Welcome to a special Under Cover: Showdown Edition.  In the interest of mixing things up, I’ve decided to feature some very popular cover songs that seem to have outshined their original versions.  Some of us may not even realize that the songs were originally someone else’s since the cover version has become far more recognizable and is, perhaps, even better.  These renditions are incredible because each took a great song, made it inherently their own, and turned it into something even more amazing.  So which song is better… the original?  Or the cover?  We’ll let you decide.

Otis Redding (1965) vs. Aretha Franklin (1967), “Respect”

I had no idea Otis Redding wrote the original!  Am I the only one?!  I thank resident soul expert and fellow PopWrecker Jesse, for sharing this live version because it rocks.  Serving as a musical plea for respect, honor, and recognition from a woman, Redding’s version climbed Billboard‘s Black Singles Charts but also became a crossover hit for white pop audiences, as well.  This is quite an accomplishment for the 1960s, but I’m sure the musical genius of “Respect”, with its upbeat bluesiness and danceability, had a little something to do with it.  Even when the track heats up and he really begins to shout and holler, Redding’s voice still maintains a smooth huskiness that’s easy on the ears.  With jangly guitar splices, the jazzy sax appeal, and an infectious drum beat, it all complements Redding to create a rock n’ roll song with a helluva lot of soul.  Too bad they don’t write songs like this anymore!

Okay, they don’t call her the Queen Of Soul for nothing.  Aretha Franklin totally revamped “Respect” and created a feminist statement all at once in what is easily one of the best cover songs ever created.  Redding himself joked about his friend creating a musical and cultural phenomenon when he said, “that little girl done stole my song!”  Winning Grammy awards and coming in at #5 on Rolling Stone‘s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time”, Franklin’s version soared to new realms of success.  She reversed the roles to make “Respect” an anthem for under-appreciated women who refuse to let their men walk all over them.  Perhaps my favorite additions to the song that aren’t present in Redding’s version are the lyrics: “R-E-S-P-E-C-T / Find out what it means to me / R-E-S-P-E-C-T / Take care … TCB.”  And TCB (taking care of business) is just what Franklin did, with the unforgettable “just a little bit” background snippets, bluesy sax, and her incredible vocal range.  This song just makes me want to shake my neck, wag my finger at a trifling man, and throw his clothes off the fire escape and onto the street.  Respect.

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Leonard Cohen (1984) vs. Jeff Buckley (1994), “Hallelujah”

I’ve never been the hugest fan of Leonard Cohen‘s folk rock sensability, but then again that stems from the fact that I never quite understood his musical vision.  Before I could write him off entirely, I heard “Hallelujah” and wasn’t ready to throw in the proverbial towel.  This song, powerfully cryptic in its lyrics, is either an ode to a religious experience, sexual pleasure, or maybe even both.  Who knows, really.  But it’s no secret that it’s purifying, uplifting, and definitely cathartic either way.  Unsatisfied with the song, it’s even been said it took a frustrated Cohen upwards of 80 verses to decide on the ones he felt worked best.  With a bass line that rocks you back and forth like a lullaby, the music never overpowers Cohen’s chilling, spoken-word delivery.  This is just one of those songs you need not understand.  It may give you chills, but it’s okay if you’re not quite sure how or why.

If Aretha Franklin’s cover of “Respect” is hailed by some as the best cover song of all time, then Jeff Buckley‘s rendition of “Hallelujah” takes the spot as my favorite cover version ever.  Released on his album Grace and clocking in at just under 7 minutes, this is simply one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard, cover or no cover.  Stylistically, Buckley’s rendition differs mostly by virtue of it being predominantly a simple, electric guitar version laced in with pure and innocent vocal delivery.  It plays like a lullaby as well, however Buckley’s voice is far more relaxing and prettier than Cohen’s.  It seems he succeeds here by hitting the high notes Cohen is incapable of, almost as if he took Cohen’s vision and completed it for him, producing even more stunning results.  Buckley himself called his rendition an homage to the “hallelujah of the orgasm.”  And if it weren’t for his tragic death, I definitely would have asked him to keep songs like these coming.

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Robert Knight (1967) vs. U2 (1987), “Everlasting Love”

You know a song is a classic when Oldies radio stations still play it like it’s brand new.  “Everlasting Love” is a feel-good, timeless love song with optimistic lyrics about eternal love and happy times for everyone.  Robert Knight, along with some in-your-face background vocalists, insist this love will last forever and vocally refuses to take no for an answer.  With gentle drum taps, a soulful voice, gentle “ooh’s” and “aah’s,” this song starts out softly… until the chorus drops.  Blaring horns, a landslide of female background singers, and one of the most infectious choruses, this song begins to pick up with no sign of slowing down.  And slow down it won’t!  A favorite for movie soundtracks still and a popular cover choice among dozens of famous musicians, maybe this “Everlasting Love” really will last forever.

Commercially, Gloria Estefan‘s dance version may have fared better on the charts, but U2‘s B-side acoustic version is a lot more rock n’ roll: sorry, Gloria.  Never one to shy away from singing about love, Bono and the boys created something so perfectly simple with their own rendition.  They sped up the tempo and threw in acoustic guitar work that charges right at you, yet still allows Bono’s resonant vocals to shine through.  Much like Robert Knight’s original soulful version, the rest of the band didn’t kick in until the second verse, adding a sense of urgency and a full-on sound.  I really liked the background vocals that echo in towards the end.  They add a soulfulness to the song and really drive Bono’s point home.  Even though this cover is a rock ballad, U2 still manages to always put a lot of heart and soul in everything they create.  And “Everlasting Love” is certainly no exception!

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So there you’ve heard it, folks.  Who wins this week’s showdown?

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