Ali McGuirk Covers Bobby Womack/Aretha Franklin

"That's the Way I Feel About You" may have been written by Bobby Womack, but it's Aretha Franklin's version that made it legendary. (The originals are named "That's the Way I Feel About Cha.") Covering anything touched by the Queen of Soul is a daunting thing to try, but Boston's Ali McGuirk succeeds in the challenge. "That's the Way I Feel About You" is one of Franklin's more laid back, stripped down songs, and that fits McGuirk perfectly. No one can try to mimic Franklin, and McGuirk doesn't try. She makes the song in her own style and adding her own version of indie soul to it. It's a laid back love ballad that is a perfect tribute to Aretha Franklin.

In a press release, Ali McGuirk says of the song:

"I’ve loved this song ever since I heard Aretha Franklin sing it on her Rare & Unreleased B-sides record. It’s the type of dreamy, openhearted soul ballad that I’m a sucker for.  I’ve always been drawn to the soul singers of the 60s and 70s and Bobby Womack is one of the greats. I recorded it on a whim in a living room one afternoon on tour with my friend Justin Henricks around the time Aretha passed away.

"There is so much feeling written into this song, and when I sing it I can really feel the unconditional love in the lyric."

You can listen to Ali McGuirk's version of "That's the Way I Feel About You" below. The song is available as a single via Signature Sounds over at Bandcamp with all proceeds going to benefit Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. For more on Ali McGuirk, check out the artist's website.