Top 15 Song Remakes of 2009

Posted in Music Reviews | 10 comments

Here’s a countdown to the best 15 song remakes of the year 2009. To download each track, just click on the song title and singer itself.

15. 2 Play Feat Thomas Jules and Jucxi D – Careless Whisper (Original Song: Wham – Careless Whisper)

This song has undergone a reggaeton treatment to make it much more catchier although it loses its essence because of it. While Wham’s delivery was poignant, 2 Play’s take would make you wanna shake your bum bum.

14. Michael John – To Love Somebody (Original Song: Bee Gees – To Love Somebody)

If his name sounds a little familiar, it’s because Michael John was a contestant in American Idol 2008, with an 8th place finish. He tries too hard in his new album that it comes a little dour. This remake is the only best song on it, and that’s not saying much seeing that it’s a cover.

13. Chamillionaire – Good Morning (Original Song: Tom Petty – Free Falling)

OK, this is not a remake per se, but more sampling of Tom Petty’s biggest hit, “Free Falling”. The rapping style of Chamillionaire is quite infectious and still maintains some laidback as an ode to the original track.

12. RL – If You Leave Me Now (Original Song: Chicago – If You Leave Me Now)

This is a very good R&B version of Peter Cetera’s Chicago’s power version. The harmonies and soulfulness is very apparent in RL’s version while Chicago still wins on the nostalgic delivery. RL is a member of that group called Next who were rather popular for some weird reason in the 90s.

11. Mariah Carey – I Want To Know What Love Is (Original Song: Foreigner – I Want to Know What Love Is)

Nasally Mariah overcoats the classic track with her distinguished style of singing, giving it a very female flair to it so now women around the world could dedicate this song to their men after being on the receiving end forever.

10. Glee Cast – Don’t Stop Believin’ (Original Song: Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’)

Glee Cast gave it a much upbeat rendition than the original, although I prefer the original track much better. Journey’s version is purely an emotional pick-me-up while Glee Cast’s rendition is in the happy-happy-joy-joy perspective.

9. Panic At The Disco – 3 Little Birds (Original Song: Bob Marley – 3 Little Birds)

I don’t know if Bob Marley would’ve been proud with Panic at the Disco’s acoustic take but I’m quite pleased about it. With Bob Marley, everything is relaxed when it comes to his songs. You don’t need to be on weed to appreciate good music like Bob Marley’s. The acoustic version has a little live to it compared to the original.

8. Allison Iraheta – Robot Love (Original Song: Gary Glitter – Rock and Roll)

The infamous “Hey Song”, is heavily sampled in Allison’s track called Robot Love. This song is famous because it has been overplayed to death during sporting events, particularly American sports, where the fans exclaim “hey” at the end of the hook. I’m sure you know it when you hear it.

7. Demarco – She’s My Baby (Original: Sister Sledge – Frankie)

A male version of that track by Sister Sledge plus some reggae thrown in for good measure. Demarco has an annoying voice but I have to admit his updated rendition of that song is catchy enough to move my ass to the dancefloor.

6. Karl Wolf featuring Culture – Africa (Original Song: Toto – Africa)

I love this version by Karl Wolf, as it is injected with tonic to make it much livelier than the original. Although I love the original track too, both can be applied in different circumstances. While Toto’s version is a perfect song for a lazy Sunday afternoon, Karl Wolf’s version is made for a beach party.

5. Andy Madadian & Jon Bon Jovi – Stand by Me (Original Song: Ben E King – Stand by Me)

I never expected to hear Jon Bon Jovi singing in Farsi, but that’s what exactly he did with Ben E King’s classic. Andy Madadian collaborates here with Jon to record this song as a message of solidarity for the people of Iran. It is way catchier than Ben E King’s version, which is not my favorite.

4. Elephant Man – Hey Nikki (Original Song: Toni Basil – Hey Mickey)

While Toni Basil’s track is a crowd-pleaser at parties and nightclubs, Elephant Man’s version is just brilliant. With his ragga-style of rapping, it breathes life into this classic track, and people like me can now appreciate this song without any eyebrows being raised. Haha!

3. Flo Rida – Right Round (Original Song: Dead or Alive – You Spin Me Round)

I know Flo Rida has 3 samplings in his album, the other 2 are Sugar and Touch Me, but it’s not as catchy as this track. I love the original because of the beat that could cause your body to involuntarily move. Flo Rida gives it a superb refresh to make it relevant to today’s generation. Awesome stuff.

2. Adam Lambert – Mad World (Original Song: Tears for Fears – Mad World)

What a year for American Idol as we witness the best performance in Idol history. The rendition is bloody amazing that it made Tears for Fears’ version sound like a bad karaoke version. Lambert’s haunting voice elevates this track to a whole new level. I’m not a fan of the original song, but because of Lambert’s take, I now have Lambert’s version in my playlist.

1. Slash ft Fergie and Cypress Hill – Paradise City (Original Song: Guns N Roses – Paradise City)

Phenomenal! Slash and Fergie combo is MAGIC. I always hated Axl Rose for his irritating voice, and Fergie proves here that she is pure class, which Axl Rose can only dream to be. Cypress Hill’s contribution, although can be a little annoying with his nasally rap-style, ultimately blends into the track which Fergie and Slash rocked it and rocked it hard!