Tove Lo’s “Habits.”

For more music news follow me on Twitter: @gerrickkennedy

Advertisement