Atlanta-based outfit The Dangerfeel Newbies gave us the best shock possible when they updated Ralph Tresvant's '90s hit "Sensitivity" with some New Orleans-style jazz. The unexpected jam was the first listen from their upcoming album Culture Dawn. Now the group is nearly ready to share the full-length project with the world — but first, they treat us to another updated classic with the album's second single "Lonely."
For "Lonely" the two head back into Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis' songbook, this time exploring the duo's work on Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814, and the results are nothing short of gorgeous. They craft a jazzy, funk and almost tribal feel with a combination of conga drums, piano and flute. The soundbed captures the intimate feel of the track without being a carbon copy of the original, which allows guest vocalist Brenda Nicole Moorer to make the song her own. Brenda offers a light, aching vocal that evokes Janet (especially on those layered backgrounds) but differs just enough to keep things interesting. She swings and sways beautifully to the groove, even capturing the bridge's spoken rap effortlessly. Sweetening things even further is the inclusion of Carey Durham's violin, which adds a homespun quality to the effort that takes things to a special place as he and Brenda riff until the song's close.
With two familiar tunes reimagined in exciting ways, we can't wait to hear what else The Dangerfeel Newbies are doing on Culture Dawn (more Jam and Lewis covers, perhaps?). We won't have to wait long, as the set will drop on October 12th. Take a listen to their inspired take on "Lonely" below and be sure to take advantage of a free download of the track as well.
