Poet Ezra Pound once commanded, “Make it new!” Artists who produce covers of songs take Pound’s advice to heart, in the process, offering listeners dramatic reinterpretations of favorite tunes. Below are three pairs of original songs and their covers, each of which offers something fresh and innovative to listeners.
1. “Hurt,” Nine Inch Nails (1994), Johnny Cash (2002)
In the original version, Nine Inch Nails presents listeners with a fairly sinister-sounding song. Lines like, “you are someone else/ I am still here,” lend this song a majorly creepy vibe. The transition from near-whisper to pounding refrain in the final verse heightens the sense of melodrama. The lyrics and singer’s style make the song sound a bit whiny (think a darker version of Hoobastank’s “The Reason"); however, the instrumental components provide the song with greater complexity.
In “Hurt,” Johnny Cash showcases his gender-crossing prowess. Released just a year before his death, Cash’s version of “Hurt” serves as the regretful reflections of a man at the end of his life. The music video is stunning; featuring footage spanning Cash’s lengthy career and shots replete with Christian symbolism, the video reinforces the mournful tone, while hinting at the possibility of grace. This song is immensely moving. “The Man in Black” really brings something new to this song.
2. ” I Want You to Want Me,” Cheap Trick (1979) and Martin Ramey (2010)
According to Wikipedia, the Japanese press once referred to Cheap Trick “as the ‘American Beatles.’” While others will likely contest that honor, their 1979 hit, “I Want I hits, such as “Twist and Shout.” Here, the singer’s insistent pleas echo the charmingly inept attempts of someone trying to escape the friend-zone. The catchy tune and repetitive song structure keep the song fun and prevent the singer from sounding totally pathetic in his attempts to woo the song’s subject. This song is perfect for an impromptu sing-along at the bars or the in the shower.
In contrast, Martin Ramey’s take transforms the song from playful musical banter into thoughtful negotiation. The slower pace and more soulful vocals suggest that the singer in this song is attempting to salvage an existing relationship, rather than start something new. Lines like, “I’ll shine up my old brown boots and put on a brand new shirt/ I’ll come home early from work if you say that you love me,” and the repetition of “didn’t I see you crying,” when paired with the minor key, present the speaker’s relationship to the subject as long-established and imperiled. What the cover lacks in upbeat charisma, it makes up for in expressive longing. Ramey’s cover is the perfect song for getting over a break-up.
3. “Lovefool,” The Cardigans (1996), Postmodern Jukebox featuring Haley Reinhart (2015)
If you love the 90s, there’s a good chance you also love “Lovefool.” The cheerful beat keeps the singer’s repeated command to “love me, love me” from sounding overly needy. Rather, the instrumental components and singing suggest that the singer is engaging in an elaborate game of seduction. Though the singer claims to be the “love fool,” her musical restraint suggests that the song’s subject is the real dunce. Perfect song for when you’re feeling some borrowed-nostalgia for the 90s.
All jazz-lovers must make sure to check out Postmodern Jukebox. Their catalogue is impressive, boasting covers of modern songs (for instance, “All About that Bass” and “Oops! ... I Did It Again”), and featuring lots of great singers, such as Haley Reinhart, fan-favorite of American Idol’s tenth season. Reinhart’s command of jazz vocal techniques raises this song to new, sophisticated heights. The riffs at the end of the song are simply sublime. Whether you’re studying for a test or just feel like getting your Gatsby on, this 2015 cover is sure to deliver all the right notes.
