Debate on originality

[FightClubFan#47]

Perhaps you can help me and my girlfriend settle an argument by weighing in your opinion?

"Do you express your own emotion through songs, even if you use the some words and tune as the original artist?"

[El Bandito]

Sampling: Yes

Covers: Sometimes

I'll probably go into more detail after reading some other comments.

[NeoCracker]

So, how exactly is this a debate on originality?

[Big D]

There's something amusing about getting other people to provide the arguments for a debate on originality :3

Sampling: Yes

Covers: Sometimes

I'll probably go into more detail after reading some other comments.

I basically agree with this. A proper singer should be able to convey their own emotions through a pre-existing song.

A poor singer might just try to copy the previous performer's style. In that case, the only 'emotions' they'll convey are their uncertainty, insecurity and lack of inspiration. A good singer can deliver the same work with such uniqueness that it's like hearing an entirely new work.

A good example is Amazing Grace. Despite being a godless atheist heathen, I find this song extremely poignant when it's done right. There are almost as many covers and arrangements are there are performers, and there's often a huge difference in quality and emotion.

[Madame Adequate]

What Big D said. Also you can tell a really well-performed piece when it's in a foreign language but you still understand the emotions perfectly.

[Moon Rabbits]

What Big D said. Also you can tell a really well-performed piece when it's in a foreign language but you still understand the emotions perfectly.

I really like when this happens. Utada Hikaru is very good at making music that has a clearly defined "feel" in every song. Dareka no Negai ga Kanau Koro, for instance.