As the legendary Sade Adu approaches her 65th birthday on January 16, emerging vocalist Norelle honors her with a heartfelt cover of the classic “Like a Tattoo.” This cover not only showcases Norelle’s respect for the iconic singer but also her own unique artistry in reinterpreting a timeless piece.
Produced by the talented Romero Mosley and Iyeball, Norelle’s rendition is further enriched by Keyon Harrold’s soulful horn playing and Eric Nicholas’ masterful work on the keys. This collaboration results in a version that respects the original’s essence while infusing it with fresh, contemporary energy.
Discussing her decision to cover “Like a Tattoo,” Norelle shares her admiration for Sade’s performance of the song, highlighting its captivating and majestic qualities. “It holds a feeling that is not easily duplicated or present much in music now,” she explains. Norelle, as an artist who values the integrity of music, saw this as an opportunity to interpret the song’s beauty and minimalism through her own lens, adding, “Being an artist who values the integrity of music, I wanted the opportunity to give my take on something that was already so beautiful: The storytelling, the minimalism, the chords, but through my eyes.”
“Like a Tattoo” originally graced Sade’s fourth album, ‘Love Deluxe,’ released in October 1992. It has remained a fan favorite, being the second-most streamed track from the album on Spotify, following the lead single “No Ordinary Love.”
For Norelle, this cover marks her first release since her 2021 project, ‘A Story About Love.’ This seven-song collection, including singles like “Planted,” “Deeper,” and “Back Into You,” was an intimate exploration of love and self-discovery. Norelle’s approach to music is deeply personal, as she draws from genuine experiences and emotions. “I pulled from really true experiences—things that I’ve lived through, have evolved from and stuff that I’m still working through. I want to encourage people to really feel that from the inside out. I want people to love who they are,” she reflects on her previous project.
While it has been some time since Norelle’s last release, she has remained active in the music scene, contributing her vocal talents as a backing vocalist.
Norelle’s cover of “Like a Tattoo” is more than just a tribute; it’s a testament to her ability to connect with and convey the deep emotions embedded in music. Her version is a beautiful homage to Sade’s original, inviting listeners to experience the song anew through her interpretation.
Stream Norelle’s emotive rendition of “Like a Tattoo” below:
