Cat Stevens vs. Mr. Big

I had absolutely no idea Mr. Big covered “Wild World” by Cat Stevens. I heard the song for the first time this week while listening to the 90s channel on satellite radio. I’ve got to say…the original is better. I typically enjoy Mr. Big, but I was not impressed with this rendition of the song at all.

Yes, the cut is on Bump Ahead and I did own a copy at one time...but I guess it never registered with me that this was a cover. Either that or I always fast-forwarded through the track.

I am having a hard time pinpointing what I don’t like about Mr. Big’s cover…maybe it’s a lack of sincerity? Maybe it’s because the original is too damn recognizable? Apparently I’m the only one who doesn’t like the Mr. Big version because it was a big Billboard hit for the band.

Mr. Big’s version:

Cat Stevens' version:

That said, I think Mr. Big are a phenomenal band comprised of top notch musicians. Did I mention Billy Sheehan is on bass in these clips? Yes, he owns just about every other bass player on the planet. Of course you love "To Be With You." I mean, we already know none of us care about little boys that talk to much, so what else is there to add?

Now, for my very favorite Mr. Big song "Just Take My Heart." I am not sure why every video this band makes looks the same, but maybe they all have the same director or something. At any rate, I think this track is superb - no matter what the haters say.

Alright, spill it. I figure some of the comments will be interesting today.

Comments

[Christian]

Mr Big is full of awesome musicians, but their output plain sucks. The Drill song is the only track of theirs I like, and that's from listening to their 'best of'.

[BillyKiss]

I think Jimmy Cliff's version is the best cover of that song check it out by visiting the below link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EeDskY8Jgg

[BillyKiss]

adding further to the above comment Eric Martin did join TMG after Mr Big split check out the below.

http://www.youtube.com/watchv=USOg1yfdzB4&feature=related

[BillyKiss]

sorry try this link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USOg1yfdzB4&feature=related

[red6ixx]

I just couldnt get into Mr Big at all. Its one of the few bands of the era that happened with.

[MotleyCrue666]

I love Mr. Big and i have to disagree with u srry. but Paul's guitar just rocks on that track. Cat Stevens is to boring.

[Christine]

I enjoyed Mr. Big's version of Wild World. Do I think it's better than the original? No, but I still liked it. I think most cover songs fall short of the original.

I also enjoyed Mr. Big as a band, but I don't think they were the best band from that era. You can't deny that they had a couple of the best musicians around. Paul Gilbert and Billy Sheehan? Shut up...they f-ing rock.

Christine
http://hellonhighheels.blogspot.com/

[Gary]

My favorite from them is "Green Tinted 60's Mind". IMHO,Paul Gilbert is hands down one of the best guitarists I've ever heard.And like Allyson so aptly put it, Billy Sheehan does pretty much own every bass player from that(or any) era.Yet their output never really matched the individual talents in that band.

[Rob Rockitt]

I never liked either version of this song.

[don]

i still prefer Geddy Lee over Sheehan any day of the week.

[aXe mAn]

I think that's an Ok, cover. I have their '91 release, "Lean Into It"...it's a pretty good album, some good songs on it. Some filler though, too.
Just like Gary said, I don't think their output never really matched the individual talents in that band.
Paul Gilbert has some good guitar skills, his previous band Racer X, I'm a big fan of.

[Tommy]

"Lalalalala....Oh, baby, baby, it's a wild world, It's hard to get by just upon a smile, Oh, baby, baby, it's a wild world and I'll always remember you like a child, girl..."

Now I'll have that song stuck in my head today. =)

Mr. Big's version is okay, but nothing like the real thing. I think Cat Stevens really put his soul in singing his song. Mr. Big sounds like some record executive got the rights for them to cover the song and forced it upon them to do. I suppose music is sometimes like a job and you have to do things that others think is the greatest thing since slice bread. I don't understand that statement, though. There have been some great things since slice bread - like toast.