There are times when a band or artist will cover a song and it turns out so good that it eventually becomes their own. A great example would be Metallica’s version of the Diamondhead song “Am I Evil.” Now that is a great cover and I’m almost willing to bet that there are fans that think that “Am I Evil” is in fact, one of their original songs. Another example is the cover of both “Got The Time” and “Antisocial” from Anthrax. While I wish that they would stop playing both those songs live, you can’t deny that both have become Anthrax classics. Then of course you get to outright atrocious with bands like Five Finger Death Punch’s version of “Bad Company.” Recently, Mudvayne and Hellyeah vocalist Chad Gray released a cover of Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful.” Let’s take a look…..
If there was ever a question of WTF is this, it would be Chad Gray’s cover of “Beautiful.” When I found out that this was a thing, I knew I had to hear it. Maybe it would actually be a good song as there are bands that can turn a pop song into a great metal song. Sadly, this was not the case and I have to say it’s a lot worse than I could’ve expected. Now of course the reason as to why he did this song according to him is his way of saying how everyone is beautiful no matter what which is a great message. He is also a fan of Christina Aguilera and the original (written by Linda Perry of Four Non Blondes) so I can respect that. However, this was a swing and a miss. For one thing his vocals sound way too processed and if I can pick up on that, then you know that isn’t a good thing. I don’t really have an ear for that but I could definitely tell that there was a lot of auto tuning. It just seems like one of those songs where the decision was made to record a cover but done in a way where it comes off as “ hey look at me and how different I’m trying to be.” Also having just seen Chad Gray perform at Aftershock where his voice was pretty much gone doesn’t help either. I could tell that he was having such a hard time singing that my thought was “It’s time to hang it up.”
I think what makes this particular moment in music history even worse is the fact that there are so many people simping for this. I’ve read and seen videos where people are saying that they got goosebumps or that this was one of the greatest things they’ve ever heard and I just have to ask…..is it really? Like this is seriously one of the best covers you’ve ever heard? This gave you goosebumps?? Because if that’s the case, then I seriously question your judgment. I get the whole meaning behind the song and how yes everybody is beautiful in their own special sort of way. That said, you can still make a good song/do a good cover. There’s the saying that goes just because you can doesn’t mean you should. And don’t get me wrong, I am a fan of Mudvayne but this has got to be one of the cringiest cover songs I think I’ve ever heard. Perhaps it’s time for someone to hang it up.
