Proving that they are still top dog when it comes to a proper cover version, Sacramento’s finest Tesla return to the grind with the predominantly covers collection Homage.
Tesla – Homage
Release Date: 17 July 2026
Words: Brian Boyle
As was overwhelmingly proven with the Reel To Reel Volumes one and two, Tesla know how to honour someone else’s music without taking the piss.
But it is a solitary original that tickles the senses first. The delicate touch of ballad Never Alone does take a few spins, but you will soon realise that this is not a million miles away from the classic Tesla that brought us such heart-wrenchers as Love Song, What You Give and Paradise.
As a self-confessed Queen addict, a cover of their underappreciated gem Spread Your Wings is most welcome. Originally penned by John Deacon, who, although he was not the most prolific writer in the band, always left his mark. And this version is an accurate tribute to that unsung anthem.
Once again, the eclectic mix of genres makes for an intriguing track listing. Covers of Sam Cooke’s Bring It On Home and Elvis Presley’s If I Can Dream are both given a delicate touch, with Jeff Keith’s distinctive rasp sounding right at home.
Closer to their jurisdiction is a quite stunning take of Bob Seger’s Night Moves. This ain’t no ordinary cover version. It is a complete smash and grab that may as well have come with a written affidavit saying it has been a Tesla song for decades.
Elsewhere, Supertramp aficionados might recoil in terror at the thought of a blue-collar rock band rubbing their grubby hands all over one of their prized jewels. But in fairness, the bash it out vibe on Give A Little Bit stays on a straight path, but this album certainly will not be defined by it.
A lesser-spotted Lynyrd Skynyrd tune, The Ballad Of Curtis Loew, would be closer to how it is judged. And it is executed with tonnes of respect and maximum southern feel.
When you hear the attention to detail mixed with their genuine love for these tracks, it is no coincidence that this band started life as a covers band. Something like CCR’s Have You Ever Seen The Rain has been done a million times, but not many make you temporarily forget the original.
On paper, The Temptations I Wish It Would Rain does not look a good fit, but they sound completely immersed in its Motown roots.
However, the same plaudits cannot be given to James Brown’s I Got You (I Feel Good). It’s well meaning in it’s own way, but it feels way too uptight in contrast to the let it all hang out strut of Brown’s.
You cannot help but admire Keith for taking on such iconic songs originally sung by some of the most revered singers in music history. I mean, you would not have blamed him if he had passed up on Etta James’s I’d Rather Go Blind. But he does it, and does it well, plus he never tries to be a smart-arse and steal some glory. It is just a simple and engaging tip of the hat.
Although this is not the classic lineup that brought us their much-loved 1986 debut Mechanical Resonance, the core members of Keith, Frank Hannon and Brian Wheat remain. And the sublime take of Hank Williams Sr’s Mind Your Own Business featuring Wheat’s rather nifty ivory tickling has a feeling of a band totally at ease with themselves and content with their lot.
Having said that, Tesla should be far, far bigger outside of their homeland. Yes, some albums were far better than others, but they have always had big bastard tunes capable of sucking in a worldwide audience.
But be thankful they are still with us, and if they only do quality cover albums like this from here on in, then happy days.
Tesla release Homage on 17 July 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl. Pre-orders are available from ffm.bio/tesla-homage.
