Dia Frampton – “Same Love” (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Cover)

I know it’s a bit out of character for me to be out-of-date with all things Frampton-related (hey, I’ve got a life too!), but this song almost came as a surprise to me. I’m not entirely familiar with the original version of the song, but I have listened to it a couple of times and have become familiar with Mary Lambert’s ever-so-soulful chorus in this song. But, this is beautiful.

I find that Dia’s definitely in her element with this song. Reminiscent of her “Remix To Ignition” (R. Kelly Cover) with the Gang back in 2007, long-time Meg & Dia-fans were surprised and enthused to discover Dia’s natural talent in singing mouthfuls of rhymes and lyrics, as she’s infamous for singing wordy songs in the style of a diary entry. What’s particularly special about this song is that it captures the heart and soul of what Dia always preaches about–love and openness and harmony with the world. With a song naturally performed rapped paired with a crooning chorus melody, Dia captures both elements and makes it her own, singing those mouthful rap-styled lyrics with her country-ridden, sometimes vulnerable tone paired with her key stylings and vibratos that allow her to get lost in the song.

This song’s got a natural, easy-to-follow rhythm that keeps you wanting to listen along–and, with a band full of wonderful instruments, it’s bound to sound beautiful with the variety of instruments and voices put forth alongside Dia! With a song preaching about the ‘same love,’ the communal head-bopping feel to this song just adds to the momentum of its effect.

I feel that, for some time now, I’ve been waiting for something to this effect from Dia. Most of her well-received covers in the past couple of years have always been her quirky takes on generally hip-hop songs (as it involves more of a mouthful of lyrics and head-bopping rhythm; I mean, look at her breakout “Heartless” performance!). I feel that Dia just fits best when she’s able to lose herself to these kinds of songs (it may be a mouthful, but it says a damn lot!). This is one of her covers I’ve been waiting for–something catchy, with beautiful instrumentation and a good feel, where you can feel her getting lost in the song, with the sweeping musical melodies and wonderful instrumentation paired with Dia’s voice crooning over these melodies… It’s wonderful. And beautiful. And it says something at the same time–which is what makes it stand out the most. Brava.

P.S. That “Love is patient, love is kind” reference towards the end? My GOD, that is where your heavens stole me! A Corinthians Bible quote and also well-known from my lifetime movie A Walk to Remember? It’s beautiful… And the style in which they sang in the old-time call-back harmonies was so soulful. mmph!