“I think we’re alone now, there doesn’t seem to be anyone around / I think we’re alone now, the beating of our hearts is the only sound.” Recognize that chorus? It’s very rare that a song can capture the youth of parents (the original version: Tommy James & The Shondells, 1967) as well as remind their children of theirs (the most popular cover version: Tiffany, 1987). “I Think We’re Alone Now” is one of my favorite 60s tracks and one of the best songs to cover, in my humble opinion. It’s simple, it’s fun, and it’s impossible to hear the Tiffany version and not feel instantly transported to the rollerskating parties and leg warmer fashions of your youth. This, of course, makes your parents laugh because they actually know Tiffany’s song was not an original and they insist on playing the real version for you as it, ironically, also reminds them of their own carefree heydays. A lot of the cover versions readily available are great, but this is due to the fact that the original is fantastic on its own. Welcome to Under Cover: “I Think We’re Alone Now” (Part I).
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Tommy James & The Shondells (original, 1967)
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I wasn’t born in the 60s, but this song makes me want to meet my high school sweetheart at the local soda shop to share a chocolate milk shake (with one straw, of course) and make eyes at each other while “I Think We’re Alone Now” plays on the jukebox. We’re star-crossed lovers and our parents hatred of each other only strengthens our infatuation when “we tumble to the ground and say, ‘I think we’re alone now.’” And this song plays in our heads each time we run off to secret locations to be together. Lead singer Tommy James’ vocals are so Beatles-esque, I almost wonder why this wasn’t a Beatles tune? The guitar licks are simple, the background vocals are soft, but it’s the magical lyrics that bring you back to a simpler time.
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Tiffany cover (1987)
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I find it very hard to believe that any American child born in the 80s does not know this song. I also would believe if many (including myself) didn’t realize until much later that this wasn’t even an original. Mall queen Tiffany brought herself to fame with this hit song, the resulting dance craze she started, as well as being known as the teen singing sensation who demanded a legal emanicipation from her psycho parents. Perhaps one of the cooler aspects of this utterly 80s song is the fact that it still holds up twenty years later; personally, I still get excited whenever I find it on the radio. Who doesn’t want to steal away with their boyfriend/girlfriend “running just as fast as we can, holding onto one another’s hand, trying to get away into the night” when you hear this? Sure, the music is slightly cheesy and over-produced, but considering the fact that this was pre-Timbaland days, it’s still a pretty hot dance track.
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The Pipettes cover (2006)
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I love when British people sing in ways where they are still able to retain their accent during their songs. Trust me, not all of them do that (because they can’t or prefer not to). But in the case of indie pop girl group The Pipettes, you can definitely tell they are Brits after the first few words. I love the percussive acoustic guitar, the backing vocals that border on yodeling, and the vocal harmony and interplay between the girls. It all works to create a slightly sped up cover version that is still lovely, even though it’s not my favorite. They kind of remind me of The Watson Twins, so that will either excite you or dissuade you, depending on your taste. So, enjoy or skip to the next track!
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The Spinto Band (2009)
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“Children behaaave!” I love an indie rock band with a penchant for that throwback sound. It’s hard to fathom these guys are from Deleware since lead singer Nick Krill sings as if he’s not even from this time period let alone such an unexciting state, but in a good way. I like his lackadaisical style; it almost sounds like he doesn’t care about the vocals yet somehow it still works. The guitar licks are a little more pronounced than the original version, the drum taps are muted, and the background vocals sound like something straight out of a Beach Boys song. I give The Spinto Band props for taking a classic tune, updating it for newer audiences, and finding a way to still retain a little 60s rock sensibility for those who particularly love the original.
