English to Spanish Covers – Part I

Today let’s review some of the best covers made from songs originally recorded in English. There have been outstanding tribute-albums to English speaking bands such as The Police, Queen, The Cure, among others. Our Latin rock bands showed a high dose of creativity in these covers, bringing a refreshing and enhanced style. This time I will share just five of these great covers, and the list will be completed in a forecoming post.

“Juégale, apuéstale” by Aterciopelados

Original song: Play the game (Queen) 

The song is part of the album “Tributo a Queen” released in 1996. The Colombian band Aterciopelados had just reached the popularity one year earlier in 1995 with a song that everybody must recall: “Bolero falaz”. The Spanish lyrics follow the same feeling as the original one, which is a modern hymn to love. 

“Gimme some truth (Spanish version)” by Jaguares

Original song: Gimme some truth (John Lennon)

The song was included in the album “Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign To Save Darfur” released in 2007, a disc that contained only John Lennon’s covers. This Mexican band –which for many years was called “Caifanes”- has done an outstanding and very powerful interpretation of the original lyrics. The album also includes an English version, recorded by Jaguares as well.

  

“Estaré prendido en tus dedos” by Skank

Original song: Wrapped Around Your Fingers (The Police)

The cover was included in the album “Outlandos D'Americas: Tributo a Police” released in 1998. This Brazilian band made a great lively version, so just hearing this song is an invitation to the dancefloor. But what makes this version so special is the noticeable similarity in the voices of Samuel Rosa (Skank’s vocalist) and Sting. As many of you may remember, this recording has been innumerably played in late 90’s parties.

“Viernes voy por ti” by Icaro Azul

Original song: Friday I’m in love (The Cure)

This version was included in “Tributo a The Cure: Por qué no puedo ser tú” released in 1999. This tribute album was particularly special because all the selected bands were quite young and not very famous, except some of them in their own countries. Puerto Rican band Icaro Azul  brings us this rare interpretation, which greatly differs from The Cure’s version. The female voice also gives the song an additional taste.

“Esta luz nunca se apagará” by Mikel Erentxun

Original song: There is a light that never goes out (The Smiths)

The song was part of the album “Naufragios” released in 1992. Unlike the previously mentioned albums, this not was a tribute one, but the first disc that Mikel Erentxun recorded as soloist. He had been vocalist of the renowned Spanish band “Duncan Dhu” during the eighties, and this was for sure an excellent starting of his solo career.