Reflection 07-A: Under the Covers—The Science of Cover Songs

Note: This week you have the option to choose from two different prompts. Do only one, either 07-A or 07-B. Each is only one full page.

A cover is a song performed by someone other than the original artist. From the beginning of recorded music, artists have freely helped themselves to the repertoire of others. Though often used as tributes to admired artists, covers also open songs to wildly different interpretations. This is especially true in the era of YouTube, where any song (and any take on it) is fair game. As a result, both pros and amateurs have taken covers from the unexpected to the unconventional to the sublime. (Of course, these can go terribly wrong, too.) For this reflection, discuss the science of a great cover song, including why they so often go wrong. finally, do you have a favorite cover or two?

Include one of the following in your discussion:

• "30 Cover Songs That Are Better Than the Original" (Pigeons & Planes) 
• "Rolling Stone Readers Choose the Worst Cover Songs of All Time" (Rolling Stone)
• "21 Cover Songs that Make You Realize How Amazing the Originals Were (Buzzfeed)
• "20 Famous Songs You Had No Idea Were Covers" (VH1)
• "3 Rules for Great Cover Songs" (Musicalis Electica)
• "How Karmin and Other Viral Stars Turn YouTube Covers into Major Label Deals" (Billboard)

Required:

• Must be in MLA Style
• Must be one page in length
• Include a works cited page

Due: SEC. 03 & 23—WE 11.06; Sec. 86—TU 10.07