Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” was one of the noughties’ most recognizable hits. But when British-Italian singer Angela Ricci covered the track on her YouTube channel, she put an utterly new spin on the song, making it sound brand new while amassing an incredible 19 million views in the process!
There are countless “Crazy” covers swarming the internet, usually all as gruffly powerful as the original, driven by overwhelming emotional forces akin to Teddy Swim hits. However, Angela’s acoustic cover – one striking voice lined by a grand piano – automatically strips away the song’s powerhouse backdrop, making a ballad of an upbeat hit that’s ultra-addictive to listen to.
It’s not just Angela’s lightweight backing track that turns this hit on its head. Angela’s vocals resound crisp and clear, optimistic tones flooding the darkness of her lyrics. Influences from Ray Charles to Nina Simone can be heard within her refreshing jazz and blues blend. And Angela’s vocal control is something to be instantly admired – a pitch-perfect rendition driven by class over grit; angelic and empowered by a vivid purity setting this cover far above most others.
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And viewers were quick to pick up how Angela elevated this track to a whole new level. Nearly 3,000 comments flood the YouTube video, with top commenters all agreeing, “Say what you want but I love how I can understand the words. Clarity of voice is a gift!”; “Way to make it your own. Your own tempo and style. Lovely rendition,” and “Excellent – she enunciates the lyrics – it is crystal clear and perfect sounding. Well done!”
Even more remarkable, Angela first uploaded this cover to her YouTube channel all the way back in 2011, and while this writer unfortunately can’t pin down Angela’s exact age, it’s incredible to witness such a young star in the making master an indomitable hit like this, completely stress-free, making world-class pop anthems sound as natural as lullabies.
Seven years after her “Crazy” cover went viral, and following numerous backing singer performances for stars including Gary Barlow and Rita Ora, Angela stepped into the big league, becoming frontwoman for The Brand New Heavies – a London acid jazz band formed in 1985. Angela has since released one album with them, entitled “TBNH,” in 2019. Music Man readers can check out their song “Beautiful” in the video above!
Angela Ricci’s take on “Crazy” is a masterful reinvention that captures the listener’s heart with its soulful grace and powerful simplicity. Her unique blend of jazz and blues weaves an enchanting new narrative for this classic hit. To dive deeper into Angela’s remarkable artistry and explore more of her work, check out the links below.