Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Late Night Music College World Series Edition Part 188......."The Black Sheep"

Have you ever listened to a song and then figured out that the last artist you ever thought would be singing it was actually singing? You can call it selling out, you can call it diversifying, but no matter what you can call it crazy. This list celebrates those times artists stepped out of their usual sound for good (and sometimes very bad) results that sometimes changed the shape of their entire career. No matter what, we're left with some of the most strange tracks of all time.

In order to be considered for this list, the song had to be a stark difference in style, sound, writing, or vocals from the usual sound the band was known for. In a rare "Late Night Music" occurrence, all songs receiving votes in this category were included.

"Something"- The Beatles. In 1969, George Harrison finally broke through with his first ever A-sided single when the Beatles released this track off of their 1969 album Abbey Road. Openly frustrated with this lack of exposure on Beatles albums, this was a great swan song for George as it helped launch is successful solo career post Beatles. Called by Paul McCartney "probably the best song we recorded", this sharp contrast from the usual Lennon/McCartney sound was welcomed by Beatles and music fans alike when this rare double A-side single with "Come Together" shot to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and has since become the second most covered Beatles song behind "Yesterday". Despite the positive reception from fans and critics, it wasn't enough to save the Beatles, who were already doomed by the time this song was released in 1969. The group would announce their breakup a mere 7 months later, after the release of the infamous Let It Be, which was actually recorded before Abbey Road in early 1969, but not released until 1970 due to production hurdles. At least we saw what would have been impossible- but just this glimpse gave us one of the best songs of all time. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX92FJ-lwXI

"Second Chance"- .38 Special. In 1988, southern rock band .38 Special was in desperate need of a shot in the arm with the departure of lead singer Don Barnes. With their next album Rock and Roll Strategy, new keyboardist/lead singer Max Carl contributed this song which was beyond different from anything else the band recorded. Despite the unreal change in sound, this single was the bands highest charting single in their history when it peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Thought to be a "career saver" and a breakthrough hit, this single couldn't save .38 Special, who never saw the charts again, and were released from their contract later that same year. This song however, still finds a place in live shows always sticking out like a sore thumb.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRkaPdfjzEk

"Over and Over"- Nelly and Tim McGraw. Sometimes artists are so desperate to crossover it turns out almost comical. Nelly made his debut on the Country charts and Tim McGraw made his debut on the hip hop charts with this 2004 hit which made for one of the most unlikely duos in music history. Having become friends at a basketball tournament, Nelly and Tim McGraw decided to record this song together, and it was featured on Nelly's 2004 album Suit. Peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, it gave both artists much wanted exposure into opposite genres and became one of the most overplayed songs in radio history. I always chuckle to myself when I see that Tim McGraw's next single he released was the aptly named "Drugs or Jesus", which is what I feel I need after I hear this song. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3htOCjafTc

"The Flame"- Cheap Trick. Cheap Trick had gone from one of the biggest rock acts of the 1980's, to falling flat after the colossal failure of their 1986 album The Doctor. So, in 1988, the band needed a shot in the arm and then some with the release of their comeback album Lap of Luxury. After this song was offered to a few artists and turned down, it was suggested that Cheap Trick record the song despite guitarist Rick Neilsen breaking the tape the first time he heard the song. Having never recorded a "power ballad", which many rock bands felt was a way to sell out to mainstream exposure, the band refused to play the song live at first because they felt it was such a big change from their normal sound. Reluctantly, the band recorded the song which on to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the band's most popular single ever in their illustrious career. Not surprisingly, Cheap Trick is now more than happy to play this song live.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muhFxXce6nA

"God Only Knows"- The Beach Boys. In 1966, The Beach Boys recorded and released Pet Sounds, which is still considered by many one of the greatest albums ever recorded, and was the direct inspiration for the Beatles to record Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Originally released as the B-Side of "Wouldn't It Be Nice", this Brian Wilson penned ballad was a super stark contrast from the band's normal beach and surfer sound and theme. Not only was this song super different for The Beach Boys, it was first the song in the history of the Billboard Chart to be on the chart with the word "God" in the title when it peaked at #39 that same year. In addition to this, Brian Wilson included an orchestral arrangement on this track which The Beach Boys never before had done. The band also claimed that despite one of their most different songs ever, Brian Wilson wrote this song in a mere 7 minutes. The legacy of this song has led to many covers, including my personal favorite by Mandy Moore and Michael Stipe from the movie "Saved". I smell a bonus video. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOMyS78o5YI

"To Be With You"- Mr. Big. Mr. Big's lead singer Eric Martin grew up riding to school with a girl much older than him that he had a huge crush on. The song that came out of that became Mr. Big's biggest hit when it was included on their 1991 album Lean Into It. With the heavy metal days coming to a crashing halt, Mr. Big released this acoustic smash that peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the band's last hoorah, with the band only reaching the Top 20 one more time. Always noted for being great musicians, this song shows the true musicianship and chemistry that the band had at the time of the song's recording. Despite breaking up in 2002, the band reunited in 2009 and has recently released new material. This song always makes it way into live sets sprinkled in between their head banging anthems, this one can always find a place despite its obvious contrast from the rest of their career. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QD5n98R_nk

"More Than Words"- Extreme. Along the same lines, Boston funk metal band Extreme released "More Than Words" on their 1989 album Extreme II: Pornograffitti. Future Van Halen front man Gary Cherone and current Rihanna guitarist Nuno Bettancourt collaborating, "More Than Words" became one of the most popular songs from 1989, despite being criticized by fans and critics alike for being such a huge departure from the bands hard style. As I said earlier, heavy metal was in its dying twilight, so bands had to find a way to stay in the limelight. Extreme found their way all the back to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with this single, which is still their most popular and recognizable song. The band followed it up with "Hole Hearted", which was similar but slightly faster paced. It peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and finished the band's waltz into mainstream that they really benefitted from, as they never returned to the charts despite a loyal fan following.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrIiLvg58SY

"Stuck On You"- Lionel Richie. Lionel Richie was on top of the R&B world in 1983, when his second solo album Can't Slow Down spawned this single which featured a blatant step into country music from the former Commodores lead singer who was a king of funk and soul. The single peaked at #24 on the Billboard Country Chart and #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. I've always felt that Lionel Richie was one of the most underrated musicians of all time, with this song being a perfect example of how the best musicians can always change genres without ever really trying too hard. This song remains a staple at many country music performances, and is still performed often by Lionel Richie.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaSuqw91tpY

"Nightshift"- The Commodores. With the aforementioned Lionel Richie leaving the Commodores in 1983, new lead singer Walter Orange and the rest of the band was desperate to stay relevant in the soul genre. This title track from their 1985 first post-Richie album became their only hit without Richie when it peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. To me, I never got over the fact that this was actually the Commodores with a new voice coming out of the group. Plus, this song sounds nothing like any of their other songs. Despite that, this song has always been a good one to me, even though I almost see it as a one hit wonder group.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrkEDe6Ljqs

"Standing On The Top"- The Temptations featuring Rick James. As Otis Williams said himself, "sometimes an idea needs to stay an idea". Desperate for money after falling out of the spotlight, the Temptations brought back former members Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin in 1982 for the Reunion album and tour, which saw a bigger rift form in the group which led to Ruffin being dismissed for the final time along with Kendricks in late 1982. The one single from the album featured funk master himself Rick James, repaying the Temptations for their background vocals on his 1981 hit "Superfreak". The alternating lead vocals and the star power of James were unable to make this idea take off as expected for Motown records, as this single peaked at a measley #66 on the Billboard Hot 100, and would spell the end, almost literally for the aforementioned Ruffin and Kendricks, who would both pass away just a few years later. The story of the Temptations has always been a puzzling one and somewhat controversial. The always changing lineup makes you wonder if Otis Williams really has been truthful about everything or if he is just impossible to work with. Nonetheless, the Temps gave us some of the greatest musical tracks of all time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjIZ5Bh4_jo

"Cherish"- Kool and the Gang. In 1984, Kool and the Gang, was in the twilight of a super successful career that had spanned parts of three decades. However, with the days of funk long past, the group released this highly successful R&B love song from their 1984 platinum album Emergency. Peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, it became one of the group's biggest hits. The band had their last top 10 single just 3 years later, but still continues to be a huge draw, with this song still being one of their most requested despite a large funk catalog. A perfect example of a band changing with the times, this highly entertaining video features some of the worst acting ever recorded on a camera with Deon Richmond of future "The Cosby Show" fame as Rudy's friend "Bud" not even being able to save it. Despite this, this is still one of my all time favorite songs.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s09LuDYX12g

"Victim of Love"- Elton John. Sometimes even the greatest of all time have songs they want to forget. Elton John's disco attempt in 1979 marks one of the few low points in career of a lifetime. Despite this being his 3rd worst selling album ever, this title track managed to peak at #31 on the Billboard Hot 100. I have no idea how. This song and album really sucks. I think even EJ would agree with me on that.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmZN-T5MIio

"Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)"- Green Day. This one is possibly the most different of all the other tracks on this list. Green Day recorded this song on their 1997 album Nimrod and the reaction was never predictable. Featured on numerous television episodes and specials, this video was made for promotional purposes, and despite never even being officially released as a single, the song peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay Chart due to its heavy rotation on nearly every genre station due to its stark contrast from all other Green Day songs.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnQ8N1KacJc

"The Only Exception"- Paramore. Meridian, Mississippi's own Hayley Williams added to the ever growing popularity of Paramore when this song from their smash album Brand New Eyes peaked at #24 on the Billboard Hot 100. Becoming the band's highest charting single until 2014's "Ain't It Fun". Noted for being a stark contrast from the band's usual hard rock sound, the single was praised by critics and fans alike and it featured this super emotional video while still showing off Williams amazing vocal talents. I think it was good that Paramore threw this song to show that they are a lot more talented than most skeptics will allow themselves to believe.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J7J_IWUhls

"How You Gonna See Me Now?"- Alice Cooper. While Bernie Taupin was on a break from the aforementioned Elton John (which may be why that album sucked so much), he took some time to write for other artists including this rare Alice Cooper power ballad which was included on his 1978 album From The Inside. The single peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was praised by critics, but absolutely hated by Cooper fans. Despite it's chart success, Cooper has not performed the song live in over 35 years.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LERBv5DSuEc

"Dirty Work"- Steely Dan. I absolutely LOVE this song off of Steely Dan's eponymous 1972 debut album Can't Buy A Thrill. No one knew it yet, but this track and the song "Brooklyn" on the same album are the only songs Steely Dan ever recorded with David Palmer as a lead vocalist. Due to his stage fright, Palmer rarely sang lead vocals, and usually stood in the back when he did perform live. As a tribute to Palmer, the band now performs this song with the background singers singing lead vocals when this song is performed live.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0-3zwPgsTI

BONUS VIDEOS- "Dirty Work"- Steely Dan Live.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0DjBCgj6QM

"God Only Knows"- Mandy Moore and Michael Stipe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGSyPlctIxE

"Something"- Musiq Soulchild.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4sC3TBt-dY

"Just Take My Heart"- Mr. Big.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4gsveUHgw8

"Rest In Peace"- Extreme.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odz3c68JE1c

"Hold On Loosely"- .38 Special.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJtf7R_oVaw

"Surrender"- Cheap Trick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th370QmFtk8
Cheap TrickCheap Trick
ExtremeExtreme
Kool and the GangKool and the Gang
Mr. BigMr. Big
Nelly and Tim McGrawNelly and Tim McGraw

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