Does the world need another rendition of “Hallelujah”? Probably not. But, this contemporary cover of the Canadian classic by Pentatonix is definitely worth a listen.
The Grammy-winning a cappella group from Texas — Avi Kaplan, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, and Mitch Grassi — debuted the video for their powerful version of Leonard Cohen’s song last Friday.
In its first 48 hours, the video was viewed more than 3.6 million times.
The song is included on the album A Pentatonix Christmas, which is out now.
Pentatonix has one Canadian date on their current tour — a Nov. 7 stop at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre.
We can only guess what Cohen, 82, thinks of this latest cover of “Hallelujah.” In a 2009 interview with CBC Radio, the Montreal-born icon admitted: “I think too many people sing it.”
But, three years later, Cohen told The Guardian: “Once or twice I've felt maybe I should lend my voice to silencing it but on second thought no, I'm very happy that it's being sung.”
MORE: Leonard Cohen's "You Want It Darker" Remixed By Paul Kalkbrenner
Cohen has said it took him about five years to craft “Hallelujah.” He wrote dozens of verses before deciding on the final version, which he recorded in the summer of 1984 and included on his album Various Positions.
“Hallelujah” wasn’t a big hit when it came out in December 1984 but the song struck a (secret) chord with other artists.
Bob Dylan, who sang his version of “Hallelujah” during a 1988 concert in Cohen’s hometown, recently told The New Yorker why he loves the song.
“It’s a beautifully constructed melody that steps up, evolves, and slips back, all in quick time,” Dylan explained.
“But this song has a connective chorus, which when it comes in has a power all of its own. The ‘secret chord’ and the point-blank I-know-you-better-than-you-know-yourself aspect of the song has plenty of resonance for me."
The song really took off, though, in 1991 when John Cale interpreted it for the tribute album, Leonard Cohen, I’m Your Fan.
Three years later, Jeff Buckley’s mesmerizing cover of “Hallelujah” appeared on his album Grace — and set a new standard. It was named one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone. The video has been viewed nearly 80 million times.
Over the years, hundreds of artists have interpreted “Hallelujah” — including U2 frontman Bono (for 1995’s Tower of Song), Tori Kelly (for the In Memoriam segment at this year’s Emmy Awards), and Bon Jovi (who has included it in live shows).
The long list of those who have sung “Hallelujah” includes Willie Nelson, Allison Crowe, Neil Diamond and Il Divo.
In 2008, X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke’s cover of the song topped the UK charts.
The song has been celebrated at home in Canada, too. Alberta native k.d. lang included her version on her 2004 album Hymns of the 49th Parallel and memorably performed it at the 2005 Juno Awards, at the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame gala in 2006, and at the closing ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Montreal-raised singer Rufus Wainwright recorded “Hallelujah” in 2001 for the Shrek soundtrack and former Barenaked Ladies singer Steven Page performed it at the funeral for federal NDP leader Jack Layton in 2011.
Follow @JRK_Media