John Vento Releases Fresh Cover Of “For What It’s Worth”

Now here is something fresh. John Vento releases his single, “For What It’s Worth,” a Rockin’ up-swing version of the popular Buffalo Springfield track from 1966. With a contemporary feel and gritty edge, John Vento brings a unique perspective to this classic, household name track. What separates this track from other cover versions of popular songs, is the visceral approach to the vocals, John Vento forgoes the light, harmonized vocals of the original and transposes this offering to an almost minor key feel. Staying true to the style and feel of the original, this down key feels more suited for a modern-day audience, as the elemental theme of standing up to the war effort, and power-hungry politicians are still being felt today. Musically, John Vento has given the bass a gritty, distorted punch to really drive the main funk of this track, while keeping the main riff of the guitar on the level with the vocals to increase the overall powerful presence of the theme of this track.

Harmonized vocals with a female lead help fill out the listening space, while they juxtapose this fullness with a mid-song single drumbeat to create tension before the band explodes back in. As the full band brings the recapitulation through to its natural conclusion the production values of this track help it maintain a full-spectrum force worthy of a stadium sound. By its very nature, this track will be a perfect addition to any rock, adult contemporary radio playlist, but we should expect much success as new audiences will flock to this nod to nostalgia, due to its very contemporary feel. “For What It’s Worth” is a highly enjoyable interpretation of a classic masterpiece, challenging the listener to be able to honestly say which is better.

–Lee Callaghan