Lakeview Offers a High-Octane Country Twist on Hinder’s “Lips of An Angel”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Nashville-based country duo Lakeview is turning heads with their electrifying rendition of Hinder’s iconic mid-2000s rock anthem, “Lips of An Angel,” now available on all platforms. This dynamic cover, self-produced by Lakeview, injects a fresh surge of energy and their signature country-rock flavor into the beloved track. Reimagining a song as deeply ingrained in the cultural consciousness as “Lips of An Angel” is a bold undertaking, but Jesse Denaro and Luke Healy of Lakeview have embraced the challenge with characteristic gusto.
With this latest release, Lakeview masterfully navigates the delicate balance between honoring the nostalgic essence of the original while imprinting it with their distinctive sonic identity. The band articulated their approach, stating, “This is the only cover song we’ve really ever played live since we started Lakeview. Over the last few years, it’s become a fan-favorite moment in our set. Taking on the task of re-recording a hit song in the studio is a balancing act – we want to honor the original track while giving it the Lakeview edge.”
Their take on “Lips of An Angel” undeniably achieves this equilibrium. Lakeview takes the raw emotional core of the song and amplifies it with their hard-driving country-rock instrumentation, Healy’s commanding vocals, and a contemporary country production sheen. The result is a powerful and engaging version that feels both familiar and strikingly new. The soaring guitars and robust rhythm section provide a muscular foundation for the song’s narrative of late-night temptation and whispered secrets, while Healy’s delivery injects a layer of soulful grit that resonates within the country music landscape.
In an era where nostalgia-driven covers are experiencing a resurgence across streaming platforms, Lakeview’s rendition of “Lips of An Angel” is strategically positioned to capture the attention of both country and rock enthusiasts. The song’s inherent emotional intensity and Lakeview’s energetic interpretation create a compelling listening experience that bridges the gap between genres, appealing to those who fondly remember the original and those discovering it through a fresh, country lens.
The release of this captivating cover comes at a time of significant momentum for Lakeview. The duo kicked off the new year with considerable excitement, embarking on their nationwide Blue Collar Country 2025 Tour. This tour has garnered international acclaim, marked by several sold-out shows across the country, underscoring the growing enthusiasm for their high-energy performances. Building upon this success, Lakeview is poised to make their highly anticipated debut at CMA Fest 2025 in Nashville, TN, where they are scheduled to perform on the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage. This appearance at one of country music’s premier events will undoubtedly further amplify their visibility and connect them with an even broader audience.
Known for their signature fusion of the down-to-earth narratives of blue-collar country with the electrifying energy of arena rock, Lakeview, comprised of the dynamic duo Jesse Denaro and Luke Healy, have steadily built a strong foundation in the music industry. They have amassed over 170 million streams and cultivated a dedicated online community of over 600,000 followers across social media platforms. Their ability to seamlessly blend the rural grit of their lyrics with a powerful, rock-infused sound has positioned them as one of the most exciting newcomers in the country music scene. This unique sonic blend has also earned them coveted spots on tour with prominent rock acts like Breaking Benjamin and Staind, as well as supporting slots for established country artists such as Chase Matthew, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Kameron Marlowe, among others.
Lakeview’s decision to cover “Lips of An Angel” is not merely a random selection. The song’s themes of temptation, vulnerability, and the struggle with unspoken desires resonate with the emotional depth often explored in country music. By injecting their signature country-rock edge, Lakeview has not only paid homage to a rock classic but has also reimagined it in a way that feels authentic to their own artistic identity. This bold and well-executed cover serves as another compelling example of Lakeview’s musical versatility and their ability to connect with audiences through both original material and innovative interpretations of beloved songs. As they continue their Blue Collar Country 2025 Tour and prepare for their CMA Fest debut, Lakeview’s high-octane cover of “Lips of An Angel” is sure to further fuel their rising star and solidify their place as a dynamic and exciting force in contemporary country music.
Photo Credit: Aaron Berkshire