Meshell Ndegeocello has released a new duet with Cat Power, covering The Human League’s ‘Don’t You Want Me’ as a reggae-influenced track with horn arrangements. The release previews Ndegeocello’s forthcoming Blue Note Records album, ‘Synonym’, and signals a broad reinterpretation of familiar songs through collaboration and varied musical styles.

Due on 2 October, ‘Synonym’ is Ndegeocello’s third Blue Note album and features guests including Chaka Khan, Brandi Carlile, Lianne La Havas, Robert Glasper, ANOHNI and WILLOW. The project spans material from 1960s folk to early-2000s hip-hop, exploring themes such as desire, care, heartbreak and friendship; it also reunites Ndegeocello with producer David Gamson, who worked on her 1993 and 1996 albums.