Judging the Remakes Part 1

This is the first in a series of posts that looks at remakes, and whether or not the remake stacks up to the original. I'm the Brutha that usually defers to the original but sometimes the remake can surpass or equal the original version.

1. Who Can I Run To (1979 & 1995)

The Jones Sisters-Original 1979 Version


Xscape- 1995 remake


VERDICT: Both are GREAT versions but I will give the edge to Xscape

2. Wednesday Lover(1989 and 1998)

The Gap Band-- 1989 Original


Jagged Edge- 1998 Remake


VERDICT: While JE did a good version, and one that I use to play a lot........the winner here is the original. Charlie Wilson is just too GREAT for JE to overcome.



3. All I Do Is Think of You (1975 and 1990)

Jackson 5 (1975 Original)


Troop(1990 remake)


VERDICT: I LOVE the Jackson 5 but I think Troop stole this and made it a signature hit. 1990 was a GREAT year..lol

4. Sweet November (1985 & 1992)

The Deele (1985 Original)


Troop (1992 remake)


VERDICT: Once again Troop stole this from the original artist and made it signature. They were so bold to make 2 versions of this song and both were stellar.

5. At Your Best (You Are Love) 1976 & 1994

Isley Brothers 1976 Original


Aaliyah 1994 remake


VERDICT: It pains me but I have to give this Aaliyah. Her version wasnt as sexy as the Isley Brothers but it was certainly one of her strongest vocal displays ever and was romantic. It was a tough assignment but Aaliyah tackled a great track and succeeded.

6. Just Can't Stay Away (1978 & 1990)

Natalie Cole (1978 original)


EnVogue (1990 remake)


VERDICT: Natalie hands down. EnVogue did do a good cover though.

7. All I Could Do Was Cry- (1960 & 2008)

Etta James 1960 Original


Beyonce- 2008 remake


VERDICT: This is an easy one for me. ETTA JAMES ALL DAY. Bey did a credible job with the song but the one thing that I hate about Beyonce and its clearly contrasted here in the two versions is her lack of soul. Bey sung hard and tried but she just doesn't have the soul required to make her version on par with Etta.

8. Love Don't Live Here Anymore (1978 & 1995)

Rose Royce (1978 Original)


Faith Evans & Mary J Blige (1995 remake)


VERDICT: I think the remake is on par with the original. Faith & Mary sounded so good together. They should do a duets album.

9. Love's Train (1983 & 1996)

Confunkshun (1983 Original)


Dru Hill (1997 Remake)


VERDICT: Dru Hill should have left well enough alone.

10. Yearning For Your Love (1981 & 1990)

Gap Band (1981 Original)


Guy(1990 remake)


VERDICT: Considering that Aaron's whole style was inspired by Charlie Wilson I thought this would have been on par with the Gap Band original, but I found the remake lacking I think its the backing vocals that mess it up. Aaron is great though but give me the Charlie Wilson and Gap Band original ALL DAY