So you say you hate Kanye? How could you be so heartless!? This week’s covers revue focuses on one of Kanye West’s most recent singles, “Heartless.”
If you’re not new to the show, you know that I am one of the few who still stand up for the controversial Hennie-drinker. Once again, I don’t defend his ass-holery; I defend his music and his knack for getting himself good publicity and well … publicity (there’s no such thing as bad press!). All that being said, it’s no surprise that I love this song.
“Heartless” is actually one of my favorites off his most recent album, “808’s & Heartbreak.” More than the song itself, I love the video, directed by Hype Williams. But I digress.
The song features that polarizing autotune effect that has turned into a “cool new” effect as opposed to something that hid singers’ inabilities to hit certain notes. I must admit that I am becoming less and less a fan of it every time I hear a song off this album or by T-Pain. But something I can definitely express love for in this song is the use of those wooden wind flutes that you hear when you’re walking the streets and you see some sort of South American instrumentalists.
The lyrics are pretty elementary but catchy nonetheless. The rapper decided to take a different approach on this album so there is a whole lot more singing in this song (and the rest of the album) than there normally is in previous album.
Now, the Fray took on a completely different approach to the song. The band known for their hit “How to Save a Life,” never won me over and I can’t say that they have with this version of “Heartless.” I’m not saying it’s a bad cover, it’s just not the greatest.
The acoustic approach definitely slows the song down, along with lead singer Isaac Slade’s voice. It starts off with a pretty melody on the acoustic guitar and Slade’s voice and then eventually there are some soft-yet-sharp keys strategically placed to add a little more salt to the earthy song.
It’s a decent acoustic version of a hip-hop song that has a little flavor all on its own. If you’re into covers that are completely different from the original, then The Fray’s version of “Heartless” is definitely for you!