A Day, A Difference: Perfume Genius' Poignant Perspective

what a difference a day makes perfume genius

What a Difference a Day Makes is a song by Perfume Genius, released in 2024 as part of Jack Antonoff's official soundtrack for the Apple TV+ series The New Look. The song is a cover of the 1934 Spanish song by María Grever, popularised in English by Dinah Washington in 1959. The lyrics describe the positive transformation that occurs in just twenty-four hours, bringing sun and flowers where there used to be rain.

Characteristics Values
Artist Perfume Genius
Album The New Look: Season 1 (Apple TV+ Original Series Soundtrack)
Year 2024
Number of songs 1
Genre Singer-songwriter
Songwriter María Grever
Original language Spanish
Year originally written 1934
Popular English cover Dinah Washington, 1959

Explore related products

Glory

$17.48 $29.99

Too Bright

$21.99

No Shape

$31.99 $12.3

Learning

$22.99

shunscent

The song was originally written in Spanish by María Grever in 1934

"What's the Difference a Day Makes" by Perfume Genius is a cover of the song originally written in Spanish by María Grever in 1934. The song was made popular in English by Dinah Washington in 1959. The Perfume Genius cover is featured in Jack Antonoff's The New Look soundtrack for the Apple TV+ series of the same name. The series is a historical drama that revolves around how designers revolutionized fashion during the Nazi occupation of Paris, with Ben Mendelsohn as Christian Dior and Juliette Binoche as Coco Chanel.

Perfume Genius, born Mike Hadreas, is known for his tender and intimate musical style, which is reflected in his cover of "What a Difference a Day Makes." The lyrics of the song highlight the positive transformation that can happen in just twenty-four hours, bringing sun and flowers to replace yesterday's blues. The song's verses express how finding love can make a significant difference in one's life, turning stormy skies into rainbows.

María Grever, the original writer of the song, was a prolific Mexican songwriter who composed over 800 songs during her career. She was inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013 and is considered one of the most important female composers of Latin America. Grever's version of "What a Difference a Day Makes" is likely to have been influenced by her cultural background and the musical traditions of the time.

The Spanish version of the song, with its rich history and cultural significance, has been covered by numerous artists over the years, crossing language barriers and appealing to a diverse range of audiences. While the English version popularized by Dinah Washington left a profound impact, the original Spanish version holds its own unique charm and significance in the musical world. The song's enduring popularity and ability to transcend languages is a testament to the power of music to connect people across different cultures and generations.

shunscent

Dinah Washington's English version in 1959 made it popular

"What a Difference a Day Makes", originally written in Spanish by María Grever in 1934, became an anthem for hope and transformation when it was popularized by Dinah Washington in 1959. Washington's rendition showcased her exceptional vocal talent and ability to convey raw emotions. Her soulful interpretation captured the essence of the lyrics, allowing listeners to connect with the song on a deep level.

Washington's version became an instant hit, resonating with people across the United States and beyond. The song's powerful lyrics and emotional delivery struck a chord with audiences, and its universal message of transformation offered hope for a better future. The late 1950s marked a period of significant social change, with the civil rights movement gaining momentum and challenging racial inequality. "What a Difference a Day Makes" reflected this changing landscape, transcending racial boundaries and reaching diverse audiences.

Dinah Washington, born Ruth Lee Jones, was an American singer and pianist, and one of the most popular black female recording artists of the 1950s. She was known as the Queen of the Blues and Queen of the Jukeboxes. Her recordings included jazz, blues, R&B, pop, and even gospel, showcasing her versatility as an artist.

Washington's rendition of "What a Difference a Day Makes" was so iconic that it won the Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Performance in 1960. The song's popularity has endured, with numerous artists across different genres covering it over the years. Notable covers include versions by Esther Phillips, Aretha Franklin, and Natalie Cole, among others. Washington's original recording continues to strike an emotional chord with listeners, showcasing the timeless appeal of the song.

Shop Bal à Versailles Perfume: A Guide

You may want to see also

shunscent

It was released as part of Jack Antonoff's The New Look soundtrack

"What a Difference a Day Makes" by Perfume Genius was released as part of Jack Antonoff's The New Look soundtrack. The New Look is a World War II-era series on Apple TV+ centred on the fashion industry in Paris during the war, specifically focusing on the rise of designer Christian Dior. The series also explores the rivalry between Dior and Coco Chanel, played by Juliette Binoche, after he establishes the House of Dior.

The song is a cover of the 1959 Dinah Washington classic, which was originally written in Spanish by Mexican songwriter María Grever in the 1930s. Perfume Genius's version is the fourth single from the official soundtrack, following songs by The 1975, Florence + the Machine, and Lana Del Rey. The New Look soundtrack features a range of notable artists covering period-appropriate standards, including Nick Cave, Bleachers, Beabadoobee, and Bartees Strange.

Grammy-winning musician Jack Antonoff served as the soundtrack's producer and curated the music for the series. He shared ideas for instrumentation and a list of artists he wanted for the soundtrack, and music supervisor Mark Wike helped make his wish list a reality. Antonoff also added a cool Mellotron to Perfume Genius' song, which plays over a fashion show sequence in the series.

The New Look Original Soundtrack was released on April 3 via Shadow Of The City/Dirty Hit, with new episodes of the series streaming weekly on Apple TV+.

shunscent

The New Look is a historical drama series on Apple TV+

The New Look, a historical drama series on Apple TV+, features a soundtrack produced by Jack Antonoff, who won the 2024 Grammy for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical. The soundtrack includes modern pop giants covering classic songbook standards. Perfume Genius, born Mike Hadreas, contributed a cover of "What a Difference a Day Makes" to the soundtrack. The song was originally written in Spanish by María Grever in 1934 and popularised in English by Dinah Washington in 1959.

Perfume Genius' tender and intimate rendition of "What a Difference a Day Makes" adds to the emotional depth of the series. The lyrics speak of the transformative power of love, turning rainy days into sunshine and flowers. The song's message of finding romance and experiencing a blissful moment of heaven resonates with the series' themes of revolution and change.

The New Look delves into the world of fashion design during the Nazi occupation of Paris. It explores how designers, such as Christian Dior and Coco Chanel, navigated the challenges of the time to revolutionise fashion. The series showcases the transformative power of creativity and innovation, mirroring the song's theme of personal transformation.

With its star-studded tracklist, including contributions from Lana Del Rey, The 1975, and Florence + the Machine, the soundtrack for The New Look has become a highly anticipated aspect of the series. Perfume Genius' cover of "What a Difference a Day Makes" enhances the show's atmosphere and emotional depth, creating a memorable viewing experience for audiences.

Through its exploration of historical events and the power of creative expression, The New Look on Apple TV+ offers a unique perspective on the fashion industry during a tumultuous period. Perfume Genius' contribution to the soundtrack captures the series' essence, making it a standout musical moment that resonates with viewers.

shunscent

The song's atmosphere is tender and intimate

The atmosphere of Perfume Genius's "What a Difference a Day Makes" is tender and intimate. The song, a cover of Dinah Washington's 1959 hit, was originally written in Spanish by María Grever in 1934. The lyrics of the song speak to the power of a single day to transform one's life and outlook.

In the first verse, the singer reflects on how "twenty-four hours" can bring "the sun and the flowers" to replace the rain and blues of yesterday. This transformation is further emphasized in the chorus, "What a difference a day makes," acknowledging the profound impact of finding love and experiencing romance.

The intimate and tender mood of the song is enhanced by the personal and emotional lyrics. The singer expresses how their "lonely nights are through" and how they are now "a part of you." The song creates a sense of closeness and vulnerability, as if the singer is sharing their innermost thoughts and feelings with the listener.

Perfume Genius, the stage name of singer-songwriter Mike Hadreas, is known for their ability to convey intimate and tender atmospheres in their music. Their rendition of "What a Difference a Day Makes" showcases their talent for infusing emotion and vulnerability into their performances, making the track stand out on the soundtrack it was a part of.

The song's gentle and heartfelt tone serves as a testament to the power of music to convey deep emotions and connect listeners to the artist's personal journey. "What a Difference a Day Makes" by Perfume Genius is a beautiful example of how a song's atmosphere can touch and move listeners through its tenderness and intimacy.

Frequently asked questions

Perfume Genius is the stage name of singer-songwriter Mike Hadreas.

It is a cover of María Grever's 1934 song of the same name, originally written in Spanish.

The cover song was released on 21 February 2024.

The song is about finding love and the positive impact it has on one's life, bringing "sun and flowers where there used to be rain".

Yes, it was featured on the Apple TV+ series 'The New Look', as part of the official soundtrack by Jack Antonoff.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment