| Lauryn Hill, Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You | COVERS

In the 15th edition of COVERS (2025), Lauryn Hill delivers a compelling rendition of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” originally performed by Frankie Valli.

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS focuses solely on the musician who covers.  It is open to established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 15^th  edition of COVERS (2025), Lauryn Hill delivers a compelling rendition of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”, originally performed by Frankie Valli.

“You’re just too good to be true / Can’t take my eyes off of you / You’d be like heaven to touch / I wanna hold you so much.” Grammy-winning R&B/hip-hop superstar Lauryn Hill delivered a surefire classic with “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”.  But, guess what? Frankie Valli (1934 – ) originally recorded it in 1967 on his album, Four Seasons Present Frankie Valli Solo (“Can’t Take My Eyes off You”).  Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio composed this gem. Focusing on Hill’s epic cover, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You – (I Love You Baby)” is the 15^th and penultimate track on her 1998, historic, Grammy-winning masterpiece, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Notably, it was a hidden track on the album.  It earned the distinction of becoming the first hidden track to receive a Grammy nomination (Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 41^st Annual GRAMMY Awards). “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” didn’t impact the pop charts, but it did spend one week on the R&B charts, where it peaked at number 45.  Regardless of its lack of chart success, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” is considered one of Hill’s best songs.

Hill makes “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” her own, period. It sounds starkly different from the original, which has a traditional pop sound and vibe. One reason Hill’s version is distinct is the banging hip-hop soul beat.  That beat easily carries this ‘67 classic to the late ‘90s. Also, the beatboxing is epic too. The sound is modernized, thanks to the production of Ms. Hill! Besides the beat, a sickening bass line, and colorful keys, ‘up the ante.’ Hill captivates with her stunning voice, blessing our ears with that gorgeous tone.  She’s particularly on fire during the chorus. She asserts, expressively:

“I need you, baby, and if it’s quite alright

I need you, baby, to warm a lonely night

I love you, baby, trust in me when I say, ‘It’s okay’.”

Beyond the chorus, Lauryn brings a swagger, solidifying the hip-hop influence (those chill but potent ad-libs).  Ultimately, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” by Lauryn Hill remains the sugar, honey, iced tea to this day. Oh, Lauryn, why couldn’t you have released another album?!

Lauryn Hill // The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill // Ruffhouse // 1998

Lauryn Hill, Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You: Covers No. 15 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Ruffhouse; Alan Cordero, Wolf Art from Pexels; AcatXIo, Enrique, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]