#2 Rumor has it and Apologize

I considered moving on to a new art form this week. I thought a film or television show would be a good way to keep us well rounded, but I find myself replaying another song over and over in my head.  I have to admit The Voice is a pretty amazing show.  The renditions the contestants come up with have taken me by surprise. 

This week a contestant by the name of Sharon Mathai sang her version of Rumor has it. There was a bit of a twist on the song. The main difference was how the song was cut. On air they only showed the fast paced sections of the song. This of course is also the catchy part of the song and therefore has been stuck in my mind ever since. The original version of Rumor has it was done by Adele on her album “Adele 21” that was released in 2011.

 I think the original Adele version is better.  There is something about the way Sharon’s voice sounded, but I think we’ll find that is her sound and not specific to this song. In the end I liked both takes on the song.

There was another contestant that did a great job singing One Republic’s hit song Apologize.  The contestant Charlotte Sometimes has a raspy voice that gave a new sound to Apologize. The song is no stranger to changes. It also had a remix done by Timberland which catapulted the song to its current fame (remix version).

I feel like both Charlotte Sometimes and Sharon Mathai are artists with interesting and beautiful voices. I don’t believe they did much to change the songs but what they did was enough to garner some attention.  The Apologize remix is one that originally angered me. I loved the original and didn’t feel the “beat” Timberland added was necessary.  Going back for this article and hearing them again, shows me how over time I can feel differently about something. The Timberland version is so recognizable, I now prefer it. What about you? Which ones do you like?

#1 Say Ahh

There is an entire artistic industry of remakes, redo’s remix’s and revamped products. Songs are covered time and time again. Movies are updated, reshot and sometimes completely redone. What are the differences between the original and the RE? Is the original better and if so, why was the RE ever made? The answer is ultimately up to each one of us but I’m going to give you some information to help you decide.

I came across a song that had been given a new spin.  The original version was written and performed by Trey Songz. In 2009 the song “Say Ahh” reached number nine on the pop charts. It’s a club song that features a catchy chorus with rap sections. The song is a bit ordinary and expected. The lyrics are vaguely interesting but not worth writing home about. Listen for yourself. Trey Songz

In Season two of The Voice, Lindsey Pavao sang and inspired remake of Songz’ “Say Ahh”.  Pavaos’ version is deeper and soothing.  Her voice is reminiscent of Fiona Apple or Regina Skeptor.   The lyrics that were mediocre in the rap song are now one of the interesting aspects of the remake.  You feel like they should be out of place but somehow they work. Overall I believe the remake is worth producing and clearly outshined the original.  Listen to it for yourself and decide. Lindsey Pavao