Can Changing A Song Make It Better? Which Version Actually Improves The Original?
(Title image by DALL-E 3)
Hi WA Friends!
Some songs are great just the way they are - catchy, memorable, and easy to enjoy. But every once in a while, a new version comes out that takes the song to the next level. As a musician, I find it really interesting how different versions can give a familiar tune a totally new feel!
Rearranging a song can change everything, making you want to dance when the original version might have only made you tap your foot. Let’s take a look at some of the more common ways a song can be changed and how each version adds something fresh.
A Remix: Giving A Track New Energy
Let’s start with the remix - probably one of the most popular ways to rework a song. Remixes are like giving a song an energy boost. They can take a mellow song and turn it into a dance hit. DJs and producers usually change the beat, add new rhythms, or even add some bass to make it an electronic dance music (EDM) club favorite.
A remix can make you notice parts of a song you didn’t pay much attention to in the original. Maybe the lyrics are powerful but got lost in a slower beat. A remix can bring those lyrics forward, make the hook catchier, or totally change the vibe - turning something sad into something upbeat. Think of a remix as a makeover - same song, different feel.
But remixes are tricky. Sometimes they just don’t work, and the new version loses the charm of the original. But when done well, a remix can take a good song and make it amazing!
For example, "Ignition (Remix)" by R. Kelly became way more popular than the original and turned into a party anthem. Another good example is Eric Prydz’s remix of "Flashing Lights" by Kanye West, which made it into a memorable dance track.
An Acoustic Version: Stripping Down To The Essentials
Acoustic versions are the opposite of remixes. Remixes add layers, but acoustic versions strip them away until there's almost nothing left but the basics of the song. It’s like taking away all the fancy production to hear what’s really at the core, and that’s often where the magic is!
Imagine a pop song that’s heavy on electronic effects. When it’s done acoustically, you get to hear the lyrics and melody in their purest form. Taking away the production makes the song feel more personal and emotional, like the artist is right there with you. Acoustic versions are perfect for those times when you want something softer, maybe on a rainy day or when you’re feeling thoughtful.
One of the best examples is Eric Clapton’s acoustic version of "Layla" from MTV Unplugged. The acoustic version gave the song a new, soulful feeling that was very different from the original rock version. Another great acoustic version is Radiohead’s "Creep," which strips away all the effects to reveal the raw emotion in the lyrics.
A Live Recording: Capturing The Energy Of The Moment
Live recordings bring a whole new experience. There’s something about the energy of a crowd and the imperfections of live music that can make a song feel even more alive. It could be an extended guitar solo or a singer giving their all. Maybe it’s even the sound of the crowd singing along that makes it special.
Live versions often have a sense of surprise - you never know if the artist will change a verse or make a chorus longer so the crowd can join in. It might be less polished, but that’s what makes it feel more real. You get to hear the song the way it was meant to be heard - in front of an audience.
For example, "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd live at Oakland Coliseum captures a kind of energy that just doesn’t come through in the studio version. Another classic live performance is Queen and David Bowie’s "Under Pressure" at Live Aid, which brought so much power and emotion to the song!
A Mashup: Two (Or More) Become One
Mashups are where things get really creative. Imagine taking two songs that don’t seem like they’d work together - and making them fit perfectly. When done right, a mashup can be better than either song alone. It’s not just adding more instruments or changing the beat; it’s about blending different ideas to make something totally new and surprising.
The best mashups breathe new life into songs you thought you knew. Suddenly, two songs you’ve heard a million times feel brand new because they’re working together. One song’s bass line might make the other song’s melody stand out in a whole new way.
A great example is "Numb/Encore" by Jay-Z and Linkin Park, which mixed rock and hip-hop in a way that connected with fans of both genres. Another cool mashup is Wax Audio’s "Stayin’ Alive in the Wall," which mixes Pink Floyd’s "Another Brick in the Wall" with the Bee Gees’ "Stayin’ Alive" to make something completely unique.
Tell Me What You Think
Are you a "musical purest" who enjoys hearing the original version of songs, or do you like to mix things up a little for some creative excitement? What's your favorite example?
So, if you had to choose just one, which do you think makes a song better?
- A Remix
- An Acoustic Version
- A Live Recording
- A Mashup
- Other
Let me know in the comments below, AND ...
Keep On Rockin' It! 🤘
(Pin by DALL-E 3 - Still stuck a bit in Halloween mode! Lol 😆)
Frank 🎸
~75% Human written content.
Recent Comments
25
Depends on the song, Frank. Any of the above could work :)
My son likes originals. He's a musician with a degree in Music/Jazz. He makes playlists that we listen to in the car. He often has original songs and mixes, many times from more than one musician.
I'm more open to all music (almost).
Teri
That’s true,Teri! 👍
I’m usually partial to live recordings because they can put the artists in a more improvisational environment, which can really show what they can do with the songs. 😎
Have an excellent weekend! 🥳
Frank 🤘🎸
Hey Frank
There is so much to like with the original versions of a song and some should be as is.
Take for example The Everly brothers in this case Bobby singing unchained melody that I can't see be sung in any other way. It is perfect as is
Then you have accapelo groups singing and when sung right with the right tones and mix that can be better than the original songs.
Now here is one not sure if you have seen or heard of him. He is an Aussie legend in John Farnham, one particular concert he did was with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra many years ago.
He re-arranged the song HELP by the Beatles to his version and even at the time John Lennon stated that is how it was meant to be. So you can't get any better accolades than that.
You can find this on YouTube just type Help and perhaps John Farnham you will see what I mean by being better than the original although that too is great with the upbeat of the time.
Along with seeing why he is a legend here in Australia and known worldwide more and more with so many YouTube reactions just on this version alone.
Unfortunately, he got cancer on the jaw a couple of year's ago, had a 12 hour operation and part of the jaw removed, and looks like he will not be able to sing again. He is in his 70's now and like Tom Jones even at that age still can belt it out until the op. Funny evough both John and Tom sang many times together on a couple of our Aussie TV shows and on stage guest appearing with each other.
I first saw him perform a pantomine when I was 10 or 11 and knew then that this young guy in his early 20's at the time was special and I was right.
Great Post Frank so let's continue to rock while we can and then some more. 🎸🤘
Andre 🎹
I can certainly understand why an updated version 'can possibly' give a classic tune an update Frrank, but.... it's just not for me!!!
Original versions will Rock above all in my opinion!!
👍🤣🍻🍸😎🎸
Hi Frank
This is a great post, but I can't say that I have a favorite.
Even though Brownsville Station's version of "Smoking in the Boys Room" was great, I like Motley Crue's version better.
And Dolly did a great job at "I Will Always Love You", but you can't deny that Whitney's version was outstanding.
But there are many other examples of remakes that didn't go so well.
Live versions are great! Have you ever heard the studio version of "I Want You to Want Me" by Cheap Trick? The first time I heard the studio version, I didn't recognize the song. 🤣🤣 That was one song that gained it's popularity from the live version.
I'm guessing it depends on the song, the artist and how you are attempting to change it, if you are?
Keep Rockin!! 🤘😎🎸
Tim 🎼
Great answer, Tim! 👍
Spoken like a true musician. Lol 😎
Yeah, I Want You to Want Me was one of Cheap Trick's biggest hits! Have you seen Rick's guitar collection? It makes mine look pitiful! Lol
My wife and I went to a guitar history exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art, and they had his five-neck hammer guitar on display. CRAZY! Hahaha 😆
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Hi Frank
Yes, Rick's guitar collection is amazing. And that 5 neck guitar is crazy!!
According to Wikipedia, he has owned about 2,000 guitars over the years! Wow!
If you haven't hit the 2,000 mark yet, keep working on it, I have faith that you will get there! 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
Keep Rockin and buying guitars!! 🤘😎🎸
Tim 🎼
Hi Tim
Yup, Rick has a guitar vault with a vintage collection that has to be worth many millions.
When I fully retire next year I’ll probably start building guitars again and maybe I’ll make it to 100 before it’s my time to go to the big guitar store in the sky! lol 😆
Rick’s guitar collection is even bigger than Joe Bonamassa’s.
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Hi Frank
Maybe I'll buy one of your custom guitars from you in the future! 🎸🎸
Keep Rockin!! 🤘😎🎸
Tim 🎼
Hi Tim
I don't have the equipment to build guitars from scratch (from wood blanks for the neck and body) anymore. These days, I buy all the parts, and then I modify and assemble them.
My home workshop can do setups (action, truss rod adjustment, intonation, etc.). I can also level and re-crown frets, etc., with the equipment I have.
Frank 🤘🎸
See more comments
I can handle a remix. I don't care for a pure acoustic version or even a pure piano or other instrument version. I love the feel and the sound of all the different instruments working together as a cohesive whole. I don't care for live recordings. I want to hear the song, not the audience—unless I am part of the audience, then it's okay.
As far as mashups, I am okay with some of them, but some not so much.
Personally, the original usually works best in my opinion. Especially for Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You!"
Karin
Hi Karin
Yes, the originals are sometimes best.
Vince Vance & The Valiants originally recorded "All I Want for Christmas Is You" in 1989. Here it is:
https://youtu.be/w8HWHd0EYJA?si=0ZGLgP71vwNPwDpN
Mariah Carey covered it in 1994. 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
I love her cover! Not so fond of the 1989 version. They really sound like two different songs.
Karin
Yeah, me too, Karin. 😎
Frank 🤘🎸