Grammy-winning producer Scott Jacoby (SCOJAC) and collaborator Sarah Tamir lead the avant-garde music group Cantinuum. Their latest single, a moving new version of Cyndi Lauper's famous song, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," invites listeners to experience something new. The song changes from a cheerful pop anthem to a profoundly moving, soul-infused ballad with the help of the incredible Deva Mahal, the daughter of blues legend Taj Mahal.
Mahal's voice grabs your attention right away. Her voice, which is deep and layered, lends the well-known melody a new emotional depth, transforming carefree joy into profound thoughtfulness. Jacoby and Tamir did an impressive job designing the composition, which complements Mahal's performance perfectly. Sherrod Barnes' guitar adds subtle touches, while Paul Papabear Johnson's bass provides the song with a warm, steady foundation. Jacoby's drums and the duo's intricate keyboard parts create a rich soundscape that is both expansive and intimate.
This single is the second in Cantinuum's ambitious reinterpretation series. The first was their new version of "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues", which featured Martin Luther McCoy of The Roots. The last release had a favorable balance of respect and new ideas, but "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" goes even further, prioritizing emotional depth over memories and transforming a well-known pop song into something that feels entirely fresh.
Cantinuum's method shows that covers don't have to be exact copies, they can be new and different. Mahal's excellent delivery, along with Jacoby and Tamir's creative production, takes the song to a level of profound beauty and grace. This release reminds fans of soul, art, and daring reinterpretation that classics often shine the brightest when seen from a new angle.