Every time new music is released by SoulTracks Readers’ Choice Award winner Acantha Lang, it is a big deal around here. And at a moment when the music industry is struggling with the emergence of A.I.-generated music, there is no better antidote than the organic, fully human sound that Lang brings to everything she does.
Her new single, “Til I Get it Right” has the same full-bodied production that has graced her entire discography, but also has a sound that harkens to both Motown as it does to Memphis — a beautiful blend of lush, soulful sounds that work as the foundation underneath her expressive, rich vocal performance.
She tells us: “My cover of ‘Til I Get It Right’ draws inspiration from fellow Louisianan Bettye Swann’s soulful interpretation of the song, originally recorded by country artist Tammy Wynette. I’ve always loved it for its honesty, its vulnerability, and the quiet strength in the way it speaks about love and patience. Being born and raised in Louisiana, like Bettye, I feel a deep, natural connection to the song and to her legacy. It’s a song I’ve been performing in my live shows for a while now, and it’s always received such a beautiful response from audiences, which really stayed with me. That connection is what made me want to record and release my own version.
“With Black History Month in February in the U.S., I also wanted this release to help shine a light on Bettye Swann’s legacy as a powerful soul voice whose contribution deserves to be remembered and celebrated. I wanted to honor the song with care and respect, while letting it live through my own voice and interpretation.”
“Til I Get It Right” is yet another triumph for one of the truly great young stars of soul music. We’re proud to present it as our SoulTracks Song of the Month for February. Check it out below and welcome Acantha Lang back into our lives.
By Chris Rizik
