Richard Thompson, Oops! I Did It Again | COVERS

In the 37^th edition of COVERS (2023), Richard Thompson delivers a compelling rendition of “Oops! I Did It Again,” originally performed by Britney Spears.

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 focuses solely on the musician who covers, as opposed to the original/most famous performer.  It is open to both established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 37^th edition of COVERS (2023), 🎙 Richard Thompson delivers a compelling rendition of 🎵 “Oops! I Did It Again”, originally performed by 🎙 Britney Spears.

“I think I did it again / I made you believe we’re more than just friends.” Truly iconic lyrics that 🎙 Britney Spears sung back in 2000. 🎵 “Oops! I Did It Again” was one of 14 top 10 hits for Spears, peaking at no. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Honestly, English singer/songwriter 🎙 Richard Thompson seemed like an unlikely candidate to cover the record. Could Spears and Thompson be any more different? Thompson shocked the world and shook us by covering the record on his 2006 album, 💿 1000 Years of Popular Music 🤯.  In his hands, 🎵 “Oops! I Did It Again” gets a more folky makeover, yet still retains its pop vibes.

Thompson sings “Oops! I Did It Again” sensationally.  Richard possesses a distinct, expressive voice. Accompanied by guitar, with that fine and potent voice, Richard puts in work, making this live performance truly his own. The rhythmic guitar playing ups the ante, providing a total contrast to the heavily produced original from six years prior. The guitar solo is sweet, with colorful notes outside of the key thrown in (gotta love a raised 6^th 😉). This pop song, which appealed to millennials, finds an entirely different audience and somehow, manages not to sound nearly as cheesy or schmaltzy as the bubblegum pop original.  Maybe, just maybe “Oops! I Did It Again” has more substance than we gave it credit for in the first place?

🎙 Richard Thompson • 💿 1000 Years of Popular Music • 🏷 Beeswing • 🗓 2006

Richard Thompson, Oops! I Did It Again: Covers No. 37 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; Beeswing; cottonbro studio, MART PRODUCTION, Ron Lach from Pexels; Paul Brennan from Pixabay]