As a dedicated gamer and music enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the art of cover songs and their impact on music history. Growing up, I was introduced to the iconic tunes of the 80s through various covers that redefined these classic hits.
The 1980s brought forth an iconic musical era filled with memorable hits. Some of these chart-toppers didn’t originate from the performers who gained fame; instead, they made their mark through cover versions. Cover songs offer an excellent opportunity to expand a music portfolio by introducing timeless tunes penned in different eras and giving them a contemporary twist.
As a gamer, I’ve noticed an intriguing trend in music history: some songs get remade or “covered,” and these new versions can even surpass the success of the original. It’s amazing to see how certain tunes have made it to the top 10 not once, but twice! For instance, Willie Nelson’s “You Were Always On My Mind” hit No. 5 in 1982, but when the Pet Shop Boys covered it in 1988, they reached an impressive No. 4. Similarly, Bananarama’s “Cruel Summer,” which was a No. 9 hit in its original form, was covered by Ace of Base in 1998 and managed to climb up to No. 10.
“China Girl” – David Bowie (1983
Original artist – Iggy Pop (1977)
Iggy Pop and David Bowie collaborated on the song “China Girl” for Iggy’s 1977 album, “The Idiot.” During the tour for that album, Bowie played keyboards while Iggy sang. In 1983, Bowie included his own rendition in his popular album, “Let’s Dance.” Regrettably, Iggy Pop’s version did not make it into the charts, but Bowie’s soared to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song was influenced by Pop’s romantic experiences with a Vietnamese woman. It expresses their unreturned feelings and Pop’s recognition that his Western ways were harming her. Bowie used the music video for the song as a powerful message against racism, depicting an interracial romance and challenging cultural prejudices.
Check out Iggy Pop’s version on Spotify.
“Tainted Love” – Soft Cell (1981)
Original artist: Gloria Jones (1964)
In the early 80s, Soft Cell’s synth-pop rendition of “Tainted Love,” penned by Ed Cobb and first recorded by Gloria Jones in 1964, became a massive success. This new wave take on the track resonated deeply with American music fans during the Second British Invasion. The cover reached the summit in the UK charts and peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Over the years, artists like Marilyn Manson and Impedance have also put their spin on this popular song.
Check out Gloria Jones version on Spotify.
“Bette Davis Eyes” – Kim Carnes (1981)
Original artist: Jackie DeShannon (1974)
In 1982, Kim Carnes’ rendition of “Bette Davis Eyes,” originally composed by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon, became the most popular single. This track was celebrated with Grammy Awards for both Song of the Year and Record of the Year in 1981. The captivating melody ruled atop the Billboard Hot 100 for an impressive nine weeks, except for a brief one-week absence caused by “Stars on 45.”
In her 1974 album New Arrangement, DeShannon recorded an R&B lite track with a quick tempo, adding piano, steel guitar, and horns to the mix. On the other hand, Carnes’s rendition from the 80s stands out for its synth-heavy sound that was in vogue during that era.
When Carnes’ rendition came out, Bette Davis, the song’s subject, was a 73-year-old actress. She expressed her gratitude to Carnes, Weiss, and DeShannon for bringing her into the limelight of modern times, resulting in her grandson admiring her even more.
Check out Jackie DeShannon’s version on Spotify.
“The Tide Is High – Blondie (1980)
Original Artist – The Paragons (1967)
In 1967, The Paragons from Jamaica put out the rocksteady hit “The Tide Is High.” Composed by the group’s lead singer, John Holt, it gained significant popularity in Jamaica and the UK following a deejay adaptation by U-Roy. Then, in 1980, Blondie released a reggae-infused rendition that reached No. 1 in both the UK and US charts. This song is featured on Blondie’s “Autoamerican” album and marked their third chart-topping success.
Check out The Paragons version on Spotify.
“Cum On Feel The Noize” – Quiet Riot (1983)
Original artist – Slade (1973)
Slade’s 1973 hit “Cum On Feel The Noize” climbed to the top of the UK charts upon its debut release, marking the British band’s fourth No. 1 single. In 1983, heavy metal group Quiet Riot released a cover of this song, which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This success led their album “Mental Health” to become the first heavy metal record to reach No. 1, and it is often credited as the catalyst for the heavy metal trend in the 1980s.
Check out Slade’s version on Spotify.
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2024-07-21 14:01