Alison Moyet's rendition of “That Ole Devil Called Love” is a marvelous combination of vocal elegance and emotional restraint. Originally popularized by Billie Holiday in the 1940s, Moyet’s version - released in 1985 as a standalone single - transforms the jazz standard into a smooth, torchy ballad with a smoky, late-night atmosphere that feels timeless yet distinctly modern for its era.
What makes Moyet’s interpretation so captivating is her voice: rich, expressive, and effortlessly controlled. She doesn't mimic the jazz stylings of her predecessors but instead brings a sultry pop-soul sensibility that highlights the aching vulnerability of the lyrics. Her performance is quietly devastating, capturing the push-pull of a love that keeps returning like a haunting.
The arrangement is lush yet understated. Anchored by brushed drums, a gentle piano, and soft horns, the instrumentation creates a jazz-lounge ambiance without overwhelming the vocal centerpiece. The mood is intimate, like a confession whispered across a dimly lit room.
Released between Moyet’s first and second solo albums, this single marked a bold departure from the synth-driven sound of her Yazoo days. Instead, it showcased her versatility and set her apart as a serious interpreter of song, capable of breathing new life into classics with emotional intelligence and vocal nuance.
“That Ole Devil Called Love” is a subtle triumph - moody, graceful, and emotionally resonant. Alison Moyet doesn’t just cover a jazz standard; she inhabits it, making it her own. In doing so, she proves herself not just a great pop vocalist, but a true torch singer of depth and sophistication.
What makes Moyet’s interpretation so captivating is her voice: rich, expressive, and effortlessly controlled. She doesn't mimic the jazz stylings of her predecessors but instead brings a sultry pop-soul sensibility that highlights the aching vulnerability of the lyrics. Her performance is quietly devastating, capturing the push-pull of a love that keeps returning like a haunting.
The arrangement is lush yet understated. Anchored by brushed drums, a gentle piano, and soft horns, the instrumentation creates a jazz-lounge ambiance without overwhelming the vocal centerpiece. The mood is intimate, like a confession whispered across a dimly lit room.
Released between Moyet’s first and second solo albums, this single marked a bold departure from the synth-driven sound of her Yazoo days. Instead, it showcased her versatility and set her apart as a serious interpreter of song, capable of breathing new life into classics with emotional intelligence and vocal nuance.
“That Ole Devil Called Love” is a subtle triumph - moody, graceful, and emotionally resonant. Alison Moyet doesn’t just cover a jazz standard; she inhabits it, making it her own. In doing so, she proves herself not just a great pop vocalist, but a true torch singer of depth and sophistication.