Spinner

Matt Morris and Justin Timberlake Approached 'Hallelujah' Cover for Haiti With 'Reverence'

Matt MorrisThe Internet has been aflutter with accolades for Matt Morris and Justin Timberlake's version of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' ever since they performed it on the 'Hope for Haiti Now' Benefit last Friday night. While the other performances weren't without merit, there was something that was chilling about this one that's made it the top-selling song from the compilation, the number one iTunes download and garnered it over a million views on YouTube and MTV combined.

The version Timberlake and Morris had been enamored with for a long time has been the classic Jeff Buckley take from 'Grace'-- and watching it, any Buckley fan could see that. "Justin and I are pretty big Buckley fans," Morris tells Spinner. "So vocally we take an inspiration from him and have a fondness of his rendition of the song. It's one that holds up as truly great."

Morris says they ran though and tried out a few different tempos, but ultimately it came together in what he says was "a few passes." "We spent a few hours on it the first day and came back the second day to how we felt about it," he says. "We made some minor adjustments then and then did some at the studio, because of the time constraints. We weren't able to do all of the amazing verses that were written."

In terms of choosing 'Hallelujah,' they'd also tried out one other song -- the Beatles' 'Help' -- but didn't think that fit the scope of what they were trying to do.

"It didn't compare to what naturally came out of rehearsing 'Hallelujah.' There was a gravity to the event that influenced the performance of the song," he continues. "When you approach a cover, especially one that has been covered as frequently as it has, we tried to make something beautiful. Anyone can make something new: change the time signature or add an instrument into the mix, but the melody of this song doesn't need much. It hardly needs anything."

As one can imagine, because this event covered so much and came together quickly, Morris says they felt some mixed emotions about how to present such a calming song amidst a live event. "You want to approach this type of performance with reverence," he says. "It has to be centered and still to be relevant. But it was a chaotic event. But I think we were both pleased, especially for the first time the two of us were able to perform together."

Morris' debut record, the Timberlake-produced 'When Everything Breaks Open,' is out now on Tennman Records.

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

14 Comments

Filter by:
COHEN SISTER

I heared that Leonard loved JT's version!

August 06 2010 at 2:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Zee

Hallelujah alright - Hallelujah that KD Lang showed them how it should be done. What a disgrace this (timberlakes version) is - even GOD was like WTF is that...

February 17 2010 at 6:38 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Karin

Beautiful, as always. No matter who sings it.

February 16 2010 at 2:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
PaulB Thomas

Are these guys Christian? 'hallelujah' means 'praises to yahweh' jah or jehovah (God)? then they use the line 'maybe there's a God above.' Kind of confusing!or 'maybe' theyre singing about someone they don't believe in. So what's the message? However it's a beautiful song and a fab presentation. I love it.

January 29 2010 at 6:02 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
nick

I think this song, beautifully sung, really captured the moment perfectly.This is about poor desperate people who need much help and I am sure it moved many people to dig in their pockets. These desimated people do not have the luxury of "choices"...imagine if this were your families situation...god forbid!..The vast majority of people are caring and not interested in petty criticisms of a sung but why it is being sung. Feel good about yourself and what selfless other people are prepared to do to help others then..you may...GET A LIFE!

January 27 2010 at 3:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jeff Laurents

I am not impressed. Its just a little too slow, and sometimes they seem to be struggling for effect. The two versions last year, by Alexandra Burke and Jeff Buckley are much more effective, though completely different.
I think Leonard Cohen is right.... the song now needs leaving alone!

January 27 2010 at 12:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
sam t matthews

OMG i carnt belive justin tim'. My god!!!!!

January 27 2010 at 11:24 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Noemie

What is mama on about? Like Josie said,it's NOT american idol!
Great version,i love it! JT (and the other dude) can sing!!!!
Got a bit emotionnal as well over this,especially i know they are doing it for my people!

Haiti rocks!!! Beautiful country hit by a disaster,so sad....

January 27 2010 at 9:20 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
sam

Even Leonard said he "wants people to stop singing this song!!"
Enough already it's sooooo done!....move on...

January 27 2010 at 6:22 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to sam's comment
Willberforce

U make me sick, its a g8 song for a very gd cause and
all u can think 2 say is that this song is 'sooo done'. It actually sounds like u r more interested in the fact that it has been sung before, than the fact that its helping the people of Haiti. Please tell me im not right...

January 28 2010 at 5:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Josie

Lovely version - mama needs to remember why they are doing it - its not american idel.

January 27 2010 at 1:57 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply