Why Covers of Some Songs Can Surpass the Original Versions in Success
Music enthusiasts often debate whether a cover version of a song can ever surpass its original version in terms of success. Surprisingly, many cover versions not only rival but sometimes even overshadow the original. This phenomenon can be attributed to various factors, including superior arrangements, the popularity of the artist who covers the song, the ability to discern unexplored elements in the original, and broader market trends.
The Power of Arrangement
One significant reason why covers can outshine the original versions is the arrangement. Sometimes, the reimagining of a song with a fresh approach can lead to a better overall listen. For instance, Anne Murray's cover of George Jones' "He Thinks I Still Care" was a better record than the original. Murray ditched the Anita Kerr Singers and opted for a walking bass line on the chorus, which elevated the song to a new level of appeal. This shows that the right arrangement can significantly impact the success of a cover version.
Popularity and Star Power
The popularity of the artist who covers the song is another crucial factor. Sometimes, the same song that fails to make a mark with the original artist can become a hit when covered by a more popular artist. A classic example is Bill Doggett's "Hold It," which garnered more success when Stevie Ray Vaughan transformed it into "Scuttle Buttin." Vaughan's signature style and star power elevated the song, making it more appealing to a wider audience.
Discovering Unexplored Elements
Another common reason for covers outperforming the originals is the producer or artist who might have to talk the singer into recording the song. These individuals often see elements in the song that the original artists might have overlooked. For instance, when Alan Jackson recorded "Pop A Top," many doubted whether he could capture the essence of the original by Jim Ed Brown. However, Jackson's star power and commercial success led to a more successful cover, perhaps because he brought a new perspective to the song.
Market Trends and Radio Play
The success of a cover version can also be attributed to the broader market trends and the amount of radio play it receives. Sometimes, a cover version receives extensive airtime, significantly increasing its exposure and popularity. For example, "Black Magic Woman" by Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac and "Gypsy Queen" by Gabor Szabo were hardly heard on mainstream radio. On the other hand, the cover versions by Santana, "Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen," received extensive airtime, becoming ubiquitous on classic rock stations. This extensive exposure often leads casual listeners to believe that the cover version is superior, even if they haven't heard the original.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is often true that a song's original version is the definitive interpretation, numerous factors can lead a cover to surpass it in popularity. Arrangement, artist popularity, and the ability to see new potential in a song can all contribute to a cover's success. Moreover, market trends and extensive radio play can also play a significant role. As a result, it is not uncommon for a cover version to win over listeners and achieve greater commercial success than the original version.
References
Content related to this article includes:
Alice in Chains - "Would?" (Original version) Here Come the Hunters - "Highway Star" (Original version) Bob Seger - "We've Never Been Better" (Original version)