Pinpointed: I’ve Got It Covered
By Bailey Tolentino
Sometimes, a new or alternative perspective of a song can expose its full potential. Truly great music can face the trials of time and reinvention, so if anything, the fact that these songs possess different dimensions for artists to unveil just goes to show how profound they are. On this month’s edition of Pinpointed, I’ll be discussing some covers that are better than the originals.
———
1. Killing Me Softly With His Song – Fugees (Original Artist: Roberta Flack)
This may be the only case on this list where the cover is mistaken to be the original. I think the Flack version is beautiful in its own way, but the Fugees brought a new sound to this song that has given it a life far beyond what it would have otherwise had. The percussion and groove allow the song to take its time and be heard, whereas the original feels like it is sung in her head. This one is more of a personal preference in styling, but there are others on this list which I am passionate about arguing to be better than the originals, from a music theory perspective…
2. Across the Universe — Fiona Apple (Original Artist: The Beatles)
…Such as this one. All love and respect to the original, but this cover is miles above it. The Beatles are geniuses and I owe them credit for the brilliant chord progression and stunningly melancholy lyrics; but the give-and-take that Apple puts into this song grants it a feeling of longing that does the meaning of the song better justice than the ‘Let it Be’ sound of the original. The way the melody is sung by John Lennon almost feels rushed, and thus doesn’t give the feeling of lingering on the reflective lyrics of the verses. It is far too accepting of the fact that “nothing’s gonna change my world.” The way Apple sings the melody literally feels as though “words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup.” She knows nothing's gonna change her world, but simultaneously recognises that kind of sucks. It sounds like she is dragging the melody along and the instrumental is struggling to follow her. It’s just perfect.
3. Cancer — twenty one pilots (Original Artist: My Chemical Romance)
The MCR original was so perfect for the 2006 emo scene, but the twenty one pilots version was equally well-suited for the 2016 ‘emo’ revival. Maybe it’s because I’m younger, so I was not around for the peak of the real 2000s emo scene, but the production of the cover hits harder for me. It sounds and feels like sitting in a sterile, depressing hospital. The vocals in the cover are also much more effortless — almost lazy and hopeless — and that also better suits the despondent feel of the song’s lyrics.
4. I’d Rather Go Blind — Dua Lipa (Original Artist: Etta James)
I know this is a bold claim, as this cover deviates least from its original compared to the rest on this list, and technically adds nothing new. Dua Lipa is so underrated as a vocalist — she has the most unique timbre of all the current female pop stars — and it honestly goes a bit wasted on her music. This is just one of many reasons I appreciate this cover. While Etta James’ vocals are obviously iconic and carry this song beautifully, Dua’s version is gracefully stripped back (it’s just her voice and an electric guitar). I don’t think the original’s backing vocals or fade-out at the end are necessary for such a personal and direct song, and I love the give-and-take of Dua’s version (which I am aware is more achievable with a live performance, which this cover is).
5. Doin’ Time — Lana Del Rey (Original Artist: Sublime)
The original here feels like background music, but Lana’s version is a standout in its album (NFR!). She makes it her own by using much clearer vocals, which are done justice by the much more exciting and forward production. It’s so different that it might be more of an interpolation than a cover. She changes the structure and adds a bridge, which brings the song to a new level. The beat drops are also much more satisfying in Lana’s version, which more successfully builds up anticipation within the melody.
6. Lovesong — Adele (Original Artist: The Cure)
The original may be tied in quality, but I feel like Adele breathes a new air into the song, and the lyrics lend themselves well to the bossa-nova style she opted for. The female vocals also bring a certain perspective and sensitivity to it that changes the way I view the song, but I dare not claim the original isn’t great as is. They sound like completely different songs, which just highlights the quality of the lyricism and melody, if anything.
———
Shoutouts! (covers that were performed live and not released on music platforms):
You’re Still The One — Harry Styles + Kacey Musgraves (Shania Twain)
Jolene — Miley Cyrus (Dolly Parton)
Hopelessly Devoted To You — Sabrina Carpenter (Olivia Newton-John)