On the penultimate installation of her covers series,
Lena Hall goes grunge with
Obsessed: Nirvana. Stretching her vocals to match the pained howls of the late
Kurt Cobain,
Hall delivers one of the grittiest and rawest volumes yet, alternating between forceful singing and throaty growls on "Heart-Shaped Box" and a rollicking "Breed." Faithful renditions of
Nirvana's most enduring hits "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "All Apologies" are respectfully done, but it's her haunting take on their
MTV Unplugged closer "Where Did You Sleep Last Night" -- itself a cover of
Lead Belly's version of "In the Pines" -- that showcases the passion and intensity that
Hall has put into this year-long devotion.