JAMES POOLE, “Dirty Diana”
I don’t usually get caught up in following viral videos by many singers, but for those that I do, and they are few, it’s a great investment in watching the talent develop.
James Poole will be a big star one day. While I’m still wrapped up in his covers of “Titanium” and “Glad You Came” particularly, it is incredibly brave and bold to cover Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana”, which happens to be one of my favourites by MJ. For one thing, the song is so goddamn hard to sing!!! It is about something very specific, and if you don’t tap into that, then you might has well be singing just any old song.
James’ version isn’t 100% successful. To me (and I’m not a singer), the beginning is a bit rough, and has to get past the minute mark. BUT by the second minute mark, he is totally nailing it and incorporating his own style too. So don’t get me wrong, James’ cover of “Dirty Diana” is excellent or I would not be writing about it. My reference point for a cover/interpretation of the song though is The Weeknd’s version called “D.D.”.
Bravo James for having the confidence to cover this classic and for keeping it compelling because the last half of the song is brilliant. Keep up to date with James’ videos on his You Tube page.
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