Each song has an apex performance - the definitive, unbeatable version that is often wisely left to its own devices, to be the forever monarch.
I play guitar, and this morning woke up to Zombie by the Cranberries. Listened to 50 covers, and none of them came close. It’s not capable of repeat. Like Whitney Houston’s vocals, it’s just not a safe place to go! I had the same experience with Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinead O’Connor.
Hard to define, but on top of the (often, but not always) polished performances, particularly with nuanced lyrics, the artistry takes it to another dimension.
Got any??
