Meshell Ndegeocello has reimagined a classic 1980s synth-pop breakup anthem as a laid-back reggae track. The bassist and producer partnered with Cat Power to transform Human League’s “Don’t You Want Me” into something entirely different—replacing the original’s icy synthesizers and dramatic intensity with warm horns and a relaxed, swaying groove that transforms the song’s confrontational energy into a reflective moment between two people.
The collaboration serves as a preview of Ndegeocello’s ambitious new album titled “Synonym,” set for release in October. The project pairs well-known covers with an impressive roster of guest artists, including Cynthia Erivo, Chaka Khan, Brandi Carlile, and WILLOW. The album draws from decades of music history, spanning everything from 1960s folk to early 2000s hip-hop.
Ndegeocello conceptualized “Synonym” around songs that have remained culturally significant for generations. According to the artist, the album celebrates “classic songs that are known and loved” while exploring themes of “joy, selfhood, individual representation, and universal experience.” The title itself reflects her vision that despite human differences, people share a common core at the heart of the human condition.
Working with longtime producer David Gamson, who collaborated with Ndegeocello on albums in the 1990s, the project features an expansive lineup of musicians interpreting tracks ranging from George Michael to Dolly Parton and beyond.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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