Cover Songs

       I have selected the “Hey Ya” by Outkast, not even because I like the song because compared to its acoustic version the Outkast version does not compare. The acoustic version I heard, I believe on an episode of Scrubs, was by Obadiah Parker, played by just him and an acoustic guitar. Both songs feature the same LYRICS and MELODY, however the RHYTHM is slowed and the INTENSITY is much lower because Obadiah Parker sings his version with an acoustic guitar while Outkast uses a variety of instruments and drum beats. The OBJECTIVE material found within the lyrics seem much more involved and heartfelt than when sung over a hip-hop/pop beat. The two songs have a great AFFINITY, as they are identical in lyrics and melody.

            The lyrics are identical, however when sung with an acoustic guitar at a slower pace, the words are much easier to hear and clearer to understand, which makes the song seem more emotional and meaningful than it seems as a rap version. The intensity of  Parker’s singing voice is much less than the intensity of Andre 3000’s unorthodox singing/rapping style. There are quite a few songs that I’ve heard and albums that feature artists that do this very thing, cover hip-hop songs with acoustic instruments. Ben Folds does a great version of Dr. Dre’s “Bitches Ain’t Shit.”

            The hip-hop version is much faster and much more intense. The song is driven by a heavy drum beat, featuring bass and snare. There is an acoustic guitar also in there but it is barely audible. Other than the drums, the melody, the sung lyrics, are much less of a force than they are in the acoustic version. Andre’s voice is much louder and intense. The chorus in this version also seems to be louder and more intense, it contributes more to the driving drum line than the chorus sung by Parker. Parker’s chorus slows down the song, while Outkast’s helps drive it along.

            The songs are in fact very similar and show a great affinity, while at the same time, the portray two very different moods. In Outkast’s music video, there are a ton of shots showing people dancing and having a good time listening to the song and “shakin’ it like a Polaroid picture,” it is shown as being happy, upbeat and fun. Through Parker, it seems much more emotional. The lone voice, and somber acoustic guitar add a very heartfelt vibe to the song. Even in listening to the song it is very easy to start tapping along or bobbing your head because “Hey Ya” by Outkast is a very catchy upbeat song. The driving drums, catchy hook, and upbeat tempo make it a very easy song to listen to and enjoy. On the other hand, Obadiah Parker offers a much more somber feel, almost sad. Even though the Outkast version is the big hit and was on top of the charts I prefer the acoustic version, mostly because I’m a fan of acoustic songs, especially acoustic guitars and piano, there are a lot of acoustic covers of songs out there but this particular cover I like more than its original.