The five best covers of Blondie
When covering a song by another artist, most have to consider whether to approach one of two directions: remain loyal to the original or transform it into something entirely new. Both approaches can work gracefully, but sometimes artists fall just short, making it lack the essence of the original in the first place. This is what makes covering Blondie a delicate balancing act.
One of the many reasons for this is the ferocity of Debbie Harry’s vocals. While some songs might be easy to sing along to in the shower or driving along in the car, mastering such a range on stage or in the studio is an entirely different game. That’s why so few have come close to re-creating the magic the band had throughout their career, and those who come closer than others still struggle to hit the same level of charm.
However, while it’s not always about reinventing classics, another aspect of Blondie’s appeal is that most of their songs feel like specific moments in time. Aside from the obvious reasons, like the sound and feel of the music, it’s not easy to match the same level of passion and energy that the band brought during their heyday. That said, some have stepped up to the challenge with such force and enthusiasm that they’ve managed to capture the original’s flair and give it new charm.
While some are more impressive than others, like the soaring vocal that defines ‘Heart of Glass’, others are more precise in their magnetism, like the innovative walls of ‘Rapture’ or the intricacy throughout ‘Dreaming’. Throughout each of these covers, however, each artist mastered the art of bringing something new to the table while maintaining a firm footing in what made them so endearing to begin with.
The five best Blondie covers:
Sleeper – ‘Atomic’
From the moment it starts, ‘Atomic’ is a heart-pumping anthemic affair, ripping into different licks and progressions before Harry’s vocals take centre stage. This would be a challenge for any artist to cover, not just because it takes several turns but because it also captures the essence of the hazy thrill of a night out on the dance floor before reality sets back in again.
While Sleeper’s version of this classic is a slightly more laid-back affair than the original, it does well to maintain the original’s upbeat charisma, with a subtle sluggishness that encourages you to slow down and truly appreciate all facets of the song. In other words, it’s the perfect balance of loyalty to the original with a touch of added uniqueness.
Smashing Pumpkins – ‘Dreaming’
Smashing Pumpkins would likely try their hand at any cover if you challenged them hard enough. However, in theory, a band like this shouldn’t do so well covering a song as commanding as ‘Dreaming’, and yet, here we are. Although it seems almost entirely unrecognisable at first, the familiarity creeps in the moment the melody begins, giving the track a subtle melancholic undertone.
While some dislike when covers veer too far away from the original, something about this interpretation feels endearingly hypnotic and refreshing, almost as if the band weren’t too bothered about whether they were going to make a good version or not. That said, this detachment enhances its appeal, giving it a somewhat aloof feel.
Erasure – ‘Rapture’
Given that ‘Rapture’ is already a perfect version of what it is, any cover of the song always comes with a somewhat intriguing quality. After all, some songs are best left alone, meaning that no one should try to cover this song unless they’re really equipped to do so talent-wise. One entity that you can trust to do the job is Erasure, who gave it just the right amount of oomph to make it feel their own.
While there are moments when everything seems to venture off-course, like their oddly electronic take on Harry’s signature rap section, the rest falls into place nicely, evoking the kind of aura you’d find in the chaos of strobe lights and electronic beats on a darkened dance floor. Ultimately, it’s a swirling abyss that draws you in, even when you’re unsure whether you’re enjoying yourself or not.
The Last Dinner Party – ‘Call Me’
Everything The Last Dinner Party does seems to turn to gold. Ever since their explosive arrival on the scene with Prelude to Ecstasy, people have remained entranced by their off-kilter take on modern indie rock, particularly with lead singer Abigail Morris, who exudes the kind of endearing charisma that’s much needed in today’s rigid musical landscape.
That’s why it’s no surprise that their take on ‘Call Me’ is particularly enjoyable. Not only do they perform the song exceptionally well, but they do so with an added layer of playfulness, making it an entrancing affair that feels effortlessly seasoned from start to finish. If this is the level they’re currently playing at, no one is ready for what they might pull off in the future.
Miley Cyrus – ‘Heart of Glass
Miley Cyrus could probably sing anything and do it extraordinarily well. With her impressive vocal range and unparalleled stage presence, Cyrus always brings something effortlessly impassioned to the table, making any song feel like it’s her story to tell. Therefore, it’s no surprise that she would take on something as massive as ‘Heart of Glass’.
While the singer goes a little harder on the vocals here, it works well, giving the song more punch while still capturing its intended emotional depth. The cherry on top is Cyrus’ stage charisma, which makes it seem like the song itself was holding itself in, waiting for the right opportunity to explode in a haze of pent-up energy.
Even Harry later gave it her stamp of approval, saying: “More recently, I liked what Miley Cyrus did with ‘Heart of Glass’. She’s made it a bit herself, which is the art of a great cover.”
