The ’80s were a magical time for music, weren’t they? Big hair, neon colors, and a soundtrack that defined generations. But what if I told you that some of the biggest hits almost went to different artists? It’s true! Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and explore five iconic songs from the ’80s that almost had a completely different identity. You might be surprised by who was almost behind the mic!
1. “Like a Virgin” – Madonna
Madonna’s “Like a Virgin” is practically synonymous with the ’80s. It’s hard to picture anyone else belting out that catchy chorus, but the song was initially offered to none other than Cyndi Lauper. Imagine Lauper’s unique style mixed with that infectious melody! While Cyndi had her own monster hit with “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” she passed on “Like a Virgin.” Thank goodness Madonna snatched it up; it became one of her signature songs and catapulted her into superstardom. Honestly, can you imagine Lauper strutting around in that wedding dress? A whole different vibe!
2. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” – Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” is the ultimate dance anthem. But here’s the kicker: the song was originally intended for Janet Jackson! Now, that would have been a whole different flavor. Janet, fresh off her ‘Control’ success, could’ve brought her own groove to it, but she passed, and Whitney took it to the top of the charts. Just picture the two pop queens swapping tracks in the studio. What a missed opportunity for a duet! Still, Whitney’s powerful vocals gave the song the energy it needed to become an ’80s classic.
3. “Sweet Child o’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses
“Sweet Child o’ Mine” is an anthem for rock lovers everywhere, but it almost didn’t belong to Guns N’ Roses. In a twist of fate, the band originally wrote it as a warm-up exercise, and it was even considered for other bands. The members of Poison actually showed interest in it before Axl Rose and the gang snatched it up. Can you imagine Bret Michaels serenading someone with it? The thought is almost too wild to comprehend! Luckily, Axl’s signature wail and Slash’s unforgettable riff made it a staple of rock history, proving that sometimes, destiny knows best.
4. “Every Breath You Take” – The Police
Let’s talk about “Every Breath You Take.” It’s a haunting love song that feels like it was always meant to be a Police song. But here’s the plot twist: it was written with the intention of giving it to another band, none other than the legendary Tina Turner! Can you imagine Tina pouring her heart into that track? It would’ve been a different approach entirely. While the song became a massive hit for The Police, it’s fun to think about how Tina’s powerful vocals could have turned it into a passionate ballad instead.
5. “Tainted Love” – Soft Cell
“Tainted Love” is a synth-pop classic that’s been covered countless times since its release. But before it became an anthem for Soft Cell, it was actually a hit for Gloria Jones in the ’60s! That’s right; the song was kicking around for years before it found its way into the hands of Marc Almond and David Ball. Their version turned it into an ’80s staple, but can you imagine how different it would have felt with Gloria’s soulful delivery? It’s fascinating how a song can evolve and find its true voice over time.
Conclusion
It’s wild to think about how different the music landscape could have been if these songs had gone to their original artists. The ’80s gave us so many chart-toppers and unforgettable moments, and the stories behind them just add another layer of charm. Every time you hear these classics, you can’t help but wonder: what if? But I think we can all agree that the universe had a hand in making sure the right artists got to shine. So, whether you’re dancing in your living room or reminiscing about the good old days, these songs will always have a special place in our hearts.
So, which of these tracks is your favorite? And do you have any ’80s songs you think could’ve been better suited for another artist? Let’s keep the conversation going — after all, music is one
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