Lykke Li covers The Shirelles

Swedish indie pop star + 60s girl group goodness = unexpected delight. I don’t want to say it’s better than the original – surely that’s blasphemy – but gosh darnit, I’m feeling inclined to say just that. Lykke has clearly based her cover on the sparse Roberta Flack take, but her vocals hark back to Shirley Owens. It’s fragile & vulnerable in a way that fits the song’s uncertainty like a glove.

This whole affair has reminded me of just how many different covers there are of this song. A LOT. Everyone involved in music has apparently covered this song at some point in their career. Of course, it was co-written by the amazing Carole King, who wrote some of the greatest pop tunes of all time. Maybe the innumerable cover versions shouldn’t be much of a surprise after all.

Lykke Li – Will You Love Me Tomorrow

Since we’re on the subject, I thought I’d share some of those aforementioned covers. First up we have Bryan Ferry. Ferry croons like no one else, and despite the fact that I’ve never really liked this song with male vocals, he somehow makes it work. There’s some cheese to it, but it’s still good.

Bryan Ferry – Will You Love Me Tomorrow

As I mentioned, I’m fairly certain this is the version Lykki had in mind when she recorded her cover. Flack is probably best known for her massive hit ‘Killing Me Softly’, and I think I’ll continue to remember her for it. She’s got a great voice, but it all falls a bit flat for me. No passion!

Roberta Flack – Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow

I really like the arrangement here. I wasn’t sold on Fanki Valli’s vocals, but the more I’ve listened to it the more I like it. He sings it with gusto.

The Four Seasons – Will You Love Me Tomorrow

It’s Dusty. What more need I say? Perfect.

Dusty Springfield – Will You Love Me Tomorrow

The arrangement here is a little too fluffy for my tastes. I think it’s the strings. Something about it sounds too polished.

Lesley Gore – Will You Love Me Tomorrow

And here we are at the original. Can you believe this was banned from several radio stations for its ’sexually suggestive’ lyrics? Ha! I should also point out that this song went #1 and made The Shirelles the first girl group to hit the top of the Billboard pop chart.

The Shirelles – Will You Love Me Tomorrow

Tags: bryan ferry, dusty springfield, lesley gore, Lykke Li, roberta flack, the four seasons, the shirelles