Chris Cornell, Billie Jean | COVERS

In the 5^th edition of COVERS (2023), Chris Cornell delivers a compelling rendition of “Billie Jean,” originally recorded by Michael Jackson.

“Billie Jean is not my lover / She’s just a girl who said that I am the one / But the kid is not my son.” Ah, it’s time to get cozy and totally cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS separates itself from a related column, Head 2 Head 🗣️ only highlighting the musician who covers, as opposed to the original/most famous performer. COVERS is open to both established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 5^th edition of COVERS (2023), 🎙 Chris Cornell delivers a compelling rendition of 🎵 “Billie Jean”, originally recorded by 🎙 Michael Jackson.

On his 2007 album, 💿 Carry On, the late, great 🎙 Chris Cornell (1964 – 2017) took a big risk.  He covered a truly iconic no. 1 hit by one of music’s biggest icons, 🎙 Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009):  🎵 “Billie Jean”. Naturally, as a rock star, tackling an R&B/pop record with one of the grooviest beats of all time should not work.  In the hands of Cornell, and a huge transformation, “Billie Jean” takes on a separate sound and personality compared to the original from 💿 Thriller (1982).  Honestly, if you are going to cover a classic EVERYBODY knows, and truly make it your own, the Chris Cornell approach to “Billie Jean” is the way to go.

“Billie Jean” is no longer R&B or pop in Cornell’s hands – it’s a straight up rock song 🤘🏽. There is a shift form common time to compound duple (or compound quadruple if you hear it that way).  This lilting approach, coupled with the minor key adds a more darker, enigmatic nature to the record. Another nice musical touch is the use of a string bass, which adds a folky vibe, complementing the narrative conjured up. Chris makes “Billie Jean” sound more agonizing, even incorporating a certain degree of subtlety on the verses. Following the first verse specifically, Cornell explodes on the chorus, backed by juiced-up, distorted guitars, pummeling drums, and more energy.  It’s a similar sentiment on the second iteration of the chorus, though with a drum groove locked in on the second verse, unlike the first, you anticipate this fever pitch. It is tough to outduel or usurp the King of Pop ever, but Cornell gives it his all on this epic reinterpretation.

🎙 Chris Cornell • 💿 Carry On • 🏷 Interscope • 🗓 2007

Chris Cornell, “Billie Jean”: Covers No. 5 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Interscope; Paul Brennan from Pixabay;  Sdf Rahbar on Unsplash]