J Records signee Jazmine Sullivan and Grammy award winning Amy Winehouse are both amazing vocalists. Both ladies recorded the Thelonious Monk jazz classic, “‘Round Midnight” in recent years and put their own twist to it. It was interesting because it wasn’t until I listened to the words that I realized that it was even the same song. I just familiarized myself with the Amy Winehouse version, but I am quite familiar with Jazmine Sullivan’s version, considering that it was one of the first few records I’ve heard from her.
♫ Amy Winehouse - ‘Round Midnight
“‘Round Midnight” has been recorded in greater frequency than any other jazz standard composed by a jazz musician, so you’ve probably heard some more of your favorite artists sing it before. I can’t make a decision, but in my opinion, both versions are great in their own way. But what do you think? Who sang it better? The troubled artist or the young newcomer? [ THANX TO MASON FOR SENDING THIS IN ]
Haven’t heard much from Miss Blu Cantrell in a long time, so it’s so interesting to me that she decided to take the instrumental from the popular crossover hit, “Apologize.” The track, which appears on Timbaland’s Shock Value album, was recorded by OneRepublic and the original version appears on their debut album, Dreaming Out Loud.
I’ve gotta be quite honest: I hate Blu’s version. That song is beautiful to me and it’s just not meant for all of that. Not only that, what is she supposed to doing - or what is she trying to do? Is there a new album in the works for Ms. Cantrell? In any event, it’s just way too much over the song. But who do you think sang it better?
Beyonce had a whole mess of unreleased tracks from her B’Day sessions and Mario has had some trouble with album release dates (Go! has been pushed back a lot since last year), so they both had some leftover tracks and time to mess around in the studio. So, here are two different version of the song “If.” Beyonce’s version is very melodic, and full of drama - from the vocal arrangement, to the production. It reminds of me of something out of a musical, while Mario’s version is more R&B-flavored song (he sings similar lyrics to the Beyonce version, but over Trey Songz’s “Can’t Help But Wait” track).
Even though they are two completely different takes on the song, you know we have to ask the question… who sang it better? Did Beyonce kill it, or did Mario do the song justice?
I was excited when I saw that Tweet was releasing a new album, Love, Tweet. For a long time, she has been one of my favorite artists, and Southern Humming bird will remain a classic to me. But upon downloading the new song to sample it, I realized that it was the same song that I’d posted about a month ago with Ciara and T.I. I lifted an eyebrow. Not only did I not like that Ciara version, I wondered why Tweet would choose this song as a first single for her upcoming album.
I was thoroughly disappointed, hoping this version of the song would give me something else, but it didn’t. It still drags to me and the vocal stacking clashes for me. I’m very disappointed. But it wouldn’t be fair to say that Tweet is famous for this. She always releases a single that differs drastically from the bulk of material of her album. I hope I can get some more of that classic Tweet sound.
Under their umbrellas? So I thought that this was pretty funny that Mandy Moore decided to cover Rihanna’s huge crossover smash, “Umbrella.” I first heard this song on MTV’s popular “reality” series, The Hills. I’m not really a fan of the show, but I just happened to be at a friend’s house and there she was singing “Umbrella.”[Apparently, the version that was on ‘The Hill’s’ wasn’t Mandy Moore, it was Marie Digby. View her version here.] In all honesty, this just proves the crossover appeal of this song. I’ve heard country version of this song, and here’s a soft-rock ballad version and it actually is listenable. I can’t even hate, this version has something likable about it. Of course, they serve two different purposes. Rihanna’s “Umbrella” (written and produced by The Dream) goes hard in the club and in the car, and Mandy’s version is for those kick back nights with your boo.
[However, I will say this. This just goes to show you that white folks will forever take something that black people have done before, throw some blonde hair on it and their people will go up for it. We can never have some stuff to ourselves.] Some people may have forgot that this is a blog, which means we are entitled to our opinions. Even if you don’t agree with what Brian said, you can at least speak on it maturely. Thanx for your time. -Angel
The song “Bed” has been heating up all over the radio. Everyone seems to love it. Produced by Los Da Mystro and written by the Dream (who we just did a feature on, as well as the man who brought to you Rihanna’s “Umbrella”). It turns out that Dream also recorded his own version of “Bed,” which I’m sure was probably a guide vocal that he’d sent to the label before J. Holiday recorded it. I’m a little torn, because to me, they sound similar, Dream’s version is just a little more raw, of course. I think my ear has just been trained to J. Holiday’s version. Dream has his own project out on the way, but you know we’ve got to ask the question: Who sang it better? It’s up to you.
J. Holiday - Bed (full) - REMOVED The Dream - Bed (full) - download / alternate
Make sure you support J. Holiday’s new album, Back of My Lac, due out October 2nd, and check our exclusive interview with him. Also, don’t forget to check out The Dream on MySpace and look for more heat coming from his way.
I knew! I knew it! I knew it! I knew there was something about this song! Sean Kingston’s hit single, which I can confidently say that I was never a fan of, was also recorded by Blackground recording artist, JoJo. You may remember her from her hit song “Get Out” or her recent album The High Road, released last year.
I can honestly say that I’m in love with JoJo’s voice, so her version is a lot more ‘listenable’ to me. Something told me that this song had been around for a while and they were just waiting for the right time (and the right artist) to drop it. Even though I still wasn’t ready for it, it seems like radio is eating it up. So which version do you like better?
