In 1986, Genesis released their biggest album Invisible Touch. One of those songs on it was a #4 hit in the U.S. titled "Land of Confusion", a song about the band's uneasiness with the world around them, as well as a willingness to make it better. In 2005, Disturbed did a cover of the song for their album Ten Thousand Fists, with their version making it all the way to #1 on the Top Mainstream Rock Songs list. But which version is better?
Each version has quite a different feel to it. Genesis uses synthesizers and amplified, but not distorted, guitars, giving the song a prog rock feel. On the other hand, Disturbed takes out the synthesizers and increases the distortion on the guitar, giving their version a hard rock feel to it. Both versions have quite a bit of merit, but with the message of the song, I feel the harder, angrier instruments fit better, while the prog rock version is more pleasant to listen to.
On the other hand, the vocals have, surprisingly enough, more in common with each other than differences. Phil Collins has a clean voice, and is capable of hitting quite high notes. However, he doesn't push himself for this song, staying in a higher, but not overly high "kicked in the balls", register. This allows for David Draiman, the vocalist for Disturbed, to match his register, despite his rougher voice. In fact, near the end of the song, Draiman actually surpasses Collins pitch-wise. Once again, however, Collins is a bit more pleasant to listen to, while Draiman's voice fits the intended message of the song better.
Which version is better? This is really a close call, and I'm sure while some will agree with my decision, just as many will disagree strongly. But in my opinion, Disturbed just manages to get the message of the song across better than Genesis. While Genesis's version is more pleasant, pleasant isn't always fitting. And in this case, Disturbed's rougher, harsher tone is an improvement. Both versions are incredible, however.
Each version has quite a different feel to it. Genesis uses synthesizers and amplified, but not distorted, guitars, giving the song a prog rock feel. On the other hand, Disturbed takes out the synthesizers and increases the distortion on the guitar, giving their version a hard rock feel to it. Both versions have quite a bit of merit, but with the message of the song, I feel the harder, angrier instruments fit better, while the prog rock version is more pleasant to listen to.
Peyote is a wonderful thing for music videos.
On the other hand, the vocals have, surprisingly enough, more in common with each other than differences. Phil Collins has a clean voice, and is capable of hitting quite high notes. However, he doesn't push himself for this song, staying in a higher, but not overly high "kicked in the balls", register. This allows for David Draiman, the vocalist for Disturbed, to match his register, despite his rougher voice. In fact, near the end of the song, Draiman actually surpasses Collins pitch-wise. Once again, however, Collins is a bit more pleasant to listen to, while Draiman's voice fits the intended message of the song better.
Which version is better? This is really a close call, and I'm sure while some will agree with my decision, just as many will disagree strongly. But in my opinion, Disturbed just manages to get the message of the song across better than Genesis. While Genesis's version is more pleasant, pleasant isn't always fitting. And in this case, Disturbed's rougher, harsher tone is an improvement. Both versions are incredible, however.
Anime-light never made a better music video.
