You Can Call Me Al

If there’s ever been a record that’s perfect for a dancefloor makeover, it’s Paul Simon’s undeniably feelgood 80’s gem ‘You Can Call Me Al’. Driven by sweet chords and unforgettable hooks, the song has now been rejuvinated by a stellar collab between the Grammy winning, Swedish songwriter Zikai and the Dutch hit producer dreamteam Kris Kross Amsterdam. Expect a moving new version, featuring Zikai’s silky vocals, warm guitar chords and delicate deep house rhythms drenched in KKA’s trademark R&B vibes - out now on Spinnin’ Records.

Paul Simon’s pop classic ‘You Can Call Me Al’ has been in communal memory ever since its release in 1986. Originally soaked in African sounds and rhythms, as was the track’s legendary parent album Graceland, the song has always been able to conquer new generations of listeners, sparking excitement with its gentle pop hooks and Simon’s inventive lyrics.

For 23-year old singer-songwriter Zikai the song has the same kind of attraction. Known as one of Sweden’s next big music export phenomena, she’s already been appointed ‘Artist Of The Future’ by Swedish P3 radio station, collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, and won a Swedish Grammy for her debut EP, Make You Mine.

Earlier this year, Zikai delivered a wonderful new take on ‘You Can Call Me Al’, a record she’s always had a special connection with. Accompanied by tasteful acoustic guitar chords and sultry, soul infused backing vocals, the song turned into something completely fresh; a sweet, emotionally driven ballad with a  silenced, spacious effect; a tune to dream away with.

Now, Dutch power trio Kris Kross Amsterdam has added its magic to this already impressive song. Renowned for global smash hits like ‘SEX’ (alongside Cheat Codes) and ‘Whenever’ (together with The Boy Next Door, featuring Conor Maynard), the guys have been making incredible waves in their home country, hitting the charts and scoring huge streaming numbers with songs in their native language.

Their warm productions, filled with airy R&B rhythms, pop and hip hop flavors have always struck a chord with many artists, including celebrated vocalists like Ally Brooke, Ty Dolla $ign, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and most recently, Shaggy.

'You Can Call Me Al'

Teaming up with Zikai means a next step in their musical evolution. In this case, KKA adds a subtle deep house groove to the acousticly driven song, supplying warm effects to its guitar chords, while catchy percussion and enchanting tonal atmospheres bring extra layers of bliss.

It’s goosebumps ensured when this version hits the floor, providing a spark of recognition as well as a dose of admiration for this incredible new take on a Paul Simon classic. Who would have thought, a Swedish-Dutch tandem reworking this 80’s favourite into a 21st century pop, deep house, and R&B fueled gem - they’re taking it right back to the stars again.

“I was eight years old when I first heard ‘You Can Call Me Al.’ My mom used to listen to it at home a lot and I clearly remember that she said it was recorded in South Africa. I didn’t understand the lyrics but stuck to the melody. 15 years later, I’m in the studio with producer, The Priest, and without thinking about it, I start singing – you can call me al – even though I haven’t heard it in so many years. Then I thought it must mean something, so we decided to do our own version of it.” – Zikai