New Found Glory’s cover album From the Screen to Your Stereo Part II included a version of the 1980’s hit song Don’t You (Forget About Me). The song, which was made theme of the movie The Breakfast Club, was originally recorded by the new wave band Simple Minds.
The song was originally meant for Billy Idol and Bryan Ferry. But after rejecting it, the writers, Keith Forsey and Steve Schiff, pitched it to Simple Minds who also refused to record it. Their label then persuaded the band to do it so they ended up recording the song, which turned out to be a major hit.
It turned out to be a wise decision for the band. When the movie The Breakfast Club, which featured the song, was shown in theaters, it became a major hit. The song became the band’s only number one hit in the United States. It was also their most famous song to date.
The song’s history and haunting effect makes it the perfect cover for a pop-punk band. It would be a great irony to have a band who’s used to shouting songs take on a serene, slow-paced up to the point of being haunting song from the 80s.
New Found Glory’s version is very much different than the original. It did not have the eerie feel of the original’s vocals. It is more hip, youthful, and, obviously, loud. It’s not unexpected to hear a louder version of this song since a pop-punk band is meant to sing something loud. The vocals, though, are not impressive since there was more shouting. However, the words were loud and clear.
It was great that the band did not make any major changes with the song’s melody. It would be suicide since a lot of people recognize the song. And for a punk band to change the melody of a song as popular as this one, well, I think it would not do the band much good. So hats off to them for keeping the original melody.
Frankly speaking, there is no evident purpose in re-recording the song. Aside from being hip and more current, nothing new is given. There was not much to anticipate for instead of loud singing. There was even a growl at the bridge, which, surprisingly, is very good. It did not make the song sound weird nor it seemed awkward. Hats off to the band for pulling it off.
Though I don’t dislike the song, I’m not shouting praises and raves either. You’d think that because of the fun vibe in the song, it was done out of pure fun, which is something a band should really be all about to come up with an effective song whether it’s an original or just a cover.