UK TikTok hero Sam Ryder has a new song out, “Mountain”, which he showcased during triumphant return to Eurovision, where, accompanied by a cameo from Queen’s Roger Taylor, he achieved an unexpected British 2nd place. To promote “Mountain,” Ryder recently appeared on Chris Evans’ radio show, and included an acoustic version of his previous single, a cover of “You’ve Got the Love.”
Two of the best-known versions of the song, with vocals by Candi Staton and Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine, showcase powerful female voices in the mid-range. Here Ryder’s flexible falsetto copes across the breadth of the music, and emphasizes the positivity of the lyrics. His own rock star persona shines through. Most versions of the song have a house or techno feel, and Welch has done a version with a full orchestra, so Lewis Nelson’s delicate guitar work has a lot to do. Nevertheless he provides focus, rhythm, and punch, providing a supporting gift to Ryder’s consummate frontman performance.
