Take a moment to think about your favorite song….then think about it with a different artist’s voice!
Before a song is released or becomes a huge hit, it’s typically passed around a time or two behind the scenes. Sometimes the first artist works, and other times, the most unexpected or underestimated singer makes the song a success.
Here are seven songs that almost went to other artists.
1. “We Found Love” by Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris
Before Rihanna and Calvin Harris turned this song into a worldwide hit in 2011, it had been introduced to two other artists. Nicole Scherzinger stated that she was offered the song first, but was too busy to take on the project. Then, British singer Leona Lewis mentioned that she was initially chosen to record the song but was ultimately replaced by Rihanna.
2. “Rock Your Body” by Justin Timberlake
In 2003, Justin Timberlake released his solo debut, Justified, and one of its singles was “Rock Your Body,” produced by The Neptunes. This song was originally supposed to go to Michael Jackson to be included on his 2001 album, Invincible! MJ wound up passing on the song, and it landed in JT’s hands!
3. “Call Me” by Blondie
Blondie’s 1980 hit was written for the movie American Gigolo by disco producer Giorgio Moroder. Initially, Moroder had Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks in mind to sing the song; however, she declined due to her contractual obligations. That’s when Giorgio reached out to Blondie’s Debby Harry to work on the song. After a few hours, Debby created the hit we all know and love today.
4. “Smooth” by Santana featuring Rob Thomas
A triple Grammy-winner and one of the biggest hits of the late ’90s, Santana’s “Smooth” spent a dozen weeks at the No. 1 spot. Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty penned the lyrics and changed the song’s original melody, but he was not expecting to actually sing it. “My first thought was George Michael,” Thomas told Billboard. “In fact, it was George I had in my head when I recorded the vocals in the first place. If you listen to the melody and the cadence, it’s an attempt to emulate his style in so many ways.”
5. “Happy” by Pharrell
The 2013 Grammy Award-winning song “Happy” was written by Pharrell, but he actually wanted CeeLo Green to sing it, and he did record it. However, CeeLo’s team didn’t feel that the song was the right fit for him and decided not to continue with the project. That’s when Pharrell decided to pick the song back up and sing it himself. And, as we know, the song became a huge worldwide hit.
6. “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson
This 2004 hit from Kelly Clarkson’s album, Breakaway, was written by Max Martin and Dr. Luke, who wrote the song with singer Pink in mind for the vocals. When she turned the song down, it was pitched to Hilary Duff, who decided to pass on it because she couldn’t reach the higher notes. That’s when Clive Davis stepped in to convince them to give Kelly Clarkson the song!
7. “I Want You” by Marvin Gaye
This single from Gaye’s 1976 album of the same title also had an interesting origin story. Leon Ware, a singer, songwriter, and producer best known for his work with Motown artists, along with Arthur “T-Boy” Ross, younger brother of Diana Ross and a frequent collaborator with Ware, worked together to create songs for Ware’s album Musical Massage. When the album’s outline was presented to Barry Gordy, he convinced Ware to let Marvin Gaye have “I Want You.”
Final Thoughts
It’s so interesting how much a song can change, depending on which artist lends its voice to it! But, at the end of the day, each song somehow ended up with the person destined to help it reach new heights!
Which one surprised you the most? Or, which song do you think you would have liked better with a different artist?
