Do Artists Ever Record Covers of Their Own Songs?
Yes, artists frequently record covers of their own songs for various reasons. This practice has been a part of the music industry for decades, especially during the 20th century. Let's delve into this fascinating world of re-recordings and covers.
Popular Examples of Covering Own Songs
One famous instance is Neil Diamond's “I'm A Believer”. This song was originally recorded during his Bang sessions in 1966. Later, in 2010, he released “I'm A Believer” on his album titled Dreams. Interestingly, he initially gave the song to the Monkees. This is just one of many examples where artists choose to revisit and re-record tracks they have previously released.
Cyndi Lauper: Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Cyndi Lauper's Girls Just Want to Have Fun is another track that has seen multiple versions. This song was originally released in the early 1980s. Lauper later re-recorded it for a Christmas compilation album, creating a charming twist on her signature track.
LeAnn Rimes: How Do I Breathe
LeAnn Rimes' hit song How Do I Breathe also has a cover version. The original track was released in the 1990s, but she later re-recorded and re-released it for a movie soundtrack, adding a fresh layer to an already popular song.
Annette Funicello: My Love
Another interesting example comes from Annette Funicello, the late Beach Party star. She had a surprise hit with her acoustic version of “How Will I Know My Love”. Walt Disney and his team then produced a cover version featuring a full orchestra and choir, which sold poorly compared to the original.
Reasons for Re-recording Songs
Artists often revisit and re-record songs for several reasons. Perhaps they weren't satisfied with their initial vocal performance or the production quality. Re-recording the same song can also provide an opportunity to experiment with different instrumentation or even different genres.
David Bowie: John I'm Only Dancing
Demonstrating this point, David Bowie released his track John I'm Only Dancing as a non-album single in September 1972. In 1974, he re-recorded it with a disco-funk arrangement and new lyrics, releasing it as a single in 1979 and including it on the compilation album Changes One Bowie. This updated version showcases Bowie's willingness to evolve and experiment.
Kate Bush: Wuthering Heights
Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush is another striking example of re-recording. It was her debut single, reaching number one in the UK and several other countries. In 1986, she released a remixed version of the song with new vocals for her compilation album The Whole Story. This version also appeared as the B-side to her single Experiment IV.
Conclusion
From the iconic Neil Diamond's “I'm A Believer” to David Bowie's John I'm Only Dancing and Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights, these examples illustrate the rich tradition of artists revisiting and re-recording their own songs. Whether it's for personal satisfaction, artistic evolution, or commercial reasons, this practice remains a significant aspect of the music industry.
Understanding the reasons behind these re-recordings can deepen our appreciation of an artist's work and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of music.