Ellie Goulding: 'Your Song'

Some remakes succeed by separating the sundry different components of the original and reassembling them in a fresh, unexpected fashion - call it the Mr Potato Head approach. By contrast, others work because they're as faithful and sympathetic as an aging actress's PA during a Hollywood unemployment crisis.

Very much falling into the latter category is Ellie Goulding's John Lewis-endorsed rendition of 'Your Song'. Mumford and Sons' Ben Lovett shrouds her beautifully fluttery vocals in little but piano and strings, just adding a few harmonies towards the finish, allowing her to draw out the tenderness in Bernie Taupin's lyrics and the utter loveliness of one of Elton John's very best melodies. The result is a quiet, modest triumph, but a triumph nonetheless.


> Click here to watch the 'Your Song' video