Jun 10, 2011
There are few things more exciting than taking a goofy pop song and making it metal. Hardcore metal bands take well-known pop songs and make it their own, and really bring it to life. The rock flavors create a spicy remake that I definitely prefer over the original pop crap. Take a look at the top 10 pop songs that have been covered by rock artists to actually become good music, and the artists that worked their magic.
Korn – Cameo’s “Word Up!”
In 1986 the group known as Cameo recorded a hip hop and funk song titled Word Up!, and thanks to radio time and a music video for the new-ish MTV, this became Cameo’s biggest hit. The band Korn used the song “Word Up!” typically as a song to check sound before shows, but made the decision to put it on their 2004 Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 album. Korn is a metal band, considered “nu metal” or “alternative metal.” Their most recent album, Korn III: Remember Who You Are came out last year in 2010.
Goodnight Nurse – Kelis’ “Milkshake”
In 2003 Kelis released the song titled “Milkshake” which features suggestive lyrics and references women’s “goods.” The song was actually a huge hit, and even went up for some rewards. Three years later on their Always and Never album Goodnight Nurse, a rock band from New Zealand, included their cover of “Milkshake.” Their most recent album was released in 2008 and their most current single is from 2009.
Rufio – Madonna’s “Like A Prayer”
Madonna’s fourth album and title track “Like A Prayer” came out in the year 1989. The song itself received great praise and also great controversy, and it has been covered by numerous artists. The rock band Rufio is no longer together as of htis year, but their cover of “Like A Prayer” is, in my opinion, one of the greatest rock cover songs of all time. And I must say, I think I prefer it over Madonna’s original version.
Anthrax feat. Public Enemy – “Bring the Noise”
The song “Bring the Noise” was performed by hip hop group Public Enemy. The song has a list of shout-outs to various other hip hop artists and to the band Anthrax. Anthrax was formed in 1981, and one of the band members at the time of “Bring the Noise,” Scott Ian would wear Public Enemy apparel while playing his own gigs. Later, both groups collaborated to create a rock hip hop track of “Bring the Noise” in 1991. This was the beginning of merging the two genres.
