This is not the first time, nor the last time that two (or more) covers of exactly the same song on different labels have been released within a very short time span. This time the song being covered is by Lucy Pearl from 2001 which had a set of palatable remixes by Mood II Swing and Wookie.
First we have Buzz Junkies featuring Elesha on the All Around The World label. AATW has released a good number of covers every year for the last several years. Mixes are by Moto Blanco. The Moto Blanco mixes are quite simple and straightforward. They are pretty good.
And then we have Booty Luv on
Hed Kandi (in association with sister label
Ministry Of Sound). Their cover is a bit more electro-sounding. This is their fourth cover in a row. "Boogie 2Nite" (originally by Tweet), "Shine" (originally by Luther Vandross with some amazing mixes by the Freemasons) and "Be Without You" (originally by Mary J. Blige, and was also covered by the
AATW label's WiFi; it is worth noting that this was not issued as a single but was just for a compilation). Mixes for this one are by Seamus Haji and Thomas Gold. This single is to precede the release of Booty Luv's debut album Boogie 2Nite by a week in September.
Vocals on both are rather decent. The Buzz Junkies one is slightly better on vocals though. Same with production of the Moto Blanco mixes. The Booty Luv's remixes are decent too. Seamus Haji's mix is highly reminiscent to his mix of "Boogie 2Nite." The Thomas Gold mix is much funkier.
The Winner:
Buzz Junkies featuring EleshaBuzz Junkies featuring Elesha
Grade:
A-Booty Luv
Grade:
B+
This is the 3rd U.S. single off of Pocketful Of Sunshine. Produced by Rodney Jerkins, this midtempo R&B/Pop song has been a fan favorite since the album's release. This one does call to mind Mary J. Blige's "Be Without You" in some places, however, the songs are very different thematically and lyrically. This one really showcases Natasha's impressive vocals. This one hits radio on August 12.
