mixtape maestro (2.0)

Originally composed and released by the iconic Isley Brothers (from their 1976 collection Harvest For The World) before becoming a major radio hit for Aaliyah nearly two decades later (her R. Kelly-handled remix of the tune remains one of the great jeep jams of the 90′s), the timeless R&B ballad “(At Your Best) You Are Love” is beautifully brought to life yet again via this gorgeous recording by twee Sweden songbird El Perro del Mar.

It’s lush R&B sparkle now transformed into a low-key, electro-toned lullaby, Perro’s take feels damn near weightless, her ethereal coo floating through the arrangement like a barely heard whisper in the breeze. And beneath all these softened detailings, “At Your Best” sounds just as poignant as it always has, the striking chorus lyric of “You’re a positive motivating force within my life” still resonating as one of the most touching lines ever put to tape.

DL: “(At Your Best) You Are Love (Isley Brothers Cover)” (alt)