Who Sings It Better?

It's back to the 1980s today, to a song that I've always enjoyed.  Crowded House had a very popular song titled Don't Dream It's Over. 

First up, the version by Crowded House:

Next up, a version by a group called Sixpence None The Richer.  The group sounds familiar, but I've never heard their music before....sorry.





Which version do I prefer?  I actually really like both, which surprised me.  But in the end, the harmonies on the chorus of Crowded House's version win for me.  When they sing, "to build a wall between us"....chills, every time!

So, who sings it better?

Who Sings It Better?

Popular in the 1980s, Christopher Cross sang the theme song for the movie Arthur, (The Best That You Can Be), along with the following song, Sailing.

This has always been one of my favorite songs, but it was released in 1986, before I really knew anything about music.  Years later, it took me a long time to discover who sang this.  I was SO excited when I did!







Next up, a version by NSYNC.  This video is completely cheesy, so try to listen to the song and block out the fact that they're flying through the air!






When I went searching for a cover of this song, I didn't expect to find one that I actually LIKE! 

Which version do I prefer?  This is actually a tough call.  I would probably like the NSYNC version better if they weren't flying through the air, and just singing the song.  JC does a fantastic job singing this song.  (Oh, and the only reason I know his name is because of the comments on YouTube!  This boy band was a little past my time!)  That being said, it's a great cover!

However, Christopher Cross will win for me, every single time!

So, who sings it better?

Who Sings It Better?

Another song that has been done many times (because it's such a wonderful song!), is You Raise Me Up.  I have two versions today.

First up, a group called Westlife.  They showed up here a few weeks ago singing a song with Mariah Carey. 

Do you think the lead singer sounds a lot like Josh Groban, or is it just me?

Speaking of Josh Groban, his version is next.

The two songs are so ridiculously similar, which is boring.  And like I said earlier, Westlife sounds so much like Josh Groban, it's crazy. 

So, which do I prefer?  Josh Groban edges out Westlife.  There's something magical about Josh's voice.  He wins for me.

Who sings it better?

Who Sings It Better?

I'm going to go a very different musical direction today.  Usually I present soft rock/pop songs.  Believe it or not, there are quite a few heavy metal songs that I like.

Today I have two versions of the Guns N' Roses song November Rain.  I LOVED this song when it was first released.  I don't understand the video AT ALL, but LOVE the song.  Guns N' Roses version is up first.

Next up is a version by an artist I've never heard of before:  Anakelly.





First of all, are these really the same songs?  I don't know who this Anakelly person is, but holy cow, did she ever change this song!  I was STUNNED when I heard it.  I almost couldn't remember the Guns N' Roses version after listening to it.  Wow.  Usually cover songs are just lame remakes, where nothing is really different.  Not here.  This lady takes this song and COMPLETELY changes it around.  I am very impressed.

Which version do I prefer?  Well, the Anakelly version is good, but I don't know if I would find myself listening to it.  The Guns N' Roses version, however:  I blast that song all the time.  Guns N' Roses wins for me, but I give MAJOR credit to Anakelly for taking such a popular song and making it almost unrecognizable.  That's the way cover songs are supposed to be!

So, who sings it better?

Who Sings It Better?

It's time for another installment of "Songs From My Youth"!!  I know, I just made that up, but it sure sounds like a catchy game show title!

I've mentioned in the past how my mother used to listen to Barry Manilow while driving, and that's how I came to know who he is.  Today I have one of my favorite Barry Manilow songs, Read 'Em and Weep.

Here's what I didn't know about this song:  someone else actually wrote the song!  Barry's version is a cover.  The person who actually wrote and sang it first?  Meatloaf.  Here now is his version:

Which version do I prefer?  I like me some Meatloaf (food and musician), but Barry wins it for me.  Meatload looks very possessed while he's singing this!

So, who sings it better?

Who Sings It Better?

Inside Out is a song I first heard by Bryan Adams on his album On A Day Like Today.  I have two versions of it for you.

First up, the original version by Bryan Adams.  The video is set to scenes from the TV show Alias.  Sorry, but the actual video for this song was just a little too racy for me to put on my blog! 

Next up, Trisha Yearwood.  I found this by accident.  Here she is with Don Henley singing her version of the song.

So, which do I prefer?  Oh boy, this was easy.  I DO NOT like her version at all!  The country spin doesn't work, and it feels like she sped the song up.  It doesn't help that the video is very confusing to me.  Are they showing everyone on the street that they are in love, or putting on a concert?!?

Bryan Adams wins, hands down.

Who sings it better?

Who Sings It Better?

Against All Odds is one of the greatest love songs of all time.  So naturally, it's been covered by many different artists.  Today you'll hear two versions of this song.

As I was searching for versions of this song, I came across a group called Westlife.  First up is their version featuring Mariah Carey.

Next up, who other than Phil Collins himself!

Which version do I prefer?  I was impressed with the version by Westlife and Mariah Carey, I must admit.  However, how can you beat the beautiful original version by Phil Collins?  He wins this one for me!

So, who sings it better?

Who Sings It Better?

We're going to travel back to the 1980s today.  Music was incredible during the 80s.  Whether you liked Michael Jackson, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Poison, Guns N Roses, or you preferred artists such as Phil Collins, Lionel Ritchie, or Billy Joel, there was something for everyone during this decade.

Released in 1981, Endless Love, originally by Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross became a huge hit.  A "power ballad" in every sense of the word, this song has been covered by many different people.

I have two versions for you today.  First up, the original by Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross.

Next up, a version by Mariah Carey and Luther Vandross

Which do I prefer?  Usually I'm all for the origianl version, but in this case I think I enjoy Mariah Carey and Luther Vandross's version better.  The video is cheesy, but I like it more.

So, who sings it better?

Who Sings It Better?

What Hurts The Most is a song I first heard back in 2008 when Danny Gokey was on American Idol.  His wife had recently passed away and this song was dedicated to her.  I remember crying my eyes out!  And then I searched for who released the song as a single.

Today I have three versions of this song for you.  First up, the version by Rascal Flatts.

Next, a version by Mark Wills.  I couldn't find the original video, so clips from the character Danny Messer from the show CSI:  NY will have to keep you entertained!

Now, here's what I didn't know until I wrote this post.  Mark Wills covered this song first!  That came as quite a surprise to me.  Between Rascal Flatts and Mark, I enjoy Rascal Flatts version more, but just barely!!

Finally, some singer I've never heard of, Cascada, decided to take a song that had been done beautifully twice (which is a rare thing to happen) and make us all wish we'd never hear it again!

So, which version do you prefer?

Who Sings It Better?

The Rose, made famous by The Divine Miss M, Bette Midler, is one of the most famous love songs of all time.  Today, we'll be matching up two versions of this song.

First up, a version by LeAnn Rimes.

Next up, the version made famous by Bette Midler.

So, which do I prefer?  LeAnn Rimes sings a nice version of the song.  Her voice seems a little immature for the song though.  Bette Midler sings her heart out in this song, and when it goes into the third verse with harmony, oooh, I love it.  Bette Midler wins for me.

So, who sings it better?

Who Sings It Better?

Our match up today is the song Mad World.  First up, a version by Gary Jules.  This video is intriguing to watch; they make shapes with people, it's fun. 

Next up, Adam Lambert.  The only version I could find was the one he sang on American Idol.  Once you get past the first 30 seconds the song begins.

Which do I prefer?  Gary's video is fun, but without the cool video I don't think I could listen to it over and over again.  Adam changes up the melody, and adds his own style to it.  Adam wins for me.

So, who sings it better?

Who Sings It Better?

Today we're going to have one artist covering their own song two different ways.  Celine Dion sings a song titled A New Day Has Come.  The first version I will show you is the first version I heard.  It's the original that was released as a single for her.

The second version is slow.  I don't remember where I heard it, but I loved it!

So, which do I prefer?  I enjoy both versions of this song quite a bit.  However, I enjoy the slow version more.  It makes me feel better when I'm having a crappy day, and even though they are the same song, the slow version just speaks more to me, where the fast version is simply fun.

Who sings it better?

Who Sings It Better?

I've never been lucky enough to see the musical The Phanton Of The Opera on stage; but through it's phenomenal soundtrack I've learned all about the story.

Our match-up today will be two versions of the infamous song, The Phantom Of The Opera.

First up, the version by Sarah Brightman and the most famous man to play the Phantom, Michael Crawford.

I heard that a few years ago someone made a movie based on the play The Phantom Of The Opera.  I never saw it, but found this clip one day on YouTube.  Emma Rossum (an actress I've never heard of), and Gerard Butler play the lead parts.  Here is their version of The Phantom Of The Opera.   

So, which do I prefer?  Really....really?  I think we know the answer to this!!

Who sings it better?

Who Sings It Better?

I'm not a real fan of today's "pop" music.  Maybe if I actually took the time to listen to some of it my opinion would change, but people like Lady GaGa creep me out; Justin Bieber is a baby, and all the "pop princesses" from the Disney channel make me want to gag.  Give me The Beatles, or the best music from the 80s and 90s anyday and I'll be happy.   

Our match-up today is a classic example of why great songs should not be covered by other people; especially the "pop princesses" of today.  Time After Time, by Cyndi Lauper, was one of the most popular songs of the 80s.  The multi-colored, oddly cut hair, and kooky video all add to the greatness of this song.

First up, Cyndi Lauper's version.

Next up, a version by Ashley Tisdale.  I don't know if she was a singer first, but I know her as the voice of Candace on the Disney cartoon Phineas and Ferb.  The clip is boring because it's just this picture, but you get the idea.

A question:  why do people continue to make crappy covers of beautiful songs that sound like bad karaoke?  WHY, WHY WHY?!?  Did that version make your ears bleed the way mine did?  I couldn't even finish this version, it's so horrible! 

Well, we know which version I prefer, how about you?

(Later the same day I wrote this post)

Hold the presses everyone...this post isn't finished yet.  I just found a cover of Time After Time that I think I might like better than Cyndi Lauper's version!  I'm not going to tell you who is singing it until after you listen to it:  I don't want to bias anybody's opinion.

Without further ado, here is a third version of Time After Time:

Barry Manilow has redeemed himself from his HORRIBLE cover of Rick Astley's Never Gonna Give You Up and proven to the world that you can cover a popular song, make it sound different, put your own spin on it, and in some cases have it sound better than the original!!  The key change at 3:20 is beautiful!

So, which version do I prefer?  Now this is a tough call.  I think I like Barry's version the best!

Which do you prefer?



Who Sings It Better?

Moulin Rouge is a great musical, one of my favorites.  It's another example of actors who can truly sing; well, more Ewan McGregor than Nicole Kidman, but she holds her own pretty well.  And who are we kidding; I'll watch Ewan McGregor any chance I get!!

For today we have two versions of the love song, "Come What May"; the only song actually written for the movie. 

First off, the version from the movie:

Next is a "remix" version that I first heard while watching all the extra footage on the DVD.

So, which do I prefer?  Well, I'm a sucker for a good love song, and the slow version of Come What May is just that; a sappy, sweet, wish -Ewan- McGregor- was- singing- it- to- me; love song!

The fast version isn't bad, it just sounds off to me.  At times the music doesn't quite match up to the singing, and you can tell that it wasn't a fast song to begin with.

The slow, movie version wins for me.

Which do you prefer?

Who Sings It Better?

Our match-up today is a song that I first heard from the movie Cars, "Life is a Highway".

The first version is by a man named Tom Cochrane, a man I had never heard of before.

The second version is from the movie Cars.  It's by Rascal Flatts, the group that made country music fun for me instead of making me want to throw up whenever I was unfortunate enough to hear it!

Which do I prefer?  Well, as it is in most cases, I enjoy the version I heard first, Rascal Flatts.  There's really nothing "wrong" with Tom Cochrane's original, but I think the Rascal Flatts cover is much more fast paced than Tom Cochrane's version, and the video is much more fun. 

Brandon also LOVES this song, and always asks to hear "Life is an Alice" when we're in the car.  Why he thinks they say "Alice" is beyond me, but it's just too cute!

So, who sings it better?

Who Sings It Better?

I'm finding that my "match-ups" tend to be easy decisions.  While toodling around on YouTube yesterday, I found a song that may be a tough call.

"Bring Him Home" from the musical Les Miserables has always been a powerful song, and one of the highlights of the musical.

First up, Michael Crawford, also known as The Phantom from the musical "Phantom of The Opera".  I apologize in advance for the quality of the video.  It's the music that's important to listen to!

Next up, another powerhouse singer, Colm Wilkinson, who has played many characters from Les Mis throughout his career onstage.  I would encourage you to listen to the clip before actually watching it....this clip is more exciting and I don't want it to influence your decision!!

So, which do I prefer?  This is probably the hardest call for me to make yet.  Both men have such incredible voices.  Normally the first version I hear is the one I prefer.  The first time I heard this song, Colm Wilkinson was singing it.  However, that being said, Michael Crawford's version is equally amazing.

For the first time, I think I have to call this one a tie!  I could listen to each song over and over and not tire of them.  Wow, it finally happened; I found two versions of the same song that I actually like!!

Who sings it better?

Who Sings It Better?

"We Are The World" was originally recorded in 1985 to help earn money to fight the famine and disease in Africa.  Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, it sold over 20 million copies, earned three Grammy awards, one American Music Award, and a People's Choice Award.

Soloists (in order of appearance)
Lionel Richie
Stevie Wonder
Paul Simon
Kenny Rogers
James Ingram
Tina Turner
Billy Joel
Michael Jackson
Diana Ross
Dionne Warwick
Willie Nelson
Al Jarreau
Bruce Springsteen
Kenny Loggins
Steve Perry
Daryl Hall
Huey Lewis
Cyndi Lauper
Kim Carnes
Bob Dylan
Ray Charles

Backup singers
Dan Aykroyd
Harry Belafonte
Lindsey Buckingham
The News
Sheila E.
Bob Geldof
Jackie Jackson
LaToya Jackson
Marlon Jackson
Randy Jackson
Tito Jackson
Waylon Jennings
Bette Midler
John Oates
Jeffrey Osborne
The Pointer Sisters
Smokey Robinson

Now, I recognize the majority of these singers, both soloists and chorus:  having Dan Aykroyd in there was weird, but whatever.  These are all (for the most part) extrememly talented, and famous musicians who are still popular 25 years later.

"We Are The World 25 for Haiti" was recorded in February of 2010 after the horrible earthquake killed so many people in Haiti the month before. 

Which version do I prefer?  Do you even have to ask that question?!!

I understand that both songs are for charity, and wonderful causes, but the 2010 version is the most awful thing I've ever heard!  The original had heart.  All the artists were right there sharing microphones and you could feel that they were humble.  The atmosphere in the room was inspiring, and brought tears to my eyes; those artists weren't there to better their careers.

There are SO MANY PEOPLE in the 2010 version that it's just stupid.  I also understand that they wanted a more "updated" version with artists from today, but WHO ARE HALF THE PEOPLE IN THIS VIDEO?!?  The sheer volume of people in the Chorus alone is almost 3 times the amount of the original recording; way too many people.  (And don't even get me started on the names I don't recognize in the Chorus!)  They changed the lyrics, and WHY did they add the HORRIBLE rap in; it that just takes away from the beautiful message?  The whole recording just looked like it was all for show.

Soloists (in order of appearance)
Justin Bieber  - Seriously, you choose this baby to start the song?
Nicole Scherzinger  - only know who she is because of Dancing With The Stars!
Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Nettles - Who is this?
Josh Groban - He could've sang the whole song and I would've been very happy
Tony Bennett - Why did they pick "older" singers if they wanted an updated version?
Mary J. Blige
Michael Jackson - Soooo glad they left his parts in
Janet Jackson
Barbra Streisand
Miley Cyrus  - was she even alive when this song was first made?!
Enrique Iglesias
Jamie Foxx
Wyclef Jean - I suppose this thief was there to "represent" Haiti, but come on!
Adam Levine  - who is this?
Pink (P!nk)
BeBe Winans  - never heard of this person
Michael Jackson
Usher
Celine Dion
Fergie
Nick Jonas (Jonas Brothers)
Toni Braxton
Mary Mary - who?
Isaac Slade  - huh?
Lil Wayne
Carlos Santana (solo with a guitar)
Akon
T-Pain  - ????
LL Cool J
Will.i.am
Snoop Dogg
BBusta Rhymes - ???
Swizz Beatz  - ???
Iyaz  - who?
Kanye West

Chorus (in Alphabetical Order)
Patti Austin
Philip Bailey
Fonzworth Bentley
Bizzy Bone
Ethan Bortnick
Jeff Bridges
Zac Brown
Brandy
Kristian Bush
Natalie Cole
Harry Connick Jr.
Nikka Costa
Kid Cudi
Faith Evans
Melanie Fiona
Sean Garrett
Tyrese Gibson
Anthony Hamilton
Keith Harris
Rick Hendrix
Keri Hilson
Julianne Hough
Nipsey Hussle
Il Trio
India.Arie
Randy Jackson
Taj Jackson
Taryll Jackson
TJ Jackson
Al Jardine
Jimmy Jean-Louis
Ralph Johnson
Joe Jonas
Kevin Jonas
Jones
Gladys Knight
Benji Madden
Harlow Madden
Joel Madden
Katharine McPhee
Jason Mraz
Mýa
Plain Pat
Freda Payne
A. R. Rahman
RedOne
Nicole Richie
Raphael Saadiq
Trey Songz
Musiq Soulchild
Jordin Sparks
Robin Thicke
Rob Thomas
Vince Vaughn
Verdine White
Ann Wilson
Brian Wilson
Nancy Wilson

Here's what I think should have been done:  instead of messing with perfection, just write another song for Haiti.  They changed lyrics of the song anyway, and added the awful rap, why not just write a completely different song?

"We Are the World 25 for Haiti" received generally negative reviews by contemporary music critics, with criticism focused on the song's new musical additions, as well as the choice of artists who appear on the track.

One side note:  as I was searching YouTube for these videos to download, the 1985 version didn't have people put the names of the artists who sing on the song; the 2010 had many versions like that.  Just goes to show that the artists from 1985 are TIMELESS!!

So, which do you prefer?  And I'll still love you if you like the 2010 version better!

Who Sings It Better?

Well, the title should actually be something like, "Who Plays It Better?" because today I'm matching up two versions of one of my favorite pieces of music from Star Wars, The Imperial March.  For those of you who read Star Wars Saturday last week, I just used this piece of music, but oh well, it's a great piece!

John Williams is amazing.  He not only composed all 6 Star Wars movies, but Jaws, all four Indiana Jones movies, Jurassic Park, Schindler's List, and almost every other movie ever made by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg.

First up, the version as it appears in the movies.

And next, a version with a "heavy metal" feel to it.

Which version do I prefer?  I LOVE the Star Wars soundtracks and listen to them often.  When I listen to the first version, I find myself singing along to the beat, as dumb as that sounds!  However, I'm not the only one who does this.  Brandon has begun "singing" along with the Star Wars music while he watches the movies!

If I had to listen to the second version without the video playing behind it, I think my ears would begin to bleed!  Give me the original version ANY DAY.  Besides the fact that the video for the original is so much better, the symphony orchestra just gives the song the heart that it is famous for.

So, who "plays" it better?
   

Who Sings It Better?

Going back to a classic song today, our match up will be two versions of "Your Song" by Elton John.

First up, Elton John.

Next up, the version of Your Song from the movie Moulin Rouge.

So, which do I prefer?  Not an easy choice at all.  I've heard this song on the radio throughout my life, but the first time I heard the song on Moulin Rouge I hardly recognized it.  I loved how they completely changed the melody, and Ewan McGregor is such a sweetheart while he sings it! 

This round goes to.....Ewan McGregor; but only because he sang new life into the song for me.

So, who sings it better?