MUSIC
Renowned worldwide artist Darrell Kelley delivers a poignant and profoundly emotional rendition of the timeless ballad “Neither One of Us”
The true measure of an artist can be defined by just how audacious he is able to articulate the emotions in his music, getting at the heart of his songs in many different ways. For the internationally acclaimed musician Darrell Kelley, his vocal strengths, penmanship, charisma, and unbridled passion all define him. He is someone who wears his heart on his sleeves, leaving absolutely everything on whatever record he’s working on because, for him, music is not just a creative outlet; it is an extension of who he is as a person and an insatiable passion that has grown with him ever since he can remember. In an era where authenticity is fleeting, he comes through as a beacon of originality, crafting those R&B and soul jams exactly like we remember them, and boy! Isn’t he just a natural?
Taking us back to sometime in 1973 where the emotional ballad “Neither One of Us” was released and giving it his own signature warmth and charisma, Darrell is in his best element with this profoundly touching performance that hits us the oldies right in the nostalgia while introducing the new generation to a sound so good, it’s impossible not to love.
His signature soulful and euphonious vocal touch is peppered throughout this record as he sings with a passion that only Jim Weatherly felt when he wrote the song. The song is nostalgic alright with an infused contemporary twist, but the lyrics still carry that emotional depth of heartbreak, pain, and reluctance of ending a relationship.
We can debate about many things, but the poise and elegance with which Darrell performs this tune makes you feel like he is really someone from the 60s trapped in this young physique. And his awareness to maintain the song’s emotional strength speaks volumes about the kind of artist he is—a mindful one!
This cover is a bridge between generations, enveloping the old school ones in this irresistible nostalgia and inviting the new ones to explore something that feels so tasteful, delightful, and emotional as well.
“Neither One of Us” is really a love letter to Kelley’s global fan base, who continue supporting him every step of the way. His heartfelt and soulful delivery, backed by the song’s contemporary-leaning harmonies, perfectly balances the nostalgic weight of soul and R&B with the modern niceties that new listeners are edging for.
His vocals really bring a depth of emotion, balancing strength and fragility as his delivery resonates with that sense of longing and regret that the original carries, making the song deeply personal and powerful.
Kudos man!
Check the track below and enjoy.
