Hayley Taylor is an American singer and songwriter from Los Angeles. According to Entertainment Tonight, she is a “rising star of the indie music scene.” Her music has been featured in TV shows like Pretty Little Liars, Ginny & Georgia, and How I Met Your Mother, and her newest release was used in the second season of Amazon’s original rom-com With Love. This version of Modern English’s classic “I Melt With You” was produced by Chris Villepigue, who is best known for his film trailer compositions, such as his work in the Sin City and No Country for Old Men trailers.
Modern English’s original version of the song was nu-wavey, while Taylor’s is much lighter. The introduction avec glockenspiel/bells, strummed acoustic guitar, and a rumbling, forward-moving percussion almost reminds me of Bruno Mars’ “Marry You.” That’s to say that Hayley Taylor’s version feels like a poppy 2010 tune in the best way. As the song progresses, a melodic synth line comes in under the light indie vocals, leading to a pleasant counter-melody. This “I Melt With You” is buoyant and feel-good. The chorus has the familiar underlying harmonies that made the original so catchy, and the bridge is full of tension. But just before things get too tense, she brings it back with a harmonic stack even lusher than before. So decadent it will make you (dare I say it?!)…melt!
Head here for more great Modern English covers.
