Monday, February 18, 2013

Bob Dylan Cover #75 Wyclef Jean "Knockin On Heavens Door"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by Wyclef Jean playing "Knockin' On Heavens Door"
Thoughts on Original:
The song that seems to have been covered by anyone, but when originally recorded it it was on one of Dylan's oddest releases yet. A straight ahead mournful number that just seems to work, it has invaded culture (possibly because of all the covers) and I would wager is one of Dylan's most widely known tunes... 
Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist:
I mentioned a few weeks ago about a song calling to mind a vision or a memory, well Wyclef Jean just screams of my early years in college.  The Fugees were everywhere in the mid nineties and Wyclef was the main male voice from them. Since then I have barely listened to them or him, but hearing his voice brings back some of my best memories so I have always enjoyed him.    
Thoughts on Cover:
Making this song his own, Wyclef injects his lyrics, using "Knockin On Heavens Door" more as a template to vamp on or within.  We have dealt with one of these in the past and didn't like the result.  This time however, we find Wyclef's version very listenable and moving, perhaps it is the fact that everyone has covered this song or whatever, this one is Ok.
Grade: C+

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