Angels

Robbie Williams
When this was released, you couldn't go anywhere without hearing it. It was on radio, in the shops, on tv shows, on adverts, just plain everywhere. Possibly only beaten in omnipresence by that Robin Hood song (you know the one).

But it's a good song. It's relatively slow, giving the singer chance to show us what they can do and to give everyone involved opportunity for expression. The piano chord progression holds no surprises, but varies enough to keep the listener interested. Strings and the odd minor percussion instrument is added throughout the first verse. Drums come in for the chorus and the strings become more present in the mix. But no matter what, it's Robbie's voice at the forefront. Backing vocals arrive in the second verse as well a few entrances from electric guitars. The slide guitar is simple, easing into the notes.

Jessica Simpson
Oh. I'm half tempted to leave it at that. Just "Oh".

Similar piano start, but it sounds more rigid and not as relaxed as the original. Jessica's voice has been recorded breathy, similar to a lot of Atomic Kitten recordings. Organ replaces the strings in the first verse. Jessica sounds like she's hitting some limits in the chorus. I'm no great singer, but as a listener it sounds like the song is nearing the limits of her range (either notes or dynamics, I'm not sure). The backing as a whole is louder, the drummer making more use of cymbals creating a splashier sound which fills up the mix more. All this leaves less room for the lead vocal. That may have been the desired effect.

Beyond that, the cover isn't anything special. It stays relatively true to the original, almost like a strict covers band or even a karaoke version.

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