Joshua Idehen’s rendition of Once In A Lifetime is a deeply evocative reimagining of the Talking Heads‘ classic, transforming its existential musings into a transcendent and communal experience. Opening with a pulsating beat and emotive piano chords, the track immediately establishes itself as a contemplative yet uplifting journey. As Joshua Idehen delivers the iconic prose, his voice – rich with passion and a sense of vulnerability – breathes new life into the lyrics. His interpretation underscores the introspective nature of the original while imbuing it with fresh layers of poignancy and gratitude, inviting listeners to both reflect on and celebrate the serendipitous turns of life.
The Social Singing Choir’s contribution elevates the song to an almost sacred plane. Their harmonized refrains of the familiar hook, “letting the days go by,” feel like a communal prayer or a rallying cry, capturing a sense of shared experience and collective wonder. The juxtaposition of Joshua’s spoken-word delivery with the choir’s soaring vocals creates a dynamic interplay that is both grounding and ethereal, echoing the song’s themes of fleeting time and the profound beauty found in the everyday.
The original Once In A Lifetime, written by David Byrne and co-produced by Brian Eno, explores the disorientation and astonishment of modern life. Lines such as “You may ask yourself, ‘Well, how did I get here?’” reflect a universal sense of self-reflection, grappling with the randomness and impermanence of our circumstances. Idehen’s take stays true to this existential ethos while layering in a modern, gospel-infused sound that feels timely and resonant. The recurring imagery of water as a metaphor for time and transformation remains a central motif, and in Idehen’s hands, it flows with renewed urgency and hope.
Joshua Idehen’s artistry has long been defined by his ability to bridge the personal and the universal. A poet, musician, and spoken-word artist deeply rooted in the jazz and electronic scenes, he has contributed to groundbreaking works like The Comet Is Coming’s Channel The Spirits and Sons of Kemet’s Your Queen Is A Reptile, both celebrated for their cultural and sonic depth. His collaborations with artists such as Alabaster DePlume, Daedelus, and Metronomy reveal a versatile creative force capable of navigating genres with ease while maintaining his distinct voice.
This year, Idehen continues to push boundaries with his Mum Does The Washing EP, where his fusion of poetry and modern club sounds challenges and delights listeners in equal measure. The EP’s titular track transforms the mundane act of laundry into a meditation on maternal wisdom, while Tactics For Survival and Could Be Forever explore themes of resilience and profound human connection. In this context, Once In A Lifetime serves as the perfect closer – a reflection on the randomness of life and a celebration of the moments that make it meaningful.
With this latest release, Joshua Idehen cements himself as a multifaceted artist capable of creating works that are at once deeply personal and universally relatable. His rendition of Once In A Lifetime feels destined for widespread acclaim, perhaps even as the backdrop to a major British TV show, where its layered emotional resonance could shine. It’s a testament to Idehen’s talent and vision that he can take such a beloved classic and make it entirely his own, crafting a version that feels as iconic and vital as the original. We have added the opus to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the star’s exquisite discography!