[MP3] 30 Seconds To Mars - Stronger
Oh, Jared Leto.. what have you done? Actually, it's quite clear what's happening here: Kanye's smash-hit single has been slowed down and horribly emotionalized to match the haircut and outfit that Leto (so shamefully) sports while moaning the words to "Stronger". It's (generically) hard to take a hip hop song and transform it into a rock ballad, Leto and Co. displaying those difficulties. The best part of this song is the faint electronic beat in the background that resembles the original track, but not even the electronics nor Leto's emotional wailing at the end can salvage this 6 minute cover. You'll probably laugh, I sure as hell did. As you're chuckling, just remember that Jared only did this "for Kate" - or so he disclaims at the end of the tune.
[MP3] Mark Ronson - God Put A Smile Upon Your Face (feat. The Daptone Horns)
From bad covers to great covers, Ronson has yet to put out a cover that I've disliked. He's got an extremely creative way of taking popular songs and putting an innovative twist on them; effectively making another artist's song sound all his own. He implements a superb brass section played by The Daptone Horns, who basically give this song its Coldplay feel. Ronson's best move is showing that Coldplay songs can be better without a vocalist! He doesn't try to mimic Chris Martin, rather speeding up the tempo of the song and letting the great instrumentation do all the crooning.
[MP3] Of Montreal - Don't Stop Believing (Live)
Any of you party lovin' collegians or 80s lovin' citizens of the free world know this song. It's the type of song that comes on at a party, and whether you love it or hate it, almost everyone starts to sing it. What band wouldn't want to cover a song that everyone knows the words to? Of Montreal have a knack for picking great/interesting songs to cover at their shows, this musical apple not falling far from the cover tree. Only one question remains: did Kevin Barnes keep his clothes on during this cover?
69 comments:
30 Seconds To Mars cover of 'Stronger'
OK, here's my opinion, for what it's worth!
This song, performed by Jared & Co, is so much more, dare I say it - emotional, compelling, and (forgive me for being a girl...) sexier than Kayne's!
Jareds voice fits it so well, and it's a great showcase for his vocals.
I never gave Kanye's version any time, but this 30STM version is now a firm favourite.
And somehow I don't think I'm the only one who thinks this...
Where can i hear this song ? ^^
i think stronger from 30stm is an amazing cover ..its full of emotions and jared sings it great to all the bad review iwould say ..i like to see you all do better!! and befotre judging a song i would say listen to it first !! it mite suprise you !!
30 stm is amazing ..and they wil always stay that way !!
I think that 30STM version is more sentimental, atmospheric, artistic and skilfully made than the original version is. But that's only my humble opinion as a musician...
You're absolutely right Suze, I'm totallty with you! This cover is way better than the original song. Jared's voice is at its best, guitar sounds amazing, what more could we possibly want? I have no idea what's wrong with emotionalizing songs. Some people are just weird in their points of view.
I think that 30STM version is more sentimental, atmospheric, artistic and skilfully made than the original version is. But that's only my humble opinion as a musician...
Mania
If emotional songs disgust you so much, why the hell did you do the review? Do us a favor and keep listening to Kanye and stay away from 30STM. As far as I can tell the cover was amazing, the original was crap.
I think it's really great cover, I love it !!!!
Wow.funny I thought that it was an amazing performance.
full of genuine emotions and passion..
I don't say this just because I love the band either.People I know who are not even fans,agree that it is the best version..a very well done and beautiful version..
A hip hop song can't be transformed into a rock ballad?Why the hell not ..because then would have to step outside their proverbial comfort zone and think just a little deeper?Open their minds just a little? And be forced to admit that maybe there are more than one way to do things.
They took a chance and tried something a little different ..."an experiment that went incredibly well"...just like as was stated about the acoustic version of The Kill.
So listen again,and try to see this performance for what it was.
Which was nothing short of brilliant!!!
Don't judge what you could never understand.
J
This version of 'Stronger' was the best I ever heard! Jared & co really did an amazing job! We were there, listening in front of the BBC1 studio, goose bumps all over...
Btw, it was a challenge and they took it, who else would dare?
And Suze, you're not the only one indeed....
OMG you must be off you rocker to think that 30stm destroyed this song i only wish they had written it first.
oh and what is wrong with a song being emotional? I totally agree with Pooprick !
Ok, so you are suffering some sort of ear infection ,i'm sorry for you,but when you get better LISTEN again.This is brilliant i wouldnt give Kanye's the air play.It's what we expect from 30 SECONDS TO MARS and they ALWAYS deliver!
In your limited knowledge, negative commentators, of all things musical and otherwise did you not realize that Kanye West ripped off the sample in the background from a Daft Punk song called 'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger', then never bothered to deviate form the formula of a song that he probably never even bothered to listen to in it's entirety?
Have whatever opinion you like of 30 Seconds To Mars, but at least when a cover was done of Kanye's version, they gave him the respect of changing things up and giving it their own take instead of a ridiculous, out of place parody that should never have been done at all like Kanye's crap "original".
But, 30 Seconds To Mars are ARTISTS, unlike other "musicians" who take the original material of other artists and imitate it because they're too chicken shit to come up with anything on their own, so go at somebody else, somebody who isn't creating anything.
Maybe Kanye West has a MySpace page you could go critique?
Jared did this song justice. atleast he can actually sing. it was a great cover. i hate the orginal....you cant call it music.
Well, for what it's worth I thought you did a fine job reviewing that laughable piece of tripe. Keep up the good work
MELISSA SAY: No!!!! YOU MUST BE WRONG JARED LETO & HIS BAND DID A GREAT ,BRILLIANT STRONGER COVER MUCH BETTER THAN ORIGINAL
YEAH JARED VOICE SOUNDED AMAZING
AND HIS BAND TOO
I LIKE A BIT ORIGINAL VERSION BUT THIS 30STM COVER'S UNBELIEVABLE
YES REALLY SO EMOTIONAL , VERY DEEP I LOVE SO MUCH 30STM COVER
THE BEST COVER I'VE HEARD
AND I'M EXPERT IN MUSIC .
EXCUSEME BUT YOU'RE COMPLETLY DRUNK TO SAY IT THAT
AMAZING 30TM COVER YEAH THE BEST ON EARTH
i see the 30SM fanboys and girls are out in full force today
you guys work quick, there must be a link to this post on some fan forum
this version is extremely amazing and the original is shit
i hate kanye west
but the cover it was sooooo wonderful i loved his jared voice and the band played very well
they're fantastic to change that shit instead a amazing song
now i love stronger song but played by 30stm
it's just my opinion
bye
Oh my goodness... did you listen to the same song me and my friends did Nathaniel??
You say in your post that is id hard to take a hip hip song and transform it into a rock ballad... so i ask myself... do you know what a rock ballad sounds like?
I don't mean any offence, it's just that my opinion is that 30STM didn't just "turn it into" one, they did a lot of work to give it their own sound so that you didn't think you were hearing the same song just in a slightly different way.. like many people do to churn out another hit.
You are obviously not a fan, and not everyone can like the same things, but you can't knock their technical capabilities. They did an AMAZING job, and deserve the recognition that comes with that.
Long live the Echelon!!
Katrina
I love the cover jared and the guys did!!! I love it so much i'm just lost for words!!!!!
i luv it its much beta than kanyes but then again the point of live lounge is 2 do covers in ur own style marilyn mansons justin cover was better than the originalthe auomatic with golddigger... poor kanye other people do his songs better than him. i managed 2 download it off youtube but i hope its on the nxt live lounge compilation. yes its more emotional they r a rock band its wot they do give songs more meaning release it as a single!
emma
Guess you really don't want to be taken seriously writing a review like this, making it very clear that you don't care very much for Jared or 30 Seconds To Mars at all, well, that's really your choice. But this was a cover version of the song, what do you want out of a cover? A complete replica of the original? Doing a cover the whole point of it must be making it "your" way, giving the song a whole new sound. To me this is a brilliant cover!
Jareds voice and the whole arrangement of the song brings a whole new dimension to it, in my humble openion. I'm not a big fan of Kanye West and his version, I must say, but the version by 30 Seconds To Mars has been on repeat on my ipod, car stereo and laptop since I first heared it.
So a suggestion to you. If you hate Jared and the guys that much, why the hell bother to write about them or listen to them? What is your problem? Are you scared of admitting that there are more than one way of doing things? Or are you simply just doing this for the attention.... Either way, Jared and 30 STM are very talented guys as I'm sure Kanye West is too, but thank God we don't all like the same music, and luckily most people keep themselves from trash takling what they don't really get :)
It's fnny I was thinking about all these negative comments that I read yesterday about 30 Seconds to Mars' cover of Stronger and Kanyes version came on. I've heard it before but never paid any attention to it, so I listened. Kanyes version is more dancy and unpersonal. He sings it as if he's thinking I wonder how much I'm getting paid for this song. He shows NO emotion in it, no real connection to it. In the 30 Seconds to Mars version, there is so much emotional connection that you forget it's a cover and think it's an original. The changes they made to the song to fit them are perfect. The song is not on any of their cd's and I'm not sure if it will be so therefore they aren't wondering how much money they're going to be making off of it. Jareds voice is magical and real, he sings songs his way and hopes that his fans will love it. He doesn't change it just to make money. So back off you non-believers! 30 Seconds to Mars is now and forever will be the most amazing band you'll ever hear.
Kyna[ECHELON]
The Coldplay cover is really cool - it's always neat to see people take the lyrics, but change the sound.
I love the cover and i like both versions,Jared's voice is amazing...Shannon,Tomo and Jared have talent and they share it with us.
Kanye's version is awesome too...
Kayne West's verson was okay, however 30 Seconds to Mars made it way better! :D I definitely love the 30STM version!!! When a person raps, the song kind of loses a certain vibe it could have had. However, when it is done right - it turns out amazingg!! 30STM's version is much more emotional and meaningful! Nothing's wrong with a little challenge! :) They took the challenge and succeded! 30STM is AMAZING!! :D Look at how many other people agree!!
Alyssa
You are an ignorant fuck. Your hearing ability must obviously be defective if you can't understand and appreciate the beauty of 30 Seconds To Mars' cover of "Stronger".
I truly agree with all the BELIEVERS on the song Stronger by 30 STM. It was done beautifully and with passion. Jared's voice gives the song more power and sensuality. Something i have not felt in a song for a long time. The way he sings, PERIOD, gives me the chills. But, I believe he blew Kanye out of the water with this one. And Jared didn't have to use his potty mouth to do it either...LOL It is now my most favorite song in the world. It kicked Depeche Mode's Sweetest Perfection to 2nd...LMAO. I love it. Keep up the good work guys. You are AWESOME. We all love you so much. I'm sure i speak for everyone.
PROVEHITO IN ALTUM
30 Seconds to mars did a great job with this new Stronger's version!!It's just amazing!!I'm a big fan of the band and they are great artists!!I can't stop listening to this song!!
I don't like the original..with this version
they created a new and amazing "Stronger"!I love them!!
i do think you'll find a HUGE amount of people disagree with you.
Its a great cover of the song and i think is better than the original.
way more heart has gone into it.
Jared Leto... what have you done?
What he's done is turn a semi-ok rap song, into an incredible, entrancing powerful rock ballad!!!
Everyone who says different, may just have a difference in opinion on music, but guess what? Jared has one of the most incredible voices to ever hit the music industry, and he uses to his full extent in this song!
I loved it, I couldn't stop listening to it. Still can't actually...
Fuck the non-believers!!!
-Kayla [echelon]
Provehito In Altum!!!
ok look... I dont care if you didn't like the cover. Each to his own. If it's just not your thing, that's fine.
My problem is you didn't have to be such a jackass about it.
Just do us all a favor and leave Jared the fuck alone.
Holy shit. These comments are amazing.
I don't hate Jared Leto or 30STM. But this cover made me laugh it was so lame. And the comments from the pro-30 people are ten times funnier.
Nataniel - why do you hate emtion and passion?!
This was an awesome cover of a totally mediocre song....at least with this version there is some emotion/feeling conveyed. No there are no high priced,half naked girls dancing behind 30 STM,the reason being,THEY DON'T NEED THAT SHIT.They say what they say what they are feeling and that's it,no bling required.long live the echelon...
30 seconds to mars is disappointing.
this song rapes kanye.
and that is upsetting.
Hi...I did not know who Kayne West was until this cover...so, I listened to both versions.
As I dislike rappers/hop hoppers, and Kayne Wests' version is not that brilliant...30STMs version outshines...The band perfromed a lovely cover, with an etheral quality and haunting vocals...
Well done 30STM
Lara from Australia
Just the other day I listened to both Kanye's and 30STM of this song. First off what Kanye does is not singing. I hear not one lyric in his voice. 30STM took a rap song, redid the damn thing and made it 200x better. The song is very moving. I heard absolutely no difficulties from Jared, Tomo, Shannon or Tim at any time during the song. The people who hate it only do so becasue it has been so very long sinc ethey heard good music. Rap has closed the hearts and ears of people and thanks to 30 STM, we are finally getting something decent to listen to.
good god, this song makes me want to slit my wrists!
but thats a good thing right!?
These comments are ridiculous. I dislike both versions. 30stm just makes me writhe in agony for 3 additional minutes. I think Kayne West is an egomaniac and Jared Leto is just trying to capitalize on the disdain and disenfranchisement of today's youth. Also I admire who ever sent up the 30 seconds to mars signal and it was good to hear from all 30 fans.
i love this son
fuckin luv it
Come on, they're both utter shit. The 30STM version sounds like it was pooped out of Daughtry's ass, eaten by Nickeleback, and pooped again.
i thought it was awesome,
way better than the kanye version
& so sexy
Echelon Love
.Livv.
I must agree I am not a Kanye fan its just not my type of music but when Jared brought it on it is now one of my favorites so to those who dont care for it get over keep your CLOSE MINDED thoughts to yourself I mean cmon at least I gave kanyes version a listen and I didnt bash him because I didnt care for it he is an artist too and anyone who bashes Kanye or Jared for this is just Jealous that they didnt come up with it themselves ugh Get a Life!!
This sounds like some 80's bullshit. Seriously.
OMG Seriously... teeny bopper 30 seconds to mars fanatics-go back to your forum or at least go back to applying your black eyeliner to keep yourself busy. there is no reason this post should have 40+ comments.
If ya like the 30STM cover or not, it's discussed everywhere.
God job, guys *gg*
BTW : it's dafty but SEXY !
Clearly some 30 Seconds to Mars site has linked to this blog. It has been soiled.
In other news, 30 Seconds to Mars is like having Jared Leto shit in your ear. I imagine most of the people posting above would actually dig that.
30 Seconds to Mars' street team, known only by their demonic masters as "The Echelon", is spamming various music blogs, blindly swearing allegiance to this cover as if actually reflects the quality of the song.
Seriously. Check out the shit Stereogum is getting.
These Echelon people are literally a blind, loyalist hivemind with no free thinking. Someone on stereogum's comments actually said: "Jared is who he is who he is and thats why he has so many people love him and whoever dosen't like it they have to step to the echelon."
Oh my god.
Wow... the comments just kept coming and coming. Very entertaining.
Kanye's version of Stronger never hit me in any kinda way.
But 30stm version puts tears inmy eyes, like all the other's saids its way more emotional.
I would just like to answer to " Oh God I Figured It Out ". I'm an "Echelon" and I'm rather clever to separate my opinions to the music which I listen to and which I defend.
You can appreciated or not 30STM, but you don't have right to judge something that you don't know.
Maybe "Kanye West" is your cup of tea, alright. All tastes are in nature, so respect this!
I really love this cover of Stronger because it make ME "vibrate" juste like every songs of 30STM !
a Proud French Echelon
OH GOD! How could I miss it?
THE EMOTION, THE PASSION, THE REFERENCES TO A BLACK KATE MOSS. Such depth, such beauty; vivid and illuminating, thick with literary prowess and intense metaphors about blonde dykes.
My eyes have been opened by the sheer beauty of this outstanding cover of a hip hop song by a band that wears eyeliner.
Thank you, 30STM. With this song, you saved my life.
are you fucking retarded? This cover sounds like whitesnake! 30 seconds to mars is one of the least talented bands I have ever heard. Jared should have just stuck to acting
Great post! Seeing as you know music so well, I thought I'd introduce you to LuxuriaMusic.com, a great place to "Tune In. Turn On. Make Out."
Sweet Jesus that is horrible. If I were Kate I'd give it back. Henny, the "I'd like to see you do it better" argument is high school bullshit. If everybody were required to "do" the things they criticize, entire (worthwhile) fields of study would disappear. No..I could not "do it better," but that doesn't mean I can't see a piece of shit and call it a piece of shit just because I can't reproduce that piece of shit better than the shitter.
That 20stm song is rather boring - despite what these fanboys claim.
Of Montreal on the other hand? Rocks.
Don't stop believin kids, don't stop.
Ok I'm one of those "pathetic" Echelons as you so "kindly" call us. I'm not out to disrespect Kanye in any way, I just think it's sad that people are so afraid to see that there are more than one way to approach a song. I mean thank GOD that not all artist sound the same (too many of them do already).
30STM made a cover that made me listen to a song that I not normally would have liked. This version I adore, I think it's brilliantly done. I honestly really thought that was the thing about cover songs, to add the personal touch to it, that's what 30STM did with this...
Oh well, I'm going back to applying more black eyeliner now, and maybe think about having a life sometime... *LOL*
HildeM [Echelon, and actually proud to be!]
I have been addicted to this song from the very first time I heard it. Jared sings with such a haunting passion and I dare anyone to say anything different. The way in which they chose to arrange this song is nothing short of brilliant and it beautifully showcases the strength and power of his vocals. There is a raw intensity in his tone that is breathtaking and pulls you in right from the start. Please don't judge a stereotype nor judge them for having the strength to step out of the box and take a risk. Before you judge I urge you to give it another listen. His delivery is captivating and heartfelt and deserves your respect.
yeah sure, it's very different. But different doesn't necessarily make it. This 30stm didn't do it for me.
I wish I had the time to stir up so much "emotion" and coordinate a mass defense of the beloved mangina known as Jared Leto, whose notable achievements include getting the shit kicked out of him by Edward Norton, and of course, his flawless usage of eyeliner.
"It's time to forget about the past
To wash away what happened last
Hide behind an empty face
Don't ask too much, just say
'Cause this is just a game"
He's like Townes Van Zandt, Bob Dylan, and Elliott Smith all rolled into one!!!
Gonna deviate from that crowd and actually NOT refer to 30STM. Instead, of Montreal's pathetic sing along of Journey's classic has got to be the worst ever. If Steve Perry were dead he'd be rolling over in his grave. And as for KB keeping his clothes on...they always told me, when you don't have the talent to actually sing or play music, rely on some gimmic. But trying to sing with your schwanz hanging out? Gimme a break. Low class? No class. -OBD
For the record I agree with you.
I don't think it's as terrible as you said. But Kanye's version is better.
It's refreshing to hear the clone of the Emo in voice. So strong and persuasive - long may their movement continue.
the "Stronger" cover.. it sounds like a 80's pop song...
it suuuuuuuuuuuucks
I think it's really funny that all these people are saying that you shouldn't stereotype. How many of these 30 seconds to mars fans said in their posts that they just didn't like Kanye West? It struck me while i was reading the humongous number of posts that perhaps a cover is supposed to bring a good song to people liking a different genre... That's why all these fans like this, in my mind, rather pathetic version. 30STM fans WANT to hear an emotional, gripping song. Not because the song is any different than any other by the band, but because that's what they want from music. And before you disparage Kanye's version, think about his song. A rapper taking a sample from an electronica band? Not done very often, which will always make me respect Stronger, even if i didn't like it.
This is a load of crap
no way does this deserve any credit
its a discrase to take such a masterpies and rubish it
what the hell is echelon?
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