What Popular Songs Had To Be Rerecorded?

In the world of music, there’s no feeling quite like the thrill of creating something from scratch. The rush of adrenaline as an idea takes shape, the excitement of bringing a new sound to life, and the satisfaction of sharing that creation with the world. For many artists, this process is what drives them to make music in the first place. However, there are times when this creative freedom is compromised by external factors, leading to the creation of rerecorded songs that may not necessarily reflect the artist’s true vision.

Table of Contents

In this article, we’ll delve into 10 examples of songs that were forced upon artists, either by record labels or producers, resulting in a compromise on their artistic integrity. From Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” to Fleetwood Mac’s “I Don’t Wanna Know,” we’ll explore how these rerecorded songs impacted the artists and their music.

The Power of Compromise

“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” – Elton John

Elton John’s iconic voice is known for its powerful range and emotional depth. However, not every song he recorded fit his musical vision. Take “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” for instance. Elton John hated this song from the moment he brought it into the studio. He thought it was too sweet and saccharine for his style, but producer Gus Dudgeon convinced him to give it a go. The result? One of Elton John’s biggest hits. While it may not be his finest work, it’s a testament to the power of compromise and the importance of collaboration in music.

The Bitter Pill of Obligation

“Here My Dear” – Marvin Gaye

Love is a powerful inspiration for songwriting, and Marvin Gaye’s “Here My Dear” is a prime example. Written during a tumultuous period in his marriage, this ballad showcases Gaye’s vulnerability and emotional depth. However, its creation was also marked by obligation rather than passion. Gaye was contractually obligated to record an album with his wife, Anna Gordy, and “Here My Dear” was the result. The song’s bitterness and anger are palpable, making it a haunting reflection of Gaye’s personal struggles.

The Impact of External Pressure

The Entire Rock ‘n’ Roll Album – John Lennon

John Lennon’s post-Beatles solo career was marked by controversy and experimentation. His Rock ‘n’ Roll album was born out of obligation rather than artistic desire. Lennon was facing a lawsuit from Chuck Berry’s production company over his use of “You Can’t Catch Me” in “Come Together.” As part of a settlement, he agreed to record an album consisting entirely of rock ‘n’ roll covers. The result is an album that showcases Lennon’s technical proficiency but lacks the emotional depth and passion found in his earlier work.

When Artistry Meets Commercialism

“The Unforgiven II” – Metallica

Metallica is known for their aggressive sound and intense live performances. However, their Load era was marked by a more commercial approach to their music. “The Unforgiven II” is a prime example of this shift. James Hetfield wrote this song as a sequel to their hit single “The Unforgiven,” but felt that it needed more time in the studio to develop its full potential. The end result is a decent but uninspired track that fails to live up to its predecessor.

The Happy Accident

“Handle With Care” – Traveling Wilburys

Sometimes, compromise can lead to unexpected results. When George Harrison returned to music after years away from the spotlight, his label insisted on one more track for his comeback album. Harrison gathered his friends Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty at Bob Dylan’s home studio, resulting in “Handle With Care.” This impromptu jam session became the foundation for what would become one of rock’s greatest supergroups.

The Elusive Balance

“Dancing in the Street” – Van Halen

Van Halen had earned a well-deserved break by 1982 after years of touring and recording non-stop. However, David Lee Roth convinced them to cut one more album for their label. The result was Diver Down, an album filled with odds and ends from throughout their career. “Dancing in the Street” is one such track that feels like a David Lee Roth solo effort rather than a genuine Van Halen song.

A New Beginning

“What’s Love Got To Do With It” – Tina Turner

Tina Turner’s comeback album Private Dancer was supposed to be her grand entrance back into mainstream music. Instead, she was forced to record pop-infused tracks like “What’s Love Got To Do With It.” While she eventually warmed up to the idea, her heart wasn’t in it initially. This song became a massive hit and a defining moment in her career.

A Toothless Track

“How Do You Do It” – The Beatles

The Beatles’ discography is filled with hits and near-misses alike. One such example is their cover of Mitch Murray’s “How Do You Do It.” George Martin insisted they record this track as part of their early days at EMI Records. While it features strong harmonies and competent playing, there’s no real character behind the performances.

A Bridge Between Eras

“Mary Jane’s Last Dance” – Tom Petty

Tom Petty’s greatest hits compilation needed one more track to complete its lineup. He reluctantly agreed to record “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” which became one of his biggest hits despite being part of an otherwise obligatory project. This song marked a bridge between Petty’s hit-making days with Heartbreakers and his later work as a solo artist.

A Legacy of Compromise

“I Don’t Wanna Know” – Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours era was marked by turmoil and tension within the band. Their Greatest Hits album needed one more track to complete its lineup, leading to “I Don’t Wanna Know.” This song feels like an afterthought rather than a genuine Fleetwood Mac track.

“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” – The Righteous Brothers

This 1964 hit was originally recorded by The Righteous Brothers in 1964, but it didn’t chart well at the time. After the song gained popularity in Europe, Phil Spector convinced the duo to re-record it with a different arrangement and production, which became the hit version we know today.

“Tainted Love” – Soft Cell

Soft Cell’s 1981 cover of Gloria Jones’ 1965 song was originally intended to be a B-side, but its dark, synth-heavy reworking became a huge hit and one of the band’s signature tracks.

“Respect” – Aretha Franklin

While Aretha Franklin wrote and recorded the original version of “Respect” in 1967, it was the Aretha Franklin version that became a huge hit in 1967 after Atlantic Records convinced her to re-record it with a more upbeat tempo and backing vocals.

“I’ll Be There for You” – The Rembrandts

This catchy theme song for the TV show Friends was originally recorded by The Rembrandts in 1995 as an album track, but it wasn’t until it was re-released as a single and re-mixed with additional instrumentation that it became a chart-topping hit.

“Hurt” – Johnny Cash

This cover of Nine Inch Nails’ 1994 song was originally recorded by Johnny Cash in 2003 as part of his American IV: The Man Comes Around album. The song’s dark and introspective lyrics resonated with Cash, who had been struggling with health issues and personal demons at the time.

In conclusion, rerecorded songs can be both a blessing and a curse for artists. While they may lead to unexpected hits or create new opportunities for collaboration, they can also compromise an artist’s creative vision and sense of identity. These 10 examples demonstrate how artists have navigated these challenges throughout their careers, often with mixed results.