Reviewed by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

Talking Heads songs have always been ripe for cover versions, but Naïve Melodies is going one step further. It is curated by Drew McFadden, who has previous with an imaginative Modern Love tribute to David Bowie, also on BBE. In his own words, he is looking to “spotlight the deep and often overlooked influence of Black music on the sound of Talking Heads, drawing from the rhythmic foundations of Afro- diasporic traditions, soul, gospel, Latin, and spiritual jazz.”

The artists are drawn from far and wide, reflecting a ‘no musical rules’ policy as McFadden’s cast are let loose on one song each.

What’s the music like?

Invigorating. This is a fascinating musical project, and the rewards are frequent and many. Risks are encouraged in these versions; no stone is left unturned not just to highlight the influence of Black music but also to celebrate the group’s powers of invention.

As a consequence, songs we thought we knew are reframed and given fresh perspective. The best known songs get some startling treatment, with W.I.T.C.H. taking Once In A Lifetime to the cleaners, off beat and unexpectedly thrilling. And She Was becomes an unexpectedly tender R&B ballad in the hands and voice of Vicky Farewell, while Rogê offers an airy Road To Nowhere that works really well.

Of the many other highlights, Georgia Anne Muldrow’s questioning take on Girlfriend Is Better brings squelchy bass and an oblique vocal together, while there is a big space for the electro dub of Liv.e, taking on I Zimbra. The warm hearted EBBA version of Uh-Oh Love Comes To Town is a delight, while the scattered beats and bright vocals / guitar combination of Florence Adooni work well on Crosseyed And Painless. Meanwhile the dreamy Bilal cover of Seen And Not Seen is a rich reward.

Does it all work?

In the main, though not all the versions are immediately successful. Miguel Atwood-Ferguson’s breezy string arrangement of Heaven makes an effective prelude but is musically restless, while Astrønne’s version of Psycho Killer begins promisingly but loses focus.

Is it recommended?

Yes. Naïve Melodies is an eye-opening compilation, whichever musical direction you approach it from, and the artists clearly had a lot of fun making it. Should David Byrne and his fellow-Talking Heads hear it, they are bound to be impressed and charmed in equal measure.

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Published post no.2,778 – Sunday 25 January 2026