We are pleased that Zayn has been inspired to use original music from Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Angel’ in his recording of the song. We’re hopeful that this version of a Hendrix classic will enlighten a new generation of listeners about Jimi’s genius and further propel his continuing legacy.
Spokesperson for Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. via Billboard.
Zayn was invited by Experience Hendrix to create a new version of the song using the original music in celebration of what would have been the guitarist’s 80th birthday on Sunday (Nov. 27).
zayn: Being asked to collaborate to celebrate @jimihendrix 80th birthday was such an unexpected and huge honour. I have so much respect and admiration for Jimi, his music and fans. ‘Angel’ is out now - hope you love the track as much as I do. Happy 80th Jimi.
Seeking to “enlighten a new generation of listeners about Jimi’s genius and further propel his continuing legacy,” the Hendrix estate recruited ZAYN (aka One Direction’s Zayn Malik) to sing a karaoke version of Hendrix’s “Angel” in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Hendrix’s Nov. 27, 1942, birth.
The problem? ZAYN is a soulless singer and his vocals, overdubbed to the music on Cry of Love, are abysmal - overwrought yet lacking any emotion.
The only thing this single proves is that Hendrix’s best work relied on his singing as well as his playing. The vaunted “new generation” the estate seeks is being fed garbage.
Zayn Malik is doing a cover/collaboration type thing with Jimi Hendrix estate and I desperately need Jake Kiszka’s thoughts on this. I’m excited about it, but I need to know his thoughts.
Zayn Malik performs his version of Jimi Hendrix’s 1971 song “Angel” for release on November 25. Zayn Malik returns with new music in honour of Jimi Hendrix’s 80th birthday on November 27th. On Nov. 25, the One Direction alum dropped his version of the guitarist’s 1971 song “Angel,” originally from his posthumous album The Cry of Love.
I just meant that Jimi Hendrix is such an icon with his own set of fans/rock/blues fans in general that don't necessarily interact with 1D which means this has the potential to be critiqued outside the fandom/Zquad bubble! (I don't mean by music critics; those guys will do so either way).
Being within Fandom offers a sort of barrier/ protection/ grace, if you will, but crossing into another fandom, that's just as passionate, is always a terrifying prospect.