Sometimes, musicians will release alternative renditions of their best songs. Most of the time, those tracks slip through the cracks in favor of the original tunes. These four alternative versions of classic rock songs, however, are on an entirely different level. Let’s take a look! You might just love one or two of these alternative takes more than the original versions.
Videos by American Songwriter
1. “Seven Wonders” by Fleetwood Mac
This version of “Seven Wonders” by Fleetwood Mac was recorded before the version that made it to Tango In The Night. It’s honestly a really solid version with a few differences that make it stand out in a good way. Stevie Nicks’ vocals are a little bit higher in the whole mix, and the instrumentation across the song is a bit more spontaneous. For being an “unrefined” version of a Fleetwood Mac classic, it’s still quite pristine.
2. “I Want You” by Bob Dylan
A really gorgeous example of alternative versions of classic rock songs, this rehearsal/first take of “I Want You” from the Blonde On Blonde sessions is a joy to experience. Fans don’t always get the chance to hear their favorite musician flesh out what would become a hit in their future discography. This version shows Bob Dylan playing around with the organ in a rougher cut of what would become “I Want You”.
3. “Don’t Let Me Down” by The Beatles
“Don’t Let Me Down” is a stellar later-career release from The Beatles. John Lennon’s vocals are incredible, and the guitar riffs are on another level. It’s a rough, dirty, and vulnerable sort of song. The “naked” version of the song is similarly rough around the edges, packed with the kind of emotional desperation that even diehard fans of The Beatles would never expect. This version is much less polished and not as embellished as the album version, but it’s somehow better.
4. “The Killing Moon” by Echo & The Bunnymen
This entry on our list of alternative versions of classic rock songs is aptly titled the “transformed” cut of “The Killing Moon”. I definitely get why Ian McCulloch of Echo & The Bunnymen wanted to release a more orchestral version of this track. McCulloch said it was sent to him by God in a stated of wakelessness and inspired by David Bowie, ever all. This version is slower and brighter, and very easy to listen to.
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