Why I Reacted To This Song
You know a voice is truly special when it needs only the barest backing to carry an entire song.
Original by Artist
About This Song
“I Put a Spell On You” was recorded by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins in 1956 for Okeh Records. He originally imagined it as a love ballad, but the recording session turned into something far wilder, with Hawkins screaming, growling and moaning his way through the song. That unhinged performance became his signature and the song has since been covered by artists like Nina Simone and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
First Impressions
From the first line his voice takes over completely and everything else fades into the background.
My Reaction
“I Put a Spell On You” is pure Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. His voice does all the heavy lifting, moving from smooth to frantic in a heartbeat. It’s theatrical and a little unhinged in the best possible way and no one has ever sung it quite like him.
Rating
84/100