SINGLE REVIEW: Piper Connolly - Gimme Shelter
Piper Connolly’s reimagining of 'Gimme Shelter' is bold, intense, and a complete transformation of the Stones classic. I'll be honest, I’m not really a Rolling Stones fan, so this cover had me intrigued from the start. At just 13, Piper has transformed the track into something completely fresh, bringing her unique touch to its classic message of urgency and hope in a world of chaos.
Her haunting vocals, powerful with a soulful edge, are astonishing for someone so young. There’s an undeniable maturity here that adds depth to the song. Backed by an atmospheric, alt-rock production, she shifts away from the Stones’ psychedelic, bluesy vibe. Instead, Piper dives into full-throttle rock, with epic guitars and a more dynamic, charged-up energy that feels truly captivating.
The cover retains a touch of the original’s psychedelic swirl, but it’s essentially a different song. It’s hammering, unrelenting, and brings a sonic intensity that feels genuinely thrilling. For me, it’s the kind of rework I can fully appreciate, one that reinvents rather than replicates, giving ‘Gimme Shelter’ an exhilarating new lease of life while staying true to the heart of its message.