(January 16, 2025) As the music world remembers one of the greatest vocalists of all time nearly two decades after his passing, there is still plenty of admiration regarding Luther Vandross’s acclaimed career. Since he began his solo chapter, the New York born singer/songwriter/producer charted several Billboard number one albums, received a posthumous induction into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, and influenced many urban music stars, including Usher and Boyz II Men.
A documentary entitled Luther: Never Too Much, first released in early 2024, captured the singer/songwriter/producer as an all-round entertainer embraced by fans of several genres, balanced with smooth live and studio performances and offstage rocky roads. It had a second life in early 2025 when it was broadcast on CNN. Alongside arrived the Luther collection Never Too Much: Greatest Hits, which reminded music connoisseurs of Luther’s extraordinary vocal abilities – from the funky title track in 1981 which launched his hitmaking extravaganza to the swan song with the moving ballad, “Dance with My Father.”
Speaking of “Never Too Much,” our latest edition of First Listen showcases a remix of that seminal track by Belgian remixer/producer, Lost Frequencies. A DJ’s reimaginations can either enhance or disrupt the qualities of the original arrangement. For the Lost Frequencies edit, the intro extends too long (a near minute and a half) in waiting for Luther’s trademark velvet voice, yet the track recovers by dropping a raw rhythmic funk base emphasizing heavy snares, while honoring the initial version on most counts. Despite the one early hiccup, the remix works and creates a great excuse to listen to Luther in another new setting. Check it out below.
By Peggy Oliver