independent and unofficial
Prince fan community
Welcome! Sign up or enter username and password to remember me
Forum jump
Forums > Prince: Music and More > Chaka Khan's new version of Sign 'O' The Times is better than Prince's!
« Previous topic  Next topic »
Page 1 of 2 12>
  New topic   Printable     (Log in to 'subscribe' to this topic)
Author

Tweet     Share

Message
Thread started 10/14/07 2:41pm

mirrorbestfrie
nd

Chaka Khan's new version of Sign 'O' The Times is better than Prince's!

the new version on chaka's new album is much more melodic and polished than prince's original version don't u think?
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #1 posted 10/14/07 2:41pm

InsatiableCrea
m

avatar

no
cream.
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #2 posted 10/14/07 2:51pm

DirtyChris

avatar

sidebar: is is just me
or does the bassline from
"Will You Love Me" give me
serious "New Power Generation" vibe????
"be who you are and say what you feel
because those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind."
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #3 posted 10/14/07 2:53pm

soulyacolia

avatar

I haven't heard Chakas version but this is a track that I wouldn't want a 'polished' version of.

The songs power is in its sketchiness and simplicity. Surely? hmmm
if you've gotta pay for things that you've done wrong I've gotta big bill coming at the end of the day- Gil Scott Heron

Prince.org where fans of Prince meet and stay up too late
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #4 posted 10/14/07 3:12pm

4bjb

mirrorbestfriend said:

the new version on chaka's new album is much more melodic and polished than prince's original version don't u think?


absolutely Not. In fact, the album is a waste of money. I gave it away 30 minuets after I listened to the entire album. The single is not even good IMO. SOTT her version is embarassing.
Lemme
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #5 posted 10/14/07 3:15pm

PurpleKnight

avatar

The world is a comedy for those who think and a tragedy for those who feel.

"You still wanna take me to prison...just because I won't trade humanity for patriotism."
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #6 posted 10/14/07 3:22pm

Tame

avatar

I look forward to hearing Chaka's new album when I have the money to spend
on luxuries...for me it's the basics these days.
"The Lion Sleeps Tonight...
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #7 posted 10/14/07 3:34pm

PDogz

avatar

mirrorbestfriend said:

the new version on chaka's new album is much more melodic and polished than prince's original version don't u think?

Yes, I would agree. And I would have to add; it's much more dance-worthy. Although each version is still what it is, and Chaka's version doesn't take away from Prince's.

Funny I just came across this thread, because I'm currently listening to Chaka's CD "Funk This". I even posted about it on The Org several days ago, I was that moved by it.

The entire CD is very, very funky. And yes indeed, Chaka's version of "Sign" is SMOKIN! Go Chaka Go!
"There's Nothing That The Proper Attitude Won't Render Funkable!"

star
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #8 posted 10/14/07 3:37pm

ARJUN

avatar

better?
aw, come on...
www.arjunmusic.com
www.myspace.com/arjunmusic
www.cdbaby.com/arjuntunes

ARJUN: funk-indie-rock-jazz-groove trio just released their debut album entitled, "Pieces"
Instrumental heavy grooves and improvisation.
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #9 posted 10/14/07 3:50pm

PurpleKnight

avatar

The minimalism in Prince's version is what makes the song so great. It makes you focus on the most important part: the lyrics (which are really strong).
The world is a comedy for those who think and a tragedy for those who feel.

"You still wanna take me to prison...just because I won't trade humanity for patriotism."
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #10 posted 10/14/07 4:08pm

ejnbmore

I wonder if she let Prince hear it first....her version sounds okay but she has a slight country twang in voice...listen to the way she sings horse. I'll always prefer Prince's version. Terry and Jimmy Jam still got it I really like Angel...
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #11 posted 10/14/07 4:13pm

pro

Chaka's version of SOTT reminds me that she wants a fuck real bad
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #12 posted 10/14/07 4:31pm

laurarichardso
n

mirrorbestfriend said:

the new version on chaka's new album is much more melodic and polished than prince's original version don't u think?

-----
It is not supposed to be melodic. It is minimal so you can focus on the lyrics.

I love Chaka's cd but, this is the worst cut on the CD.
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #13 posted 10/14/07 4:39pm

PDogz

avatar

ejnbmore said:

I wonder if she let Prince hear it first....her version sounds okay but she has a slight country twang in voice...listen to the way she sings horse.

You picked out one of the interesting little quirky things that I love about Chaka’s version of “Sign”, the way she pronounced the word “horse” (and who knows “horse” better than Chaka?). However, I don’t see it as much as a “Country Twang” as I see it as a “Jazzy Thing”, and the way jazz singers over-enunciate their words when recording.

Again, I would say, I don’t think Chaka’s version takes anything away from Prince’s version, which is regularly on my personal play list. But I would say it’s a newer, more dance-worthy version, and I don’t see anything wrong with that.

Regarding whether or not she let Prince hear her version before she released it; I would bet that Prince was probably standing there in the studio with her when she recorded it. And if not, I’m sure he heard it before any of us did.
"There's Nothing That The Proper Attitude Won't Render Funkable!"

star
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #14 posted 10/14/07 4:56pm

IstenSzek

avatar

i heard it and i'm not impressed

smile

sign o the times is one of those songs you should never mess with,
it's perfect as it is. anything more or less added into the mix of
it destroys the whole thing.
and true love lives on lollipops and crisps
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #15 posted 10/14/07 4:59pm

planetearthsuc
ks

chaka is done.....someone needs to stick a fork in her

seriously her performance at 3121 in vegas was one of the worst, most awful musical events i have ever witnessed

she screams.....she doesn't really sing anymore.....and her back-up singers were great and totally drowned her out

funk this?.....funk that!
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #16 posted 10/14/07 5:06pm

wonder505

nope.
[Edited 10/14/07 17:07pm]
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #17 posted 10/14/07 6:24pm

wlcm2thdwn

mirrorbestfriend said:

the new version on chaka's new album is much more melodic and polished than prince's original version don't u think?

You never have anything positive to say, I see your back with your crap! mad
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #18 posted 10/14/07 6:34pm

wlcm2thdwn

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #19 posted 10/14/07 6:42pm

emesem

its pretty sweet. hard song to cover without sounding corny...Chaka pulls it off without breaking a sweat.

And she also does a mean Castles made of Sand...
[Edited 10/14/07 18:45pm]
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #20 posted 10/14/07 10:11pm

sexxydancer

She should've left perfection alone.
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #21 posted 10/14/07 11:36pm

NouveauDance

avatar

mirrorbestfriend said:

the new version on chaka's new album is much more melodic and polished than prince's original version don't u think?

  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #22 posted 10/15/07 12:37am

TANKAEFC

Hell NO, it's NOT!
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #23 posted 10/15/07 12:51am

frarnie

avatar

wlcm2thdwn said:


Thanks for the snippet...x
honesty is the best policy...
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #24 posted 10/15/07 1:03am

namepeace

I find that very hard to believe.
Good night, sweet Prince | 7 June 1958 - 21 April 2016

Props will be withheld until the showing and proving has commenced. -- Aaron McGruder
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #25 posted 10/15/07 3:49am

theghostoftony
m

avatar

pro said:

Chaka's version of SOTT reminds me that she wants a fuck real bad


winner
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #26 posted 10/15/07 5:02am

wlcm2thdwn

It's okay, it's just not BETTER than Prince's version.
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #27 posted 10/15/07 5:35am

DirtyChris

avatar

PDogz said:

ejnbmore said:

I wonder if she let Prince hear it first....her version sounds okay but she has a slight country twang in voice...listen to the way she sings horse.

You picked out one of the interesting little quirky things that I love about Chaka’s version of “Sign”, the way she pronounced the word “horse” (and who knows “horse” better than Chaka?). However, I don’t see it as much as a “Country Twang” as I see it as a “Jazzy Thing”, and the way jazz singers over-enunciate their words when recording.

yes... I love the way
she does that

and the line
"Hurricane Annie ripped the
ceiling off a chuuuurch"
"be who you are and say what you feel
because those who mind don't matter
and those who matter don't mind."
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #28 posted 10/15/07 5:59am

JOYJOY

avatar

The Album Funk this is impressive... VERY impressive... credit where credit is due. 'Superlife gives me goose pimples' worship

HOWEVER, chaka's version of SOTT sucks rotten ducks eggs!! HARD. eek horrible barf
One minute they want peace……

Then do everything to make it go away. rolleyes
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Reply #29 posted 10/15/07 6:05am

SoulAlive

Chaka's new album is amazing,but I have to agree with many of you....

Her version of "Sign O The Times" falls flat.I tried to like it at first,but now I think it was a mistake to cover this song.There are certain Prince songs that really shouldn't be remade by anybody.This is one of them.
  - E-mail - orgNote - Report post to moderator
Page 1 of 2 12>
  New topic   Printable     (Log in to 'subscribe' to this topic)
« Previous topic  Next topic »
Forums > Prince: Music and More > Chaka Khan's new version of Sign 'O' The Times is better than Prince's!