The following is an edition of Mac’s Tracks, The Mirror’s music column. All views, thoughts and opinions belong solely to the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Drury Mirror. 

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, covering another artist’s work must be downright worshipful. It is common practice today for anyone to upload their cover of a famous tune and sometimes they find their big break in doing so. Television shows like “The Voice” are based entirely on this concept.

It is not unusual for an already household-name musician to give their own treatment to a colleague’s track. This may be done to pay homage to inspiration or to simply show appreciation for the music.

Covers, especially in rock n’ roll, have a less-than-savory history behind them. In its infancy, the artists defining the genre were black musicians. As rock expanded, white artists hopped on and performed “safer” versions of the louder, raw originals. Elvis Presley is notable for this, as are the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Big Mama Thorton recorded “Hound Dog” in 1952, yet it was Elvis who popularized the standard in 1956. These toned-down sounds became hits and propelled rock into the mainstream, even if parents were still upset about Presley’s dancing on TV. Oftentimes, the white covers earned more fame than the creator’s vision did.

Today, this negative effect is largely absent. There are still plenty of examples of one version of a song getting more recognition than the original. What drives these covers to the top while the first versions are left in the dust? Often, it’s fitting the bill for the popular sounds of the day. Although Springsteen would go on to be one of the most successful performers of his day, this was not realized with his freshman album. Manfred Mann swept up the song at the right time and twisted it into a commercial hit.

The four songs listed below exemplify how a cover can overtake its source material.

“Blinded by the Light”

Originally by Bruce Springsteen

Made famous by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band

Sometimes the story behind a cover is worth laughing at. Bruce Springsteen’s song, “Blinded by the Light,” is instantly recognizable but if you listen to the radio, chances are this is not the version you’ve heard. Manfred Mann’s Earth Band gets the most airtime – possibly because it transformed the song into the iconic tune it is today. Springsteen released “Blinded” as a single for the album. Mann listened to “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.” three times yet did not see the appeal of the song, deciding to tackle it as his next project. Springsteen’s recording was longer with breaks in between each verse, which Mann decided to cut out. In an interview with “Louder Sound,” Mann cites drummer Chris Slade as the hero who realized that the chords of the piano piece “Chopsticks” fit perfectly over “Blinded.” This addition transformed the song into what is heard over the airwaves.

Of course, the Earth Band version receives notable mention because of a misheard lyric. Springsteen sings “cut loose like a deuce,” which got jumbled into “wrapped up like a deuce” in the cover – which sounds an awful like “wrapped up like a douche” if one isn’t listening carefully. Springsteen allegedly argued the Mann cover only got so much attention because people were struggling to discern what was actually sung in that line.

“You Can’t Hurry Love” 

By the Supremes

Covered by Phil Collins

Originally recorded by the Supremes in 1966, the song was covered by Phil Collins in 1982 and can be heard on any classic rock station. Collins updated the song as chipper pop compared to the crooning of Diana Ross, yet retained much of the original charm. While the Supremes found great success with “You Can’t Hurry Love,” people will remember the Collins version because it’s what was big when they were growing up. The Supremes weren’t hurting for hits and Ross continued a strong career long after the group disbanded. People can’t be faulted for loving what they know.

“I’m a Believer”

By The Monkees

Covered by Smash Mouth

When it comes to covers, the cultural impact of the Shrek franchise cannot be understated. “Hallelujah,” sang by Rufus Wainwright in the movie, was penned and performed by Leonard Cohen in 1984. As an avid Monkees fan from a young age, it broke my heart to sing “I’m a Believer” in middle school choir and see it credited to Smash Mouth at the top of the sheet music. There’s no denying it, though – Smash Mouth rocked it. The song is featured on The Monkees’ greatest hits collection as well, leaving another example of a cross-generation success. “All-Star” may forever be their anthem, but

“Hurt”

By Nine Inch Nails

Covered by Johnny Cash

Recorded in 2002, this song featured in the “Logan” film was written by Nine Inch Nails in 1994. Trent Reznor, the lead singer of NIN, was at first unsure about Cash, saying that the idea sounded “a bit gimmicky,” according to “The Independent.” His opinion changed when the music video came out. Cash’s health was failing and the video documents the life he lived and all he had lost. Reznor later stated in an interview with Robert Webb, also for “The Independent,” that the cover was like “a warm hug” and was grateful he was able to contribute the song. It represented the openness Cash always had in his music and acted as a somber close to the pillar of a musician’s career.

Check out this week’s Mac’s Tracks playlist on Spotify for more classics and their covers:

https://open.spotify.com/user/leninadeee/playlist/1Z9lvA9foUf22NSOJpGHsM?si=UA2v8x_ZT-qnYbD1M-5ZdA

Article by Maclen Johnson.