Morgan James "Sledgehammer" REACTION & ANALYSIS by Vocal Coach/Opera Singer

Peter Gabriel's famous song "Sledgehammer" sees a new style with Morgan James's rendition. It's spunky, sassy and absolutely beautiful.
Join professional opera singer Elizabeth Zharoff as she dives into another Morgan James cover, this time of "Sledgehammer."
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Performed by Morgan James - Words and Music by Peter Gabriel
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I definitely recommend watching the original video without interruptions, here's the link: • Sledgehammer by Peter ...
Show Morgan James some love: / @morganjamesonline
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Elizabeth Zharoff is an international opera singer and voice coach, with 3 degrees in voice, opera, and music production. She's performed in 18 languages throughout major venues in Europe, America, and Asia. Currently based somewhere between Los Angeles and Tucson, Arizona, Elizabeth spends her days researching voice, singing, teaching, writing music, and recording TONS. She also plays Diablo and Dungeons & Dragons.
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Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
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#MorganJames #Reaction #ElizabethZharoff

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

We just released merchandise! Check out the full line-up here: thecharismaticmerch.com

[@87FordMudder]

Let's give that pianist some credit too. My man's laying down a full motown band vibe on a grand piano and absolutely killing it.

[@quiltie1774]

Scott Bradley is a killer pianist!

[@cthulhusol]

And the backing vocals. Those woman slayed it. Adding so much gravitas when Morgan brings the sass. Love it all

[@anonymousbigshot1775]

Scott bradlee is The Pianist and composer for postmodern jukebox. You should really check them out

[@richardpickard7787]

@@anonymousbigshot1775 She has. But also this pianist isn't Scott Bradlee.

[@palmarolavlklingholm9684]

Nahh, piano on this song was wrong in the first place, and this was a bit too homogenous, not enough rhythmic variations. It should have had more drive and coolness.

[@HeliRy]

I love how flirty Morgan is with this song, and she nails the mood of the song’s context perfectly.

[@jaksilver3656]

I love love love that it looks like she was enjoying herself on this one, looks like she was having fun!

[@saschaschneider6355]

Morgan is so entertaining when singing. So much going on. The gestures, the faces she makes, the movement. All both deliberate and natural, like she's living the song and giving herself completely to it. The funniest thing about it is that Elizabeth is the same when listening to music. So much wholesome goodness to watch

[@keithdoeskungfu]

That's a big thing that I love about her, she's like that on pretty much every song

[@ojacid]

Saw Morgan James at a jazz club a couple years ago. One of the best live shows I've ever seen. World class voice and performer!

[@michelle32855]

I love her attention to diction...love being able to actually understand the lyrics. Her vocal talent goes without saying :)

[@Gdisele]

I am very familiar with the original song and am just now finding out what some of the words to it are due to her diction.

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

Yes, and still pulling up the bluesy lines without missing a note.

[@bailey3209]

Love Morgan, I fell in love with her PMJ version of "dream on" bloody fantastic

[@crhu319]

It was

[@targetpractice2351]

Fact

[@alanhembra2565]

Morgan had been one of my favorite vocalists for a couple years now.

[@AZombieWizard]

I love watching Morgan James' music videos! Everytime she sings with people she vibes so hard like she's having the best time of her life and it just draws you in

[@jesselynch1928]

I love when you nerd out on the singing!

[@seanofl]

Morgan has such power and amazing control, just amazing

[@filipvanderkelen9580]

She's an absolute vocal gymnast, great tribute to a classic. React to the Original Sledgehammer. Peter Gabriel does not disappoint.

[@dercrimson87]

Morgan is a powerhouse. I saw her live with PMJ - the audience was totally stunned and so was i.

[@fredflickinger643]

Morgan James has so much soul!

[@Love_Lara]

I love how you said that she has so great enunciation that you can actually lip read and that's so true. I love how she is so clear and yes how she end words. I absolutely love her

[@mikelmcknight72]

Back when my church had a choir four or five times a year, the choir director was a stickler for enunciation. He said told us to sing “How great is our God” instead of “how gray is our Gah”. I appreciated it greatly, as it is annoying when singers don’t bother with it.

[@fishman-tr9im]

Morgan looks like she's having so much fun singing this cover. Suits her talents perfectly too. My favorite...

[@in2minds907]

Soooooooo.... Morgan James is one of my all time favorite vocalists... I LOVE what she does and am blown away by her vocal talents. BUT... I love and appreciate what she does all the more because I now know how and what she is doing in each song with her vocal techniques thanks to your detailed analysis and breakdowns Elizabeth. It's like I love what Morgan does, but now I know WHY I love what Morgan does!! THANK YOU! Keep up the great work! P.S. - AMAZING interview with Morgan... it was so very authentic and there was a great connection and relatability between you both!

[@Ice_machinE]

I love Peter Gabriel's version but watching you react to this version is such a pleasure. Keep on doing these reactions, they're always entertaining, educational and fun, especially your enjoyment and enthusiasm. 💖 Thank you.

[@keef5]

Soooo does this mean we can also work on getting a Haley Reinhart interview too?!?!☺️😁🥰

[@garywinters4636]

Maybe Floor at some point too? haha.

[@shungite4720]

Good call 👍

[@proffmongo]

She has the perfect voice for Pink Floyd's "The Great Gig In The Sky."

[@jamessweet5341]

Hmmm, very interesting idea!!

[@RichNeve85]

I adore her version of “Who wants to live forever” with PMJ, just astounding

[@Maiko100876]

Morgan James is a ONE OF A KIND! Why isn’t she a SUPERSTAR?

[@Drinckx2]

So good! Great reaction. It is a very difficult to answer the question but why is she, admittedly successful, not actually at the top of every chart in the universe? She has more to her voice - quality, charisma, everything - than most artists that dominate the charts or international attention. It seems odd to me, as she is not just a singer of covers, but produces great solo work too. We all know that success and sheer quality never seem to go hand-in-hand, but she is like a secret (in relative terms) that everyone needs to discover.

[@Danniken1]

Morgan has stated that that life is not really of interest for her. She prefers R&B, small clubs, Jazz Clubs, her work w/PMJ, her personal Music Releases, etc. . . It's her choice, she could sing for the charts, but she doesn't want to have to change who she is in order to play the recording game, so I understand.

[@Drinckx2]

@@Danniken1 Well, good on her. I’m sure she’ll never be short of good work.

[@TheBigburcie]

I think she could be pretty successful doing a soul/country record that doesn't sacrifice what makes her, her. There's definitely some classic country flavor to her performance here.

[@Drinckx2]

@@TheBigburcie She is incredibly versatile, as is often the case with highly trained vocalists. There is a wonderfully warm and soulful quality to her voice. She uses riffs with great subtlety, that make people (as with Elizabeth) laugh joyfully at her talent, while she never overpowers the song. So, yes, she could do pretty much anything, and her solo material has elements of many contemporary genres.

[@jamessweet5341]

Pop music's guardians are formulaic and she breaks a lot of them. The closest comparison I can make is Janis Joplin....and that alone is amazing.

[@j0hnn13K]

Morgan is such an inspirational woman, singer and performer and on top of that she is down to earth, fun-loving and seems to be such a nice lady as well. Like Haley i feel that Morgan is such a strong role-model for girls to look up to, she's all class and grace. And that voice she has on her.. omg But what surprises me each and every time is how long she can hold her notes, where the hell does she get all that sustain and air from.. it's like she has a build-in air-compressor. Ty for the upload and your giddy demeanor you always get when listening to a truly great singer, it's not only adorable, but more importantly, its genuine. Never change Elizabeth, never change :)

[@odball75]

Ahh finally Friday, and i get to unwind watching Elizabeth enjoying the amazing Morgan James again, life is good.

[@marvinboswell6889]

Great reaction to one of my favorite singers ..she can sing that R &B with soul ..

[@ErumaroNaramien]

I completely fell in love with Morgan after seeing the Maps cover with PMJ, she is magical!

[@docrmc]

That rendition of Maps made me both a PMJ and Morgan James fan, and went out and saw them live. So wonderful.

[@jamesbull6266]

Her smile alone could melt a glacier, but her hot voice would surely do it! I never heard of her before-- thanks for introducing her to us!!! Great analysis as always-- I learn so much from you!

[@samleonard2557]

Love Morgan James. Her expression as she sings is magical. Great video!

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Want to support or hang out with me and the community? Join our Patreon. We have an amazing Discord, do 2 live chats per week (usually), play video games, get behind the scenes footage and content, masterclasses, polls and pick content for me and this channel, and soon to be merch deals. It’s a ton of fun, and I hope to see this community grow! www.patreon.com/thecharismaticvoice

[@amazingronaldo9656]

I absolutely love Morgan James!! Not in the way where my wife would divorce me lol. I mean she has such a gorgeous voice, so strong, so versatile, and so made for old soulful songs of the 70s. I loved her cover of the Prince song Call My Name. So happy you reacted to this!! :)

[@MonsieurJimjams]

Have you reacted and analysed to Peter Gabriel himself yet? He's still got a great voice even today. Red Rain is one of my favourites from him.

[@dreamersink9446]

Someone is fangirling hardcore with this one.

[@crhu319]

There's a third video you'll never see. :D

[@JulioLeonFandinho]

me, and I'm a man, imagine that...

[@paavobergmann4920]

quite rightly so

[@eddys.3524]

I definitely just fell in love with her......... voice too. What an amazing singer she is!

[@PoE2Builds]

I love the way your smile is smoothly built, every little gesture, from your gaze to your lips. Perfect. Also, great vids

[@kirbys1370]

Hi Elizabeth, I Loved this performance and your joyful/insightful reaction & analysis! Morgan, along w/ the incredible back-up singers/vocals, piano and percussion made this the best cover of this classic that I've ever heard! The convergence of R&B, Gospel and Soul inspired the essence of this song. Thank You, Elizabeth, for another Fantastic Morgan James video!!! ❤ ❤ ❤

[@zweispurmopped]

Morgan James definitely is one for the list of dream girls. :oD

[@LednacekZ]

she is so dreamy that i have hard time believing she is real.

[@Chiungalla79]

Yes, but Elizabeth Zharoff is higher on that list. Imagine being the guy or girl that is the reason for her an infectious smile or laugh like hers. Also Elisabeth plays D&D...

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

@@Chiungalla79 i have to agree lol. Also the hair, just how! Long live youtube i guess lol

[@professoryaffle]

Great version. Highlights how good a singer Peter Gabriel actually is because this woman is outstanding but his original still has the master vibe.

[@ChristopherJackson1]

I completely agree. Covers can be fun, but Peter Gabriel's vocals are outstanding, the video was revolutionary, and the tune has aged exceptionally well.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Hello lovely fans! If you're enjoying my reaction & analysis videos and learning more about music, I recommend checking out my Music Appreciation Course! This course deep dives into time signatures, tempo, pitch, dynamics, key, music production, and most of all, vocal registers! I guarantee it will make your music listening experience that much better. You can find the course on my website here: thecharismaticvoice.com/music-appreciation/

[@douglosgarrison5568]

Please do Judas Priest. Victim of changes or something from those early years. Rob Halford will blow your mind

[@rogerdaly6326]

I would love to see your reaction to Pink Floyd - The Great Gig In The Sky. One of the greatest vocal performances ever recorded. The singer , Clare Tory tells an emotional story without actually singing any words. Trust me it's incredible.

[@rogerdaly6326]

@El Vato she's done Floor Jansen. Look in her list of videos you should see several

[@LillyAlara]

She had me blushing from the second she sang "I'll be your honey bee"

[@lorencarlin2087]

Just WOW! What an amazing interpretation! Piano is out of this world too! Minor chords.... Jazzy...

[@paavobergmann4920]

Morgan James is a force of nature . I ran across her cover of "Take me to church", and was ...impressed, to say the least. Just wow. The power. Then I found "Dream On", which just floored me. Then I hit "Sledgehammer", and that just left me sprawling on the floor. Including the arragement and all, this seems to have become my favourite Morgan James recording, I have to say. The other to are exceptional. This is sublime.

[@hannahmore9118]

I watched, and now own, the Sledge Hammer tv series. This song was the theme song. It only lasted two seasons, but it is a ridiculous humorous show. The song fit perfectly.

[@AzaDio]

I'm excited for the interview. I have been DMing your reactions of her work to her FB where I am listed a s a super fan. I am so glad you guys are getting together. This should be awesome!!

[@marcbauder1002]

This is awesome she did a great rendition of this song glad you are reacting to it

[@robinbyrd5763]

Elizabeth, your reactions and observations are awesome! 🤓

[@peterbosch8112]

Another absolutely fantastic artist you've introduced me to. Thank you. If someone reads this and wants more Morgan James ear candy... Morgan James and Haley Reinhart LIVE just chilling in a living room belting out Dear Prudence by The Beatles. Hearing these two voices together was magic.

[@robbpowell194]

I just discovered your interview, which I can hardly wait to listen to. I am going to listen to this first.

[@johnforsyth7987]

I love this song. Looking forward to it.

[@richardtrammell1442]

Morgan James is a singer who's formal training (@Julliard) has helped make her one of the best vocalists around. Whether singing opera, jazz, the Beatles, or other reworked, more jazzy versions of other favorites via PMJ, she really shines, and this song is yet another great example of her talents... IMHO, Morgan, Haley and Angelina are some of the absolute best around! Thanks for your reaction to her!

[@MedusaMakesMeHard]

She is amazing ! no words

[@shwurr11]

So I must recommend "Dear Prudence" with Morgan AND Haley.

[@dfhowes]

Thanks again for your detailed explanations. I know NOTHING about music and with you doing this, it helps me understand better why I love Morgan's singing so much. On a side note, your facial expressions are exactly what my brain is doing internally when I listen to Morgan.

[@osumbuckeyenut]

YESSSS, I love that song. Cool rendition

[@k012957]

I really appreciate the diction and definition of the vowels and consonants. So many modern singers sound sloppy and muddy to me.

[@dfhowes]

I totally agree. On pretty much every Morgan James reaction video, there's always two, three or more fans that bring up Haley Reinhart, and this comment section is no exception. I like Haley, I really do. She's got a sexy little growl and has a flirty on-stage presence. But she tends to slur her words where Morgan doesn't, which I really appreciate. For example, check out the difference between them in the PMJ's All About That Base video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/l33Ri2SEhtJlq80). Before you Haley fans flame me, please note that I did say I like Haley's singing. I'm a fan, I really am. But I LOVE Morgan.

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

Yes! You can hear and understand every word

[@Valariot]

Jackpot! Oo This is my most often watched video by Morgan James and my favourite cover song of her. Yesterday UTA and now this, what a week. :)

[@TheScottyp1]

I've never seen you so smitten. It made me smile seeing your reaction

[@Arzie81]

This one is gonna hit hard!

[@briancollis1809]

I love Peter, and this was awesome

[@AzaDio]

Oh yeah last comment I promise.. but I am so glad to hear you go over this in such much detail. I thought I maybe I just, for some strange reason, like her just because, but you really pull out all the nuances I hear and especially didnt hear until you pulled it out. Your analysis is always spot on.. great job as always. And very fun.

[@hrolfbjornson6666]

Morgan James is one of my favorite singers

[@sbombeck5419]

Love this song and love this version. The lyrics take on a deeper meaning when you imagine them written as a plea from the singer to a friend suffering from depression.

[@Ceeberto]

K.D. Lang - Hallelujah live at the 2005 Juno Awards

[@crhu319]

Or the 2010 Vancouver Olympics

[@corneliusantonius3108]

I am so happy for you that you met Morgan James 😍😍😍 Can't wait to go to one of those eclectic PMJ performances by the way. You never know who you are going to get performing 👀🐱‍👤🎶

[@oscardiaz4312]

I love the epic ending guitar / voice in the live version at Rough Trade NYC 11/19/15. I discover Morgan James after the reaction video of PMJ dream on. Thank U!

[@CharlesGallo]

One thing I love, is Ms James always looks so HAPPY when she is singing

[@michaelkeathley3672]

My first unit in the US Army was 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Ft. Benning, GA; "Sledgehammer" Brigade. Every morning after PT Peter Gabriel's version of "Sledgehammer" would play over the loudspeakers and you could hear it everywhere on Kelly Hill. I've never heard that song anywhere else, until this video.

[@Montgomery25]

Morgan James is just fantastic. It’s hard to believe such a powerful voice comes from such a tiny girl. I just love her work. She always seems to be having so much fun. You gotta review her cover of “Dream On”, she really belts it out !

[@Montgomery25]

@@kirbys1370 Oh I missed that ! Thanks for letting me know, I’ll watch it.

[@Laiynnalaiynna]

Impossible not to love Morgan

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

She's one of my favourite singers, crazy talented and really nice too. This was of course live too......

[@McDougEu]

you are gorgeous! also love morgan james...she's amazing!

[@OneKillQuota]

Morgan James is amazing...but this song doesn't really highlight how insane of a range she has. You should check her out with the cover of "Maps" :) You won't be disappointed...especially towards the end.

[@Cccoast]

Maps in Australia…. Holy cra…..

[@LordRyan88]

Morgan James / PMJ - Who Wants To Live Forever.

[@mitchfleming274]

Freddie stretched her limits...

[@utestark50]

Elizabeth Zharoff...macht spaß dir zu zuschauen ...weiter so :))

[@rebeccavandam2834]

You tube in it’s wisdom showed me your dancing videos from several years ok. They were fun to see!

[@josephosorio5718]

Wow!!!! A bluezy feel to it. I like it alot

[@davidschmidbauer3609]

This was the Show Closer at my first MJ Show. It was/is PHENOMENAL Live! Especially the Duel with Doug (Guitar vs Voice) 💕

[@NuntiusInfestissumam]

I'll stay with Mr. Gabriel for this one.

[@zsuzsagarda]

Morgan is a genious!!!!!! I love her so mutch!!

[@patrickheffernan6599]

What an awesome cover! She really did Peter Gabriel proud with this. I’d love to see you react to Matt Corby and his original song ‘Brother’. An Aussie artist. The triple j like a version, live performance is phenomenal. So much emotion and dynamics. Honestly think he is in the top 3 male voices in the world.

[@MH3GL]

The thing that's gets me, is watching Morgan sing it tells me just how incredible of a singer Peter Gabriel really was.

[@Vertifuge]

The first event COVID cancelled on me early last year was a small-venue Morgan James concert. So very sad. Lets aspire to a swift end of the pandemic and to much more Morgan James in 2021.

[@PatrickKCompton]

I study everything she does as a masterclass! Can't wait to watch your interview. BTW, search for her live concert on YT, from Daryl's House years ago. She ended the concert with this and got into a scat back and forth with Doug, her husband, on guitar. They are EPIC musicians! I also love Roy on piano and the background vocals on this. So good! 😊

[@agwyvern]

Saw your post after I put mine just above (13 minutes after you). Ooops! :-)

[@WdyWP]

She is one of my favorites that I have heard/seen on PMJ

[@haroldeisenbarth2110]

I love listening to your analysis of this. I'm a singer and Miss Morgan is a hero of mine and I use her for direction and inspiration. Your professional view of her adaptations is pure gold for me. Please check out some of her collaborations with mark Broussard. Pure Gold !!

[@haldorasgirson9463]

Morgan comes to Phoenix every year. She performs at the MIM. Seen her there twice, both performances were incredible. Morgan next AZ performance is at the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra January 20, 2024 if you want to see her live.

[@lmaoroflcopter]

That was epic.

[@nigeldepledge3790]

This song has a special meaning for me. The music video for Peter Gabriel's release of the single was the big break for Nick Park and his studio, Aardman Animations. Without Sledgehammer, there would have been no Wallace and Gromit, and no Chicken Run. Also, please react to Blackbriar - Arms of the Ocean (acoustic live).

[@harlekin76ragnarok31]

I am a big Peter Gabriel fan but this is a bombastic version of a great song!

[@TheKwod]

That's putting it nicely, lol.

[@dianayount2122]

beautiful

[@Love_Lara]

This is gonna be great Friday

[@pibly674]

Very soulful.

[@adampeyron6422]

Loved the reaction and her voice! I just heard Gabriel Henrique "I have nothing" and it blew my mind and I really want to see/hear ur reaction to it please please please

[@cavebeastdemon3631]

Morgan is one of my two favorite PMJ vocalists! She has the pipes like The Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall Pipe Organ!

[@kelvaldoria4208]

I'll be honest, I'm never sure if I'm entranced to watch this channel's videos due to the amazing music and incredibly insightful reactionary discussion/analysis, or the fact that Elizabeth is probably the most gorgeous woman alive...would love an Elizabeth analysis/inside thoughts on her own music.

[@Chiungalla79]

Way ahead of you... listened to it 5 times... a hundred times.

[@juliettemcgee9055]

Yes. That face reads wackawackawacka to me.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Wacka wacka wacka!

[@geoffwe]

Thank you! One day you may listen to her cover "Maps". You will flip out on one of the notes she holds in that one.

[@wayneyeadon9680]

Her version of Dream On with Postmodern Jukebox is jolly nice! What a voice!! Just noticed you have already done it lol.

[@Almost_Baked]

Never heard of her, but damn everything about this was great!