The Growl #1: Unnecessary cover songs? Really?

Post Summary: This Running Wolf rant tackles unnecessary cover songs from big artists. While some covers surpass originals, recent releases from Weezer, Muse, and Bastille miss the mark. Weezer's Teal Album feels bland, Muse's Duran Duran cover was unneeded, and Bastille's Green Day cover was annoying. These artists have plenty of new music to release instead of riding nostalgia waves.

You know that infamous Peter Griffin saying “You know what grinds my gears?” I think The Growl is probably my answer to that question.

I’m a Running Wolf and this is my growl

It’s probably been a while since you’ve really heard it, so here we go. Brace yourself. This article contains my brutally honest opinion.

Why are some artists releasing unnecessary cover songs?

I am all for musical creativity and making a song your own when you cover it, but some cover songs are REALLY not necessary.

Weezer are one of the culprits. They released their Teal Album, an album that is comprised of cover songs. Although the album received mixed reviews, it definitely doesn’t have a “Wow” factor for me.

It’s about as bland as two minute noodles without seasoning and mayonnaise. Apart from their cover of Toto‘s “Africa”, there’s nothing really special about it.

Weezer definitely didn’t make these songs their own. This was a precursor for their Black Album (which was released on the 1st of March), but it’s totally unnecessary.

British rockers Muse are also guilty of attempting to ride the wave of nostalgia. They released a cover of Duran Duran‘s “Hungry Like A Wolf” via Spotify. Although this isn’t atrocious, it was also unnecessary. No one asked them to do it. Thanks guys, but I prefer the 1982 original.

Both of these artists are still releasing new music, so they don’t need to do this. There’s plenty commercial-radio-station-driven 80’s and 90’s nostalgia going around. We don’t need more of it.

The only plus point is that the Weezer and Muse covers are more pleasing to the ear than this “Basket Case” cover by Bastille. That was annoying as hell. I do realise that this was recorded for TV show’s soundtrack, but why couldn’t they just leave this classic 90’s punk tune alone?

There are cover songs that are better than the original, but the ones featured in this growl article don’t make that list.

Enough said. What are your thoughts about this growl? Leave a comment below and let me know.

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