‘I Hear You Knocking’ is one of those tracks that’s always felt as it were part of the music fans’ collective consciousness. Originally recorded by Smiley Lewis in 1955, it has been covered by dozens of musicians, from Fats Domino to Billy Swan, from James Last to reggae vocalists The Pioneers. Status Quo dropped it into their ‘Anniversary Waltz’ medley, and even hard rock veterans Thunder have put their own stamp on the classic track. For most British listeners, though, it remains most familiar via the Dave Edmunds recording. With its trebly sound and slightly echoey vocal, the Edmunds recording has pretty much become the definitive take, reaching the number one spot in November 1970 and staying at the top for an impressive six week run.

It’s also one of those songs that seems to be indestructible. Here’s another great version, courtesy of US vocalist Jaime Kyle. The familiar melody remains intact, but the performance comes with far more warmth. The familiar guitar riff has been redressed in a much bluesier style; the steady rhythm has a melodic rock punch that works, and on top of an arrangement that would suit Sass Jordan, Jaime’s voice approaches the lyric with a soulful edge that brings out the best in her now veteran tones. In fact, it’s amazing how rich her voice sounds here; it has all the strength of the past, but also an assured quality that only comes with years of performance. The whole track is great, but it really comes into its own during the coda when the vocal and guitar hit upon a call and response motif that really lifts the otherwise mid tempo recording.

You might have reached a point in your life where you feel you never need to hear this song again. Jaime Kyle is set to change your mind.

Take a listen below.