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Clash of the Cover Songs: Michael Jackson vs. Imogen Heap

The Rules for Battle: Each week, we pit versions of the same song by two different artists in a head-to-head death match for musical supremacy. (Sometimes it will be the original recording vs. a cover version; other times it will be two different covers.) Then it's up to you to decide: Listen to and vote on which version you think should emerge victorious and which should be sent packing. May the best band win!

Michael Jackson and Imogen Heap

The Song: 'Thriller' (original version by Michael Jackson)

The Contestants: Michael Jackson vs. Imogen Heap

In This Corner -- Michael Jackson: With Halloween right around the corner, we'll undoubtedly be hearing the late King of Pop's chilling classic a lot this week. The 1982 song -- and its epic 14-minute dance-with-the-undead video -- became a signature for Jackson; the groove of its bassline, paired with Michaels killer vocals and sleek moves, produced a frighteningly great single.

Michael Jackson, 'Thriller'


In This Corner -- Imogen Heap: Being put up against a recording from the best-selling album of all time? No pressure. Still, covering the track for BBC Radio 2, the brave English singer makes the song spooky in her own way. The attitude and beat of Jackson's original version is replaced with soft vocals and some hauntingly pretty piano. With such a mesmerizing transformation, it's pretty easy to believe that "something evil's lurking in the dark."

Imogen Heap, 'Thriller'


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James DeBrine

Her singing was JUST like Tori Amos or Sarah McLachlin, or any of the Lillith Fair singers. Beautiful, but no longer original, and sure didnt fit the uniqueness of MJ's Thriller, and didnt the style didnt fit the Lyrics either far as making sense of something that is fantasy horror. Some of the lyrics with her style DID sound child molest like, so kinda sick, but his other lyrics not at all so can tell his orignal theme was right. BIG LOSE for her, wrong song to adapt, when just about any other song could be to her style obviously. Maybe that was her point lol, that she could Feminize any song lmao!

December 19 2012 at 3:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Brenna Ceallaigh

Is she serious? Sounds like a very early April Fool's day joke.

February 25 2012 at 4:38 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rikstik71664

got to give this one to the pedophile

May 25 2010 at 1:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
J-DooB

IS THIS A JOKE! Michael Jackson vs Imogen Heap! NO F'in WAY!

Michael Jackson ALL THE WAY! I grew up on that, and sappy crap is NOT why thriller was so much better. The Imogen Heap version sounds like a rape song or something, whatever that means. But that's the vibe I get.

March 05 2010 at 10:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Time

lol...R U Serious about the poll... that was freakin awful and a waist... oops... a waste of my time. I got through 3 bars and knew immediately it was a trick or treat prank. Definately a trick and certainly not a treat. Go get some vocal lessons and leave the King of Pop alone.

October 30 2009 at 7:15 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
imfoldin

It is obvious to me that none of you morons has studied music! If you listen carefully to the words and close your eyes it becomes clear that Imogen Heap is a much more sophisticated interpretation of this song. Michael could dance but he sure couldn't sing!!

October 30 2009 at 7:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kaj

not. even. close.

October 30 2009 at 4:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jean F

Lenny, Lenny, Lenny... why did you have to bring the race thing into this? Maybe Dan is not white? What would make you think that way? I happen to be white and I think MJ is still awesome!

October 30 2009 at 4:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Clyde

Obviously this lady is giving tribute to Michael. If she were not, she would not be singing HIS song. Why insult her or him by comparing their versions of HIS song. Isn't singing with heart and conviction what it's all about. (She certainly does that) When did Americans become so insensitive. You all are wasting the internet. Get a life.

October 30 2009 at 3:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Julie

I liked Imogen's version a lot. She has a unique and pretty voice. Hard to decide which version I like better. They each evoke something completely different. Michael's version is exciting (THRILLing even) and fun, and Imogen's is haunting and beautiful. Not fair to compare.

October 30 2009 at 10:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply