Despite launching her music career by posting videos of cover songs on Youtube, Gabrielle Aplin has since become known for her own song writing talents. However, her latest venture, ‘The Power of Love’, covers the Frankie Goes to Hollywood hit from 1984.
Aplin’s version was chosen for the 2012 John Lewis Christmas advert. Past adverts have featured relatively unknown artists and propelled them into the charts; and this year is no exception. ‘The Power of Love’ was released on 10th November 2012 as a digital download, and has reached number 36 in the Official Chart. But can Gabrielle Aplin get to number one by Christmas and compete with the success of the original song?
Gabrielle Aplin is accompanied solely by piano, as well as strings in the chorus, although the strings can’t be compared to the instrumental in the original song. Aplin’s acoustic version begins with a simple piano part and is mellow throughout. Her soft vocals bring emotions to the song that are absent in the ’80s track, and she manages to create a haunting yet beautiful sound.
Although not a typical Christmas song, Gabrielle Aplin’s cover of ‘The Power of Love’ is an excellent accompaniment for the advert. Aplin deserves the recognition that always comes with featuring in the long-awaited, much-loved John Lewis Christmas adverts.
8/10
