The Temptations’ 1967 classic is featured on the project, which finds the band returning to their roots with a collection of covers honoring some of rock's most timeless hits.
“'I Wish It Would Rain' is a nod to one of the greatest singers of all time, David Ruffin,” says Brian Wheat. “It's a great song, and I've always loved it. One of the things I'm most proud of about Tesla's version is that I think David Ruffin would be proud to hear Jeff sing it. He did an amazing job on this one. As far as the band goes, there are lots of bands that can play. I'm proud that Tesla has developed the maturity to know when not to play. With a song like this, it could've easily gone the other way. We could've overplayed it and added all kinds of extra parts that would've been too much. Instead, we stayed true to the original arrangement, with five guys playing very sparsely and letting Jeff's vocal carry the song."
The selected songs on “Homage” were chosen for a variety of reasons, primarily representing some of the greatest vocalists of all time, including Elvis Presley, Freddie Mercury, Sam Cooke, Etta James, and James Brown; additional selections reflect songs the band grew up hearing on the radio and on their turntables.
"Our new album 'Homage' is a thank-you note written in sound,” says the band. “An offering to the great singers and songs that shaped the music we grew up listening to, and the songs we would eventually write. We hope you all enjoy this as much as we did making it. Thank you for all the years - Keep it Real and Keep On Rockin'!"
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