To Be a Lover in early 1969. This version has since been sampled by Ludacris on his song "Growing Pains" from "Word of Mouf", by Jaheim on "Put That Woman First" from "Still Ghetto" and by Dilated Peoples on the song "Worst Comes to Worst". In 1977, the song was covered as a more uptempo reggae number by the Jamaican singer George Faith under the amended title of "To Be a Lover (Have Mercy)" for his Lee "Scratch" Perry-produced album also called "To Be a Lover". In 1986, the track was again reworked and became the second high-profile cover Billy Idol released as a
Just a Lover Collin Robinson from Stereo Gum said; "Warped, whomping synth bass churns around intricate percussion for an updated ’80s-leaning aesthetic. James’ androgynous voice interjects with a catchy melody on the simple repeated refrain “In my heart, you were just a lover/ I can’t bare for you to leave.” All of the elements come together to make one hell of festival dance romp." Amber De Luca from Fashion Journal said; "Hayden James has come through and delivered. "Just A Lover" is the epitome of the ultimate Sunday sesh anthem." Aaron Blum from Indie Shuffle said; "Hayden James is back with another gem