By Anthony Nguyen
Güten Morgan’s cover of John Denver’s classic “Rocky Mountain High” is a vibrant, high-energy reimagining that injects a fresh dose of rock flair into the beloved folk anthem. While Denver's original is a soft, reflective tribute to the beauty of the Colorado Rockies, Morgan’s take leans into an electrifying rock aesthetic that still manages to honor the spirit of the song, making it feel both familiar and exhilaratingly new.
For fans of the original—and especially for someone like Morgan, an avid skier—this cover feels like the perfect modern adaptation. Morgan’s vision of a more upbeat, punk-tinged version breathes fresh life into the track, making it accessible for a younger audience without losing the reverence for its roots. From the moment the drums kick in, the infectious energy sets the tone for the entire track. The rhythm section, particularly the bass guitar and drums, is tight, propelling the song forward with an unwavering, driving force like mountain air blowing back your hair. The vocals, while laid-back and playful, strike a perfect balance with the raucous instrumentation, creating a fun contrast that elevates the song. There's a punk edge here too, but it’s never too abrasive—just enough to give the track a sense of spontaneity and joy. One of the standout moments is the exhilarating guitar solo in the middle of the track, performed with unrestrained exuberance by Brent Bennett. Brent's solo acts as a perfect break in the song, offering a burst of energy and excitement before transitioning seamlessly into the final verse and chorus. It’s the kind of solo that demands your attention, yet it never feels out of place, blending effortlessly into the overall arrangement.
The mix is another highlight, with each element—from the intricate guitar licks to the subtle background vocals by Harrison Reagan and Jessie Tharp—crafted with care and precision. There’s always something new to catch the ear, whether it's a cool drum fill or a clever guitar riff, keeping the track engaging from start to finish. Despite the upbeat nature of the cover, it never feels chaotic; everything is balanced, cohesive, and expertly arranged from beginning to end.
In the end, Güten Morgan’s cover of “Rocky Mountain High” is an absolute triumph. It manages to pay homage to John Denver’s original while offering a fresh, modern twist that feels both exciting and grounded. The band’s tight performance and creative arrangement bring out the best in the song, making it a great listen for both fans of the original and those discovering it for the first time.
About Güten Morgan
Güten Morgan is a studio artist who fuses Indie rock with 90s-2000s rock, grunge, and a generous dose of classic 70s-style rock—a blend he calls “Indie Grunge.” Unlike most rock vocalists, Morgan's voice is a rich baritone, perfectly complemented by his music's extensive use of guitar and percussion. His debut studio album, Trash Day, was released in 2019.
The man behind Güten Morgan is Morgan Tharp, based in Tampa, FL. His recent releases, recorded and mixed at his Cedar Magnolia studio, feature contributions from other local musicians. By day, Tharp is a long-standing oncology physician, but music—especially guitar—has always been his passion. While his sound is unique, he draws significant influence from Kings of Leon, Led Zeppelin, 2000s Indie rock, and classic rock from the late 60s to the 80s.
In addition to his work with Güten Morgan, Tharp writes and records tracks with the vocal a cappella group The Point, while continually developing new music for his solo project. Visit Güten Morgan’s Website Watch on Youtube.
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