Liverpool musician Holly Lovelady gifts us with a magical cover of a Christmas classic – ‘A Spaceman Came Travelling’. It’s not the first time the folk-pop singer has recorded a version of the Chris de Burgh track – a few years ago her original cover attracted attention from the man himself! Now that her voice has matured, the young artist wanted to re-release the track with a fresh version for 2020.
First released in 1976, ‘A Spaceman Came Travelling’ is unique as a Christmas tune. It’s a different take on the Nativity story where the Star of Bethlehem appears as a space craft visiting from above. With a heavily produced sound, it is perhaps best known for its rousing sing-a-long chorus of “la la la’s”.
Lovelady’s version presents a much more stripped-back feel – featuring her sweet echoey vocals and an accompanying acoustic guitar throughout. We’re later joined by some background strings which really give a fuller sound to the track. What is so striking about this particular cover is the simplicity of it. It’s not flashy or overly done. There’s a haunting and powerful element to the vocals – which take centre stage – allowing the lyrics and story to come through without distraction.
There’s a charming music video to go with the cover filled with a mix of childlike awe and Christmas magic – albeit with a spaceman twist.
Among the crowds of Christmas covers thrown our way at this time of year – this one simply shines. It’s straight-forward and it’s beautiful.
Also catch our interview with Holly on RGM ????