Top 10 Songs That Should NEVER Be Remade
#10: “My Immortal” (2003) Evanescence
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Evanescence trades in their more hard-edge metal sound in favor of a piano ballad in the epic production “My Immortal.” Singer Amy Lee delivers an emotional and passionate performance that excels in every way. Bringing listeners into a dark and enchanted world, the mournful lyrics keep everyone engaged with their one-of-a-kind mystique. It even earned a Grammy nomination for its adept and gothic songwriting. Those elements make it hard to imagine what a different arrangement or artist could add to this song. As soon as Evanescence released this track, we felt eternally attached to their take.
#9: “Dragula” (1998) Rob Zombie
Rob Zombie kicked off his solo career with a true 90s jam. The lead single off of his first album “Hellbilly Deluxe” is a horror masterpiece courtesy of an inimitable singer. Combining a variety of influences, the artist generates an industrial metal track that's unforgettable from start to finish. From Zombie's deep vocals to the incredible chorus, “Dragula” is a non-stop thrill ride like no other song from its era. Only this performer could pull together influences such as “The Munsters” TV show and make the final product one of the most ferocious releases of its kind. Tackling this track seems like a task too daunting for anyone to fulfill.
#8: “Poker Face” (2008) Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga seemingly willed “Poker Face” into existence. So, its hard to picture anybody else in the world who could deliver it with the same amount of raw attitude. One of her defining singles is also the one that introduced her early sound to the world. From “The Fame” album, the track is full of stylistic elements that only the singer can pull off. Few pop songs completely change a genre like “Poker Face” did. It’s clearly a nexus point for a whole different sound in music. All these years later, this smash hit best represents her unique abilities as a vocalist and a performer.
#7: “In the End” (2001) Linkin Park
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While Linkin Park isn't the only rap rock band, their defining anthems feature a spark that few could ever match. With so many great songs, their most iconic single is and always will be "In the End." As Mike Shinoda sets the stage with his rap verses, Chester Bennington really sets things off with the bombastic chorus. The surging guitar tone shakes any room no matter the volume setting. Bennington's soaring vocal can barely be contained, belting his way into history with an interpretative story about reaching the point of nihilism. The dark reality of the lyrics only works if these particular performers dish them out. Additionally, the tragic loss of Chester Bennington makes the idea of any cover of this song hard to accept.
#6: “Singles Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” (2008) Beyoncé
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It goes without saying that there is only one Beyoncé. Her classic "Single Ladies" has become one of the defining releases of her entire career. The thought of anyone covering the song seems to be useless, if not unprecedented. It's not that it couldn't be done. However, the track has so much specificity and power that only this performer can make it work. Both her performance and the iconic choreography exist only because of Beyoncé and it should stay that way. Out of all Beyoncé’s hits, this track feels like there’s too much history to even attempt another version.
#5: “Hyperballad” (1996) Björk
Since turning solo in the mid-90s, Björk's career has featured some of the most eclectic and fruitful work of any singer. This dreamlike track from the Icelandic artist is an instant reminder that nobody else has a voice like her. Exploring a relationship with evocative storytelling, “Hyperballad” ranks near the top of her incredible discography. It also reveals the singular vocals that separate her from traditional pop performers. Climbing and descending with a wide array of singing techniques, her work feels both improvisational and precise all in one incredible production. The only way you can properly sing a Björk song is if you are her. Otherwise, it's best to leave her work alone.
#4: “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (2004) Green Day
Green Day's song "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" is one of the major high points on their landmark album "American Idiot." The catchy track won a Grammy and found tremendous success on multiple music charts. Combining the rock and punk elements, this piece highlights the dynamic range of the band in one of their most memorable singles. Billie Joe Armstrong provides one of his finest performances. He perfectly delivers metaphorical lyrics that help tell the grand tale of the group's rock opera. Without him taking the lead, the ultimate importance and relatability of this release takes a severe hit.
#3: “Stairway to Heaven” (1971) Led Zeppelin
Even though many guitar students wish to learn its immortal riff, there's no copying "Stairway to Heaven." Led Zeppelin's most famous effort exists as a mythical rock statement that's almost too epic to touch. There have been few four-piece bands in history as powerful or well-equipped to tackle it. Easing gradually from folk to hard rock, this quartet completes a magic trick by the end of its nearly eight-minute runtime. The group's progressive and intricate sound still wows audiences all these decades later. Along with the other tracks off of their amazing fourth album, Led Zeppelin's magnum opus is so complex that it’s terribly difficult to fathom anyone else playing it.
#2: “Emotions” (1991) Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is famous for her one-of-a-kind vocal range. Highlighted on "Emotions," Carey emerges as a fully-formed performer without a hint of imperfection in her voice. This is both one of her first singles and one of her greatest showcases as an artist. The whistle-note queen makes her high notes sound easy in this successful number. Her distinct ability to combine R&B, soul, and pop never ceases to amaze. This particular effort further proves that she's unmatched. Stylistically and technically ahead of her time, the vocalist chases away any potential imitators with the final crescendo of this track.
#1: “My Heart Will Go On” (1997) Céline Dion
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Céline Dion's signature tune is forever associated with the blockbuster film "Titanic." Not only is "My Heart Will Go On" an award-winning song, it's also considered a modern classic that few can actually sing well. It's not that there aren't other singers who could try. But there’s no denying that Dion's range restricts the effectiveness of any cover version. The exemplary high notes on the track ensure that only experts would dare sing it. If anyone wants to go for this intimidating song at karaoke, they’re free to do so. But we don’t think professionals will try to put a cover of the singer's most pristine performance on any record.
