Seether – “Careless Whisper”
Is this the best cover song ever?
I feel so unsure As I take your hand and lead you to the dance floor….
I do love a really great cover song. A track re-interpreted in a fresh and interesting way intrigues me. If you are a muso or band intending to perform a cover, you don’t want to just equal the original, especially when it’s George Michael, who’s a little, well, naff. There are many interpretations of original songs that stand as significant pieces in their own right and these are worthy endeavors. The Deftones’ hypnotic underwater metal rendition of “No Ordinary Love”, elevated by Chino’s breathy vocals, is an outstanding example, bringing the song into the 21st century. Yet Sade’s original is extraordinary also. Ideally you want to jam the song in a way the original failed to do.
With that in mind, Elvis’ intense 1969 hit “Suspicious Minds” is a contender for hottest cover ever (the original, released by the songwriter, Mark James flopped) and definitely has the edge in the popularity stakes. The song ranked #91 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list and Elvis’ definitive version broke cross-Atlantic chart records.
“Careless Whisper” by post-grunge South African band Seether, for my money, tops both of these. The song grabs you in the guts with raw and powerful emotions due to some first rate musicianship and an impassioned vocal from Shaun Morgan. Its alt metal feel is innovative and progressive. In my humble opinion, this version of George Michael’s 1984 blue-eyed soul smash hit, from Seether’s 2007 album “Finding Beauty in Negative Spaces”, really, really nails the song. In doing so it transforms a slightly cheesy pop tune into a cool, edgy classic. The best cover song ever? Decide for yourselves.
Notes on Being 