Originals vs. remakes

By LeNae Miller
For the Times West Virginian

FAIRMONT February 04, 2008 11:37 pm

— "The smile on your face lets me know that you need me. There’s a truth in your eyes, saying you’ll never leave me. The touch of your hand said you’ll catch me if ever I fall. You say it best, when you say nothing at all.”
Are these words for the chorus of Keith Whitley’s “When You Say Nothing at All” or is it Allison Krauss’ version? The answer is both. Keith Whitley originally recorded “When You Say Nothing at All” in 1988. Allison Krauss remade the same song in 1995.
Different beats are added, words are rearranged ... something to make their version one of a kind or left to be comparable to the original song ... song remakes are done every year. Looking back through the years, you will recognize that music artists have remade songs to leave their mark in the music business.
Numerous songs have been remade through time. Some of the songs are only popular once and some songs are lucky enough to be a hit the second time around. When you think of song remakes, what are some of the songs that come to mind?
“When I think of song remakes, I think of the song ‘I Love Rock N Roll,’” said Ashley Deavers, a senior at East Fairmont High School.
The Arrows originally performed “I Love Rock N Roll” in 1975. Many remade this particular song, but the most famous remake was Britney Spears’ version in 2001.
Nick Bonnett, a junior at EFHS, said, “I think of ‘Smooth Criminal,’ which was remade by Alien Antfarm. This is a good example of a good song remake.”
Michael Jackson originally performed “Smooth Criminal” in 1987. Alien Antfarm remade their version in 2001, adding their own rock style to the song.
“‘I Want You To Want Me’ is the song that comes to my mind when talking about song remakes,” said Robbie Netz, a sophomore at EFHS.
Cheap Trick originally performed “I Want You To Want Me” in 1992. Although others have remade this song, in 2005, Lindsay Lohan also remade the song, which became known as the most popular remake of the song.
What do students really think about song remakes? If they had the decision, which would they rather listen to? Would they pick the original songs or the remake songs?
“Sometimes the remakes are better than the originals, but also sometimes the originals are better so it depends on the song,” said Mackenzie Stutler, a junior
at EFHS.
Although most students agreed that it depends on the song, there were also some other opinions of listening to the original over the remake and visa versa.
“I would rather listen to the original song because it is the first one that came out and more thought has been put into the song,” said Sara Hall, a sophomore at EFHS.
Joey Miller, a freshman at EFHS, said, “I would rather listen to the remakes to see what new ideas people were able to come up with.”
In some cases, remakes are better. Sometimes songs are better left behind. What is on the artist’s mind is whether their song or remake of another’s song will reach the top of Billboard.
Should songs be remade or should they stay the same?
Fred Shelton, a senior at EFHS, said, “I think that songs shouldn’t be remade. Even if they are good, songs are better when they are original. There is a better meaning behind them.”
“I think if the song is really bad then the song should be remade, but if it’s good the first time around, then it’s better left alone,” said Kelia McClain, a sophomore at EFHS.
Noel Slusser, a junior at EFHS, said, “I think some songs should be remade. It adds something new to the song and at the same time, it allows the artist to add their own style to the song.”
“I think it depends on the song whether it should be remade. Some songs are better as the original. But sometimes there are really good song remakes that come out,” said Courtney Saporito, a sophomore at EFHS.
“Then I saw her face, now I’m a believer. Not a trace of doubt in my mind. I’m in love! I’m a believer. I couldn’t leave her if I tried.”
Is this the hit single by The Monkees or is this the single by Smash Mouth?
Always remember to open your mind to music all the time.

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