Alexander Cardinale’s Updated Version Of “Peace Train” Is A Poignant Reminder That Love Conquers All

There are certain songs that seem to hang in the air of our collective memory, like the smell of your grandmother’s house or the jingle from a commercial you haven’t seen since 1987. Cat Stevens’ “Peace Train” is one of those songs. It’s been hummed at protests, played at weddings, and used in just about every montage sequence where someone decides to finally follow their dreams. So, when a new version comes along—especially one from Alexander Cardinale—it’s natural to feel both curious and slightly protective.

Cardinale’s take on “Peace Train” is an updated, modern interpretation that fits today’s zeitgeist. The original, with its urgent, hopeful strumming and Stevens’ signature tender rasp, felt like a reassuring pat on the shoulder from an old friend. Cardinale’s version? It’s more like a text message that says “You up?” at 2 AM—unexpected, pared down, and, at times, heartbreakingly soft. IMHO, that’s exactly what today’s audience needs.

The first thing you notice is how toned-down the production is. Gone are the lush, folksy flourishes of the original. Instead, Cardinale strips things back, keeping it simple—just a voice, a guitar, and a heartbeat-like rhythm section that kicks in during the chorus. And that’s where things get interesting. While the verses feel intimate, almost like he’s whispering his way through a campfire song, the chorus arrives with a determined energy, the kind that makes you want to tap your foot even if you’re stuck in rush hour traffic, contemplating whether humanity is doomed.

His vocal delivery on this track is akin to a style popularized by artists like Billie Eilish – who sound as though they just woke up from a nap and immediately started recording. But honestly, in 2025, that can be more effective in selling the song’s meaning. There’s something about the understated nature of his voice that makes the lyrics feel personal, as if he’s letting us in on a secret rather than preaching from a mountaintop. And really, if there were ever a time we needed the message of “Peace Train,” it’s now. The world is exhausted. People argue with strangers on the internet for sport, and even something as simple as a grocery run can turn into a gladiator match over the last bag of organic arugula. If ever there was a moment to remind people to get on board with peace, this is it.

Of course, reimagining a classic is a tricky business. For every hauntingly beautiful cover (think Johnny Cash’s “Hurt”), there’s a version that makes you wonder if civilization was a mistake (we’re looking at you, Limp Bizkit’s take on The Who’s “Behind Blue Eyes”). Cardinale’s “Peace Train” falls somewhere in between. It doesn’t aim to overshadow the original, nor does it try to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it quietly updates the song for a world that has changed significantly since the song was first released in 1971.

Alexander Cardinale’s journey to this moment—one filled with personal hardship, resilience, and rediscovery—makes his choice of song all the more poignant. This is an artist who has learned firsthand that life is unpredictable, messy, and full of the unexpected. But, as his version of “Peace Train” reminds us, even in the most chaotic times, there’s still hope. If we all listen closely enough, we’ll find our way back on board.

Anne Hollister