Worst. Glam. Cover. Ever.

The first time I heard Sheryl Crow's version of "Sweet Child O' Mine" I was in some random bar in Washington, D.C. Crow's version offended me so much, the hair on my arm sort of stood on end and I ranted a little. Ok, a lot. I remember thinking "I am so writing about this song" but a few days passed and I forgot my rage. Forgot, that is, until I heard the real "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns n' Roses - and then the anger came rushing back.

There are only a few songs that cannot be covered. "Sweet Child O' Mine" is one of those songs. Especially by a pop singer. A female pop singer.

I have to be honest here: I don't hate Sheryl Crow. I've seen her in concert. Her live show is decent. She is not, however, anywhere near as good as Guns n' Roses - and her version of "Sweet Child O' Mine" makes me want to cringe. The song is perfect. It didn't need covered - or changed - in any way, shape or form. It certainly didn't need a modern video.

I have nothing else to say. Just watch the video. Tell me if I'm being too harsh. Something tells me you'll see it my way.

Comments

[Kenny Ozz]

Britney Spears' version of Joan Jett's "I love rock n roll" is GOD AWFUL!! And yes, Crow's version of teh GNR classic is horrid as well.

[r0ck0n]

had I never heard the original, I might like this. but since i have, I don't.

I Love Rock N Roll was already a cover, it was first done by the Arrows. fans of the original probably thought Joan butchered it. haha, something to think about, right?

[Pat]

I had a heated discussion once with a Beatles-loving friend about the merits of Motley's 'Helter Skelter' compared with the original. I had always thought the song seemed tailor-made for a band like Motley to cover, but these opinions work both ways apparently..

[stuff]

Luna did a great cove of Sweet child of Mine

[Gary]

Believe it or not,Carrie Underwood did a good cover of it also.She does covers of a few GnR songs,along with some Skid Row ones.And does a smokin' good job of evey one of them...

[Gary]

Here's a link to an acoustic version of Sweet Child of mine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0KzHlbEk5c

[Jake W.]

what's the purpose of comparing a singer-songwriter to a NINE pieces rock-pop band?

Anyway, that cover was arranged and mixed by the producer Rick Rubin for the "Big Daddy" movie (1998). I thought Sheryl Crow's version wasn't bad at all, she just did it differently. Her singing is solid, clear and absolutely perfect for THAT arrangement. Obviously, some like it, some not.

Oh, I always laugh a bit.when I read: "there are only a few songs that cannot be covered". Arrghh. Please stooop. No offense intended :)

Jake Wicobski

[Michael]

She has a nice voice, but I absolutely hated it. As amazing as Axl's singing is in Sweet Child,the main reason it's so good is Slash's guitar playing. The riff is one of the best of all time, and the 2 solos, especially the second, are some of the best I've ever heard. For this song to be played without the original riff, to me, is just not Sweet Child O' Mine at all. By the way Jake, I don't see what's so funny about some songs not being able to be covered. I agree, Sweet Child is almost as synonymous with GnR as, dare I say, Axl Rose.

[JT]

I agree with Gary about Carrie Underwood. I really enjoy her cover songs (but I hate her originals). She's done Sweet Child O' Mine, I Remember You, and November Rain/Paradise City. They're all on YouTube. Hey, maybe she can join Slash and Duff in Velvet Revolver? LOL

[Lucifer]

I remember hearing this song..... I was watching that film on a coach, not paying any attention, then the song came on, and i was almost violently sick on the people in front, and I had to vent my anger by ranting to my friend about how the song just CANT be covered. So yes, i know EXACTLY where your coming from on this one Allyson.

[Kenny Ozz]

Mariah Carey did a horrendous version of teh Def Leppard classic "bringing on a heartbreak". It sucks too.

[Sean]

Sorry. You're being a little harsh. The cover is not very good. Certainly it's unnecessary, but I don't think there was anything cynical about it and I've heard a lot worse. I actually agree with Jake's comment. I don't think any song should never be covered.

By the way, I know it's not a glam song, but Rod Stewart's version of "Pinball Wizard" is unparalleled in suckiness.

[Kristen]

I understand why Crow covered GNR, but I don't understand why she made this timeless classic rock song into elevator music fodder. She should be taken out back, tied to a swingset and be forced to relive all of her childhood taunts for wrecking mthis song. By the way, all three of my speeding tickets can be attributed to Sweet Child, as the song completely kicks ass. Something about it makes my right foot about 50 lbs heavier. Shame on you, Sheryl Crow!

[Chey]

i don't like carrie underwood and she really shouldn't be doin this kinda music.

yeah i heard this a very long time ago. I couldn't believe it. im not a fan of hers at all. never really liked her.

[Chey]

I actually dig britney's version of i love rock n roll. but then again i was 10 when it came out and i don't think id ever heard the original yet. i still think it rocks.

[don]

too harsh. i wouldn't go out of my way to listen to it nor would i buy it but she does it her way. i do not agree about songs that should never be covered. i just think people should put more thought into what they're doing. worst cover ever would have to be celine dion's atrocious attempt at doing ac/dc's "you shook me all night long."

and by the way, britney spears thought she was covering a pat benatar song. guess the handlers forget to tell her who actually sang it.

[Dori]

I don't hate Crow version that much. She's talented, and has a different aspect of it. If this was her original song, people's impression would be different.

But I also understand why GNR version is better, And you're so used to that version and,the impact is strong.

It just shows how great song writing that is.

Carrie Underwood version really sucked!!

[Rockfighter]

you are spot on about it, hate Crow, and hate the cover even more

[Chey]

bottom line......if your not in a rock n roll band...you don't need to be covering a rock n roll song. Especially when you intend to change the very reason that people liked aobut it in the first place. It will never be good. and sure as hell not as good as the original.

[Eddy M]

Mariah also butchered Opem Arms by Journey. by the time it got passed the first verse and chorus the neighbourhood dogs had lined up around the block.