“Rock Me Gently” was a Billboard No. 1 hit single for Canadian pop-rock singer-songwriter Andy Kim in 1974. It spent one week at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts, after being dethroned by Olivia Newton-John’s Grammy-winning “I Honestly Love You.”
Wright’s rendition was featured on her breakthrough studio album, Do Right By Me, where it was subsequently released as a radio single. It went on to reach No. 7 on the Canadian Country singles charts in 1989. Anything that Wright touches musically, turns to gold. It is no wonder that she is an inductee of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.
The Verdict
Overall, Michelle Wright’s version of “Rock Me Gently” is an example of a cover song that is better than the original recording. Wright sings it with sass, and she showcases her powerhouse, alto voice. She does singer-songwriter Andy Kim proud, and is able to introduce the traditional pop recording to her country fan-base, especially the Canadian audience. It garners an A rating.
For more information on Michelle Wright, check out her official website.
