Maybe you don't remember because you were like eight, but back in '04 Mario's "Let Me Love You" was EVERYBODY's jammy (and back in '07 he saved his ma from smack!). And with good reason. It's mellow R&B perfection. Lovelorn lyrics delivered flawlessly smooth over a simple piano loop and popcorn beats (courtesy of Scott Storch!) with a melody that's just plain ol' dangerous. It was #1 for nine weeks straight and it's been downloaded almost 2 million times in ringtone form. Massive.
Despite all that, popular indie MP3 blog Music For Robots claims that the mega-jam has been topped by a nameless genius (update: now believed to be mysterious, unsigned act, Ocotillo) who recorded a cover of "Let Me Love You" in his bedroom. And you know what? It's insanely good. Been on repeat across the office since it popped up. Mario's seductive swag is switched out for heartache and desperation. The Storch production is replaced by a deadly Paul Simon drum loop and minimal, Kanye-esque synths. Actually, this brooding, drum-heavy "Let Me Love You" cover would be right at home on 808s And Heartbreak. Basically what I'm saying is you gotta hear this song right now and decide for yourself. What do you like better: The cover or the original?
+ Download the "Let Me Love You cover here.
+ Watch the original here: