Hallelujah

It’s probably one of the most moving, overplayed, overcovered and yet still moving songs ever written. So let’s break it down. Whose version is best? Who will make my top five? The suspense is killing me….

5. Brandi Carlile

A voice like Brandi Carlile’s is perfect for a song like this. It’s almost painful to listen to her sing. Her voice creaks, breaks and cracks all the way through the song. And while not tinged with the authenticity of Jeff Buckley’s voice, Brandi can always manage to make you feel something; even if she’s just going through the motions. Not a perfect version of the song, but it gets the job done.

4. Leonard Cohen

You have to give a shout out to the original. Not being a huge fan of kid chorus’ of any kind, this version doesn’t really do it for me. But you have to give credit where credit is due. Cohen uses an awful lot of speak-singing and synth to orchestrate a series of background “oooohs” and “aaaahs” and for me it takes away a lot of the heartbreak that can be found in other versions. And let’s face it, no one listens to “hallelujah” for an upper.

3. K.D. Lang

Having most recently performed this at the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver Olympics, K.D. Lang brings that voice like butter and her own unique melodies to the classic song. I think it goes to say that when K.D. Lang sings anything that she makes it her own, but when she makes her way through the melodies you really start to feel something special. This version also relies more on a tinging piano than any other real orchestration.

2. Jeff Buckley

Buckley opens his version of the song with a deep inhale, followed by a bit of silence, and then electric guitar. And we know we’re in for something special. Buckley’s voice carries over the song almost like a little boy singing to his mother. He sings with a great innocence and wonder and it really helps to make the song his own.

1. Rufus Wainwright

Let’s face it. You heard this song from Shrek. You know you did. Unless you are one of the few truly “ahead of the curve” people who’ve loved dear Rufus from the start. I, personally, heard it first on the West Wing. There’s a certain television magic that happens when Rufus’ version of this song orchestrates a sad cinematic moment. It’s heartbreaking. And while Jeff Buckley’s version wallows and lives in that desolate place of utter heartbreak, Rufus manages to take his to a smoother and more melodic place. It’s just as heartbreaking and melancholic, but also uplifting and beautiful. In my opinion, this is the definitive version of this song.