“Baby One More Time”
Writers: Max Martin, Rami
Original Release Date: October 23, 1998
Let’s take this back to 1998 with a song that I’m sure everyone knows the words to.
Does this song even need an introduction? Nearly nineteen years ago, it was the world’s first taste of Britney Spears, Miss American Dream herself, as a fresh-faced pop princess. I can’t think of anyone born before 2000 who doesn’t know at least half the words to this energetic song. It’s a track that arguably changed the pop world, managing to straddle the line between family-friendly and overtly sexual in a way only Britney seems capable of. Get your mind out of the gutter, though: the song isn’t nearly as dirty as you might think it is—apparently “hit me baby” is slang for “call me”. At least it won’t be so weird next time you sing along while playing Just Dance with children.
The first time I heard this cover, I was in a bar, and it took me a minute to recognize what song it was. Berlin-based The Baseballs give Britney’s classic song a 50’s overhaul, reinventing it to sound closer to a song Elvis would have been proud of. I can’t even describe how fabulous this version is—you really just have to listen to it yourself—but it’s a fresh take on a song that’s been around for almost two decades. Slide into a leather jacket, grease your hair back, and jitterbug your way around the dance floor to this catchy little number.
P.S. While reading up on “…Baby One More Time”, I discovered that The Dresden Dolls covered it way back in 2006 on their tour with Panic! at the Disco. I couldn’t find a very clear video (it was over ten years ago, after all), but I think everyone needs to hear a young Brendon Urie belting the words while Amanda Palmer pounds it out on her piano.
Tags: Britney Spears, The Baseballs, Un(Covered)
