One and Only

We're One, but we're not the same... -U2, One

You know that re-make of U2's 'One' by Mary J Blige, 'featuring' Bono (lead singer of U2)? They keep playing it on the radios (and monkey loves it, so I keep hearing it too...)

When I first heard it I HATED it. Why did they need to re-do it?? Why does she sing the harmony instead of the tune?? Why did Bono consent?? Why why why??? The original meant so much more!! It was about the conflict in Germany, Sarajevo, about Aids, homosexuality, transvestites, the relationship between a father and his gay son?? It was the song that saved U2 from potentially breaking up, the song that delivered Achtung Baby!! And this Mary woman comes along and re-sings it??

And then I zoom out. How about the people who don't know about U2 and One's History. The R&B fans. Maybe she's republishing the song in a different context? And it's somehow more comforting that Bono is involved as well. The master approves! Also, the music does seem richer. But it's just not the same! It can never be the same!!

Originals are still the favourite to win these wars. Take the recent remake of 'Pink Panther' by Steve Martin. Whether he likes it or not, the poor guy is gonna be compared to the original Inspector Cruso (i.e Peter Sellers). And we all know Sellers is a genius. So is it worth the remake? Why not just make up something new? With King Kong...fair enough, they could laden it with effects and afford not to use a plastic monkey as a prop anymore so the re-make was valid (and very cool, may i add!!).

So back to this 'One' song.... I'm just curious to know what people think about it.... I just think re-makes need to be very carefully done or done superbly well for it to be accepted....