Gary Jules & Michael Andrews, Mad World | COVERS

In the 14^th edition of COVERS (2023), Gary Jules & Michael Andrews delivers a compelling rendition of “Mad World,” originally performed by Tears For Fears.

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 14^th edition of COVERS (2023), 🎙 Gary Jules & Michael Andrews delivers a compelling rendition of 🎵 “Mad World”, originally performed by 🎙 Tears For Fears. 

“All around me are familiar faces / Worn-out places, worn-out faces…” Sometimes, a cover is dramatically or starkly different from the original. Often, it is covers that depart drastically that build their own enduring legacy with a song. For 🎙 Gary Jules and 🎙 Michael Andrews, they totally transformed the 🎙 Tears For Fears record, 🎵 “Mad World”. In Jules/Andrews’ hands, it becomes a chilling ballad, accompanied initially by piano. Eventually, some intriguing keyboard cues, strings, and vocal effects accentuate the color and keep things fresh. Notably this haunting rendition appeared on the Donnie Darko soundtrack.  Furthermore, it appeared on Jules’ oddly titled 2001 album, 💿 Trading Snakeoil for Wolftickets.

“And I find it kinda funny, I find it kinda sad

The dreams in which I’m dying are the best I’ve ever had…”

Gary Jules sounds absolutely amazing from start to finish.  The tone of his voice is one of the very best things about “Mad World,” period. He never gets too high or too low, maintaining balance and exhibiting poise.  Honestly, it is the production shifts, which are more subtle as opposed to maximal, that help progress “Mad World.” That, of course, is owed to Andrews who produces this gem.  🎼 ✍ Roland Orzabal penned a great song, one that 🎙 Curt Smith performed awesomely.  Gary Jules, with the help of Michael Andrews, just took it a different direction.  It’s worth noting, 🎙 Adam Lambert, 🎙 Demi Lovato, and 🎙 Pentatonix have delivered terrific covers of the Jules/Andrews take on 🎵 “Mad World” – call it a cover of a cover!

🎙 Gary Jules • 💿 Trading Snakeoil for Wolftickets • 🏷 Down Up Down, Inc. • 🗓 2001

Gary Jules & Michael Andrews, “Mad World”: Covers No. 14 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Down Up Down, Inc.; Paul Brennan from Pixabay;  Sdf Rahbar on Unsplash]