N※N

Humor and Quirks
Source : (remove) : The Victoria Advocate
^{RSS • JSON • XML • CSV}

Humor and Quirks
Source : (remove) : The Victoria Advocate
^{RSS • JSON • XML • CSV}

Iron & Wine and Band of Horses' Ben Bridwell Cover Kendrick Lamar and SZA's "Luther"

Iron & Wine and Band of Horses' Ben Bridwell Team Up for a Haunting Cover of Kendrick Lamar and SZA's "All the Stars" on "Luther" Series: Listen Now

In a surprising yet deeply resonant musical crossover, folk troubadour Sam Beam of Iron & Wine has joined forces once again with Ben Bridwell, the frontman of indie rock outfit Band of Horses, to deliver a stripped-down, acoustic reinterpretation of Kendrick Lamar and SZA's blockbuster hit "All the Stars." This cover appears as part of the soundtrack for the latest season of the acclaimed British crime drama "Luther," where it serves as a poignant thematic underscore to the show's brooding narrative. Released today via a special streaming exclusive, the track transforms the original's high-energy, trap-infused grandeur into a intimate, folk-tinged meditation, highlighting the versatility of both the source material and the artists involved. Fans can listen to it now on major platforms, and it's already sparking conversations about genre boundaries and the enduring power of reinterpretation in modern music.

To understand the significance of this collaboration, it's worth revisiting the original song. "All the Stars," released in 2018 as the lead single from the soundtrack to Marvel's *Black Panther*, was a collaborative triumph between Compton rap icon Kendrick Lamar and R&B visionary SZA. Produced by Sounwave and Al Shux, the track blends Lamar's incisive lyricism—touching on themes of fame, legacy, and black excellence—with SZA's ethereal, soulful vocals. It peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, and became an anthem of empowerment and resilience. Lines like "This may be the night that my dreams might let me know / All the stars are closer" captured a sense of cosmic aspiration amid earthly struggles, perfectly aligning with the film's Afrofuturist vision.

Now, enter Beam and Bridwell, two artists whose careers have long been defined by introspective songwriting and a penchant for reimagining classics. Their history together dates back to 2015's collaborative album *Sing into My Mouth*, a collection of covers that paid homage to influences ranging from Talking Heads to Ronnie Lane. That project showcased their chemistry: Beam's whispery, poetic delivery complemented Bridwell's more robust, emotive style, creating a sound that felt both nostalgic and fresh. Since then, both have continued to evolve—Beam with Iron & Wine's folk-rock explorations on albums like *Beast Epic* (2017) and *Years to Burn* (a 2019 collaboration with Calexico), and Bridwell steering Band of Horses through indie anthems on records like *Why Are You OK* (2016) and *Things Are Great* (2022). Their reunion for this "Luther" cover feels like a natural extension of that shared ethos, bridging the gap between indie folk and contemporary hip-hop/R&B.

What makes this version of "All the Stars" particularly compelling is how Beam and Bridwell strip away the original's bombastic production—gone are the thumping beats, synth swells, and layered harmonies—in favor of a minimalist arrangement. The track opens with gentle acoustic guitar strums, evoking the sparse beauty of Iron & Wine's early work like *The Creek Drank the Cradle* (2002). Beam takes the lead on verses, his voice a soft murmur that infuses Lamar's rapid-fire introspection with a folksy vulnerability. When he sings, "Love, let's talk about love / Is it anything and everything you hoped for?" the words land with a quiet intensity, as if whispered around a campfire rather than proclaimed from a stadium stage. Bridwell joins in on the chorus, his harmonies adding a layer of warmth and melancholy, transforming SZA's soaring pleas into something more grounded, almost hymn-like.

Thematically, this cover aligns seamlessly with "Luther," the Idris Elba-starring series known for its dark, psychological depth. The show, which follows detective John Luther as he navigates moral ambiguities and personal demons, often uses music to amplify its tense atmosphere. Previous seasons have featured evocative tracks from artists like Massive Attack and Radiohead, setting a precedent for atmospheric soundscapes. Beam and Bridwell's rendition captures that essence, emphasizing the song's undercurrents of isolation and longing. In the context of "Luther," "All the Stars" becomes a metaphor for the elusive pursuit of justice and redemption—stars that feel closer yet remain out of reach, much like Luther's own tormented quest. It's a clever repurposing that adds emotional weight to key scenes, as teased in the show's promotional materials.

Beyond the "Luther" tie-in, this cover speaks to broader trends in music where genre-blending covers are revitalizing familiar songs. Think of recent examples like Phoebe Bridgers' haunting take on Tom Waits' "Day After Tomorrow" or The War on Drugs' expansive reworkings of classics. Beam and Bridwell aren't just covering "All the Stars"; they're recontextualizing it for a different audience, inviting folk and indie listeners to engage with hip-hop's narrative depth. In interviews surrounding *Sing into My Mouth*, Beam has spoken about the joy of "singing into someone else's mouth"—adopting another's perspective to uncover new meanings. Here, that approach shines: Lamar's verses on systemic pressures and personal triumph are rendered with a raw, acoustic honesty that highlights their universality.

Critically, the track has already garnered praise for its restraint. While the original "All the Stars" pulses with cinematic energy, this version opts for subtlety, allowing the lyrics to breathe. The production, handled in a lo-fi style reminiscent of Beam's home recordings, features subtle embellishments like faint banjo plucks and ambient reverb, evoking a sense of vast, starry nights. Bridwell's contributions, particularly on the bridge, add a rock edge without overpowering the intimacy—his voice cracks with emotion on lines like "Or do you get the kick from it?" echoing the original's blend of defiance and doubt.

For fans of Iron & Wine or Band of Horses, this release is a treat, offering a glimpse into potential future collaborations. Beam's recent work, including his 2021 EP *Lori*, has explored themes of loss and reflection, while Bridwell has been touring with Band of Horses, bringing their anthemic sound to festivals worldwide. Their shared Southern roots—Beam from South Carolina, Bridwell from there as well—infuse the cover with an authentic, heartfelt quality, as if they're channeling the song through a lens of Americana storytelling.

Moreover, this cover arrives at a time when Kendrick Lamar and SZA are at career peaks. Lamar's 2022 album *Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers* delved into personal therapy and societal critique, while SZA's *SOS* (2022) became a cultural phenomenon, blending vulnerability with pop prowess. Seeing their work reinterpreted by indie stalwarts underscores the cross-pollination happening in music today, where hip-hop's influence permeates folk and rock spheres. It's a reminder that great songs transcend genres, capable of morphing into new forms while retaining their core essence.

If there's a downside, it's that the cover's brevity—clocking in at just over four minutes—leaves you wanting more. Yet, that's part of its charm: it teases the potential for a full collaborative project between Beam and Bridwell, perhaps another covers album that tackles modern hits. In the meantime, this "Luther" contribution stands as a testament to artistic risk-taking. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the original, a follower of indie folk, or a viewer hooked on "Luther," this track demands a listen. It bridges worlds, from Wakanda's vibrancy to London's shadowy streets, proving that all the stars, indeed, can feel a little closer when reimagined with care.

As streaming numbers climb and social media buzz builds, it's clear this isn't just a one-off novelty. It's a meaningful addition to the canon of great covers, one that honors its source while carving out its own space. Head to your preferred platform, hit play, and let Beam and Bridwell guide you through this celestial journey anew. Who knows—maybe it'll inspire more unexpected pairings in the future, keeping the spirit of musical exploration alive.

Read the Full Pitchfork Article at:
[ https://pitchfork.com/news/iron-and-wine-and-band-of-horses-ben-bridwell-cover-kendrick-lamar-and-sza-luther-listen ]