These iconic ’90s songs deserve total remakes
Hold onto your butterfly clips, ’90s babes! We have some exciting news: It was announced this week that Brandy and Monica’s 1998 hit, “The Boy Is Mine” will be remade next year! The song’s original producer, Rodney Jerkins, has chosen songstresses Ariana Grande and Jessie J for the revival, and we think that’s pretty perfect.
We know remaking a classic song is no easy feat, but Ariana and Jessie are massively talented. Their vocal ranges combined is enough to blow the windows out of a submarine. Not to mention, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins is a legend in R&B. He’s has been the mastermind behind hits like “Say My Name” (Destiny’s Child), “He Wasn’t Man Enough For Me” (Toni Braxton), “You Rock My World” (Michael Jackson) and “Telephone” (Lady Gaga). Yeah, we trust that he knows what he’s doing.
Although there’s no word on a video concept for the song, it’s certainly fun to speculate! If you remember back in ’98, Brandy and Monica competitively sung their hearts out to Mekhi Phifer in the music video. In true ’90s fashion, the girls were separated into two colorful rooms, a la “Say My Name” style. Granted, there may not be as many silk outfits in the remake, but we’re still excited to see what Ariana and Jessie have in store for us.
Obviously, this ’90s nostalgia has us dreaming up other remakes. I know, NOTHING can ever compare to the original, but as long as we focus on truly remaking the song (i.e. not competing with or copying the original), it’s a lot of fun. Here are six more songs that were epic enough in their day to deserve a 2014 remake:
Marcy Playground – “Sex and Candy” (1997)
Fantasy Cast: Chet Faker
“Sex and Candy” is already pretty sexy (evidently), but getting Chet Faker on the vocals would take it to next-level sensuality. He would also probably shoot this video from the perspective of the spider. . .or something equally creative like that.
Jewel – “Who Will Save Your Soul” (1995)
Fantasy Cast: Jessie Ware
Jessie Ware doesn’t share the folksy vocals of Jewel, but there’s nothing wrong with infusing a little soul into this gorgeous ’90s classic. Besides, genre blending presents the opportunity for you to hear the song in a whole new light.
Salt-N-Pepa – “Whatta Man” (1994)
Fantasy Cast: Yuna
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-WFNbMohTQ
After hearing Yuna’s flawless cover of “Come As You Are” by Nirvana, I believe she can sing any song and turn it into a soul defying experience. I would love a Yuna-fied, stripped down version of “Whatta Man”. Bonus: the shadowy dance scenes in the music video are totally in line with her sound.
Chris Isaak – “Wicked Game” (1991)
Fantasy Cast: FKA Twigs
Nothing can ever compare to the somber voice of Chris Isaak, but if you’ve ever heard one of FKA Twigs’ songs, you’ll understand my reason for pinning her in my fantasy cast. Both Isaak and FKA Twigs bring a haunting, dark energy to everything they do. If FKA took this song and made it her own, it would be downright unnerving (and beautiful). Granted, her videos are a far cry from sentimental beach scenes, but seeing as though she’s a creative genius, this wouldn’t an obstacle.
Bjork – “All Is Full of Love” (1997)
Fantasy Cast: Florence + The Machine
Nobody sounds like Bjork, but something tells me that this song would fit Florence Welch’s vocal range quite beautifully. Not to mention, she would add a more theatrical element to it, which is always appreciated. Granted, it would be a bit uncouth to try and replicate Bjork’s iconic robot video, but I’m sure there are ways to artfully emulate artificial intelligence! That was a joke, in case you couldn’t tell.
No Doubt – “Just A Girl” (1995)
Fantasy Cast: Santigold
Santigold’s natural sensibilities are in line with Gwen Stefani’s. Both women have somehow mastered the genres of alternative rock, reggae and pop all at the same time. Not to mention, this video is ’90s gold. Replicating it would be next to impossible, but I would be very into a Santigold version.
Which ’90s songs would you like to see remade? We wanna know!