Most early Boomers will remember Andy Williams’ “Can’t Get Used To Losing You”– from 1963. The hook was unforgettable:
can’t get over losing you,
no matter what I try to do
Well, It’s back.
Sort of.
Beyoncé’s current single, “Hold Up,” is doing what many artists and producers are doing—drawing upon a past hit, connecting it to a whole new generation of listeners.
Sometimes the connection is clear and obvious, like last year’s “You Don’t Own Me” by Grace which incorporated a clearly recognizable Lesley Gore “You Don’t Own Me” clip, however, Beyoncé’s “Hold Up“ is quite subtle, except at the beginning–her song opens with that memorable melody, note for note…
can’t get over losing you,
no matter what I try to do
As soon as you hear it, you’re zapped back to 1963, Andy Williams crooning on the radio. In just five seconds a familiar melody does what music does best, which is to connect with our feelings, memories, emotions.
can’t get over loosing you,
no matter what I try to do
Beyoncé is a force of nature, and so is her song, and while everyone has heard of her, not everyone knows her music. Even yours truly.
Listening to “Hold Up” was an education. I am in awe of Beyoncé’s powerhouse singing and forceful writing. I’m late to the party, but I’m a true believer now.
“Hold Up” was all over the tabloids when the album came out, because it’s so raw –she’s accusing? wondering? if her husband, mogul J-Z, has cheated on her—she sings her sadness and her anger with conviction.
Beyoncé received two nominations at the recent MTV Video Music Awards for the “Hold Up” video, which was actually part of an HBO movie, which explains the great visuals.
“Hold Up” in the Top 20 on Rhythmic Top 40 stations.
Full circle sidebar: Both Beyoncé and the late Andy Williams record for Columbia Records.
One has to wonder what thoughts one time Columbia chief, the late Mitch Miller, would think of Beyoncé’s “R” rated production?