Cool cover song of the week...

Roberta Flack's hit song, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, is an iconic 1970s hit (although it appeared on her 1969 album, First Take). It was featured in the Clint Eastwood movie Play Misty for Me, and won the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973. Flack's beautiful voice begins in a quiet, almost spare way, and builds to a beautiful crescendo.

I've always loved this song—music, lyrics, and Flack's soaring vocals—but, as always, I appreciate a good cover. Which is why I've enjoyed this somewhat faithful version recorded by Welsh band The Stereophonics, with the Jools Holland Orchestra. Lead singer Kelly Jones might not have the pipes Flack does, but I still really like their version.

Here's The Stereophonics' version of the song:


Here's the classic, with the amazing Ms. Flack:


And, for a bonus version, just because I've always been a huge fan of his, is American Idol Season 7 winner David Cook's version:


Check out my previous Cool Cover Songs of the Week:

Borderline by The Counting Crows

How Deep Is Your Love by The Bird and The Bee

Life in a Northern Town by Sugarland, Little Big Town, and Jake Owen

I Don't Want to Talk About It by The Indigo Girls

Only You by Joshua Radin

Pure Imagination by Maroon 5

I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) by Blake Stratton

What a Fool Believes by Neri Per Caso

Poker Face by Daughtry

Back to Black by Ronnie Spector

I Will Survive by Cake