Easy, breezy, beaut… oh wait, not that. I get so confused all the time sometimes. I was perusing my massive music collection today and came across some really great cover songs. The thing is, it wasn’t the usual covers that everyone knows. I thought I would share some lesser known ones that are my favorites.
"I Can't Tell You Why" The Eagles
“I Can’t Tell You Why” is a song originally recorded by the legendary band The Eagles in 1979. (That’s the year I was allegedly born.) This song is a very emotional tune that could only be pulled off by a great singer. An awesome version that is not very well known is by Brownstone from their 1995 album From the Bottom Up. In the Brownstone version they took out the guitar solos and added a cool refrain of “Tell me why…” that I may or may ot sing over and over loudly and goofily. Their soulful cover was a pleasant update and nod to the original song.
Original: “I Can’t Tell You Why,” The Eagles
Cover:
"The Longest Time" Billy Joel
An interesting remake of Billy Joel‘s 1984 release, “The Longest Time,” by Zhane is perhaps the most drastic song reinterpretations. The original by Billy Joel is an uptempo doo-wop song, but the Zhane version is a 90’s R&B update with a slow tempo. I think the arrangements in this version are genius.
Original: “The Longest Time,” Billy Joel
Cover:
"Betcha By Golly Wow" The Stylistics
Arguably one of the best female singers to ever bless a mic, Phyllis Hyman, covered the Stylistics’ 1971 hit, “Betcha By Golly Wow.” This song has been covered by over 20 artists including Prince, but something about Phylis Hyman’s rich, powerful voice transforms the song into a sonic masterpiece. Can you tell I like it a little bit? Betcha by golly wow I do! Tee hee.
Original: “Betcha By Golly Wow,” The Stylistics
Cover:
A few more of my favorite cover songs:
“Four Leaf Clover,” by Atlantic Starr covered by Erykah Badu
“Knocks Me Off My Feet,” by Stevie Wonder covered by Donnell Jones
“Midnight at the Oasis,” by Maria Muldar covered by The Brand New Heavies
“Ribbon in the Sky,” by Stevie Wonder covered by Intro
What are some of your favorite covers/remakes?