To say that I'm anticipating Chris Turner's debut release would be a gross understatement. Every time something new from him makes its way into my inbox, I tend to get all giggy inside, like a kid on Christmas morning. I'll be honest though, when I noticed that this time around he'd be putting his satiny smooth vocals on one of my all-time favorite Sade songs, "Kiss Of Life," I got a bit nervous. Not that I didn't think the New School-trained singer wouldn't sing his face off, however. No, it had everything to do with the fact that this was practically a classic. When was the last time you fell head-over-heels for a version of a Sade's song, other than the original? Never you said? I thought so. Here, Turner coos his way through this acoustic rendition, initially recorded as part of the benefit project, HOME: A Gift of Music, which benefits victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Mixed by SoulBounce fave Nino Moschella, I found this updated version to actually be pretty good but only when I make myself not think about the original. Don't get me wrong, on its own, Turner's take on it is still kudos-worthy, nonetheless. In his hands, the song takes on a sensuality far different from the one Sade Adu seemingly oozes from her pores. And as long as I have a new Chris Turner tune to add to my playlist, this girl has no complaints.

Chris Turner: "Kiss Of Life" [Download]