Psychedelic, cinematic, and soul-stirring — “Rare Element – Fields of Joy (Cover Version)” is more than a cover; it’s a rebirth. Originally penned by The New York Rock & Roll Ensemble in 1971 and popularized by Lenny Kravitz in the early ’90s, Rare Element reimagines this classic with a bold, genre-blurring twist that’s equally nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
The track opens in a dreamy haze — gentle guitar strings shimmer beneath Britt Foe’s ethereal vocals, immediately setting a tranquil, meditative mood. Her voice floats like mist over a lush instrumental bed, bringing a sensual, feminine energy never before explored in this song’s history.
The London-based duo Rare Element — Hedge Seel (drums) and Jerry Kandiah (guitar/vocals), known for their work with alternative pioneers Tribazik, carefully weave together acoustic textures, ambient electronics, and detailed synth work, resulting in a Massive Attack-esque trip-hop/rock hybrid. The track’s spellbinding build-up leads to a sonic explosion of live-triggered electronics and a searing, face-melting guitar solo by Gus Robertson (ex-Razorlight), pushing the boundaries of the original into thrilling new territory.
Despite its layered complexity, the song retains its psychedelic core — a blissed-out escape into nature and love, as captured in the lyric:
“I touch the leaves, I touch the sky, just you and I, through fields of joy.”
The production is immaculate, and the arrangement is cinematic. It’s easy to imagine this track in a moody, high-stakes moment in Reacher (Season 3), or any gripping drama that demands an emotional yet powerful soundtrack.
“Rare Element – Fields of Joy (Cover Version)” is a masterclass in reinterpretation — a rare blend of atmosphere, technical artistry, and emotive vocals that will linger in your mind long after the final note. A true gem in the world of psychedelic alternative rock.
Stream “Rare Element – Fields of Joy (Cover Version)” on Spotify here:
