SINGLE REVIEW: Labrador 101 - What I Am
Taking on a classic is always a risk, but Labrador 101 don’t just cover ‘What I Am’—they reshape it in their own image. Originally performed by Edie Brickell & New Bohemians, the track’s signature laid-back folk-rock groove is swapped out for something far grittier, injecting raw rock energy and a heavier, guitar-driven sound. It’s still got that introspective core, but instead of breezy and meandering, it’s anthemic and full-bodied, giving the song a sharper, more urgent feel.
The biggest shift comes in the instrumentation. Where the original floats along with jazzy, free-spirited ease, Labrador 101 lean into weightier rock elements, replacing the gentle bounce with deep grooves and punchy riffs. There’s more bite in the vocal delivery too, trading Brickell’s conversational flow for something with more grit and intensity. It’s a track that still feels reflective, but there’s a new sense of urgency underpinning it, as if it’s pushing forward rather than drifting along.
It’s a bold move to take on such a well-loved song, but Labrador 101 make it their own without losing sight of what made the original so memorable. The result is a version that feels familiar yet fresh, bridging the gap between its late-‘80s roots and a modern rock sensibility. Whether you’re a fan of the original or coming to it for the first time, this take on ‘What I Am’ stands strong on its own terms.
