“Since U Been Gone”
Writers:Max Martin, Luckasz Gottwald
Original Release Date: November 16, 2004
Even if you’ve never watched an episode of American Idol in your life, you’re probably aware that some of the winners actually went on to have moderately successful careers. Kelly Clarkson, the original Idol, is one of the few winners to still consistently put out music.
I think we’re all guilty of belting this song out at least once in our lives. According to a Blender article from 2006, It was originally written with Pink in mind, but after she rejected it and the second choice, Hilary Duff, couldn’t hit the high notes, writer Max Martin offered it to Kelly Clarkson who accepted it on the condition that she could give it more of a rock edge, by introducing a heavier guitar and percussion. I can’t imagine what the original sounded like, but I don’t think it would have been as effective if it had been poppier. The guitars and drums really boost the amount of angst and bitterness in the lyrics, though Clarkson’s vocals are what really carry the song (there’s a reason she won Idol, you know).
Speaking of angst and bitterness, A Day to Remember took the song and turned the anger dial all the way up in their cover. It’s loud and aggressive and in your face, and I’d argue that it’s just as good as the original, if not better. If Kelly Clarkson makes you want to stand in front of a mirror wailing into a hairbrush, then ADTR will make you want to start a circle pit. Jeremy McKinnon’s screams in the second verse really make you believe that he’s not just upset by the breakup, he’s straight-up furious. The instrumentation is also turned up: the emotions roil off the drums as the band crashes through their rendition, giving you the sense that not only are they over their ex, but they’re ready to burn all their memories and forget the relationship even happened.
P.S. Please stop what you’re doing, and watch both videos—the original and the cover—back to back for a truly immersive experience.