'InVersions 80's' Album of Covers from Deezer Shows Creativity in the Streaming Market & Reminds Us Just How Fun Covers Can Be

A cover can either be an incredible reimagining of a favourite tune or can forever taint a beloved classic. If you are a purist who believes that taking on a classic 80s bop and churning out a sub-par version is a sanctionable musical sin, you have nothing to fear with Deezer's latest compilation album 'InVersions 80's'. 

'InVersions 80's' not only avoided this sin, but provides a great excuse to walk down musical memory lane and remember just how many great 80s tunes there really are. It's an affirming reminder of how influential our 80s favourites still continue to be for current popular artists from all genres, and of the importance of meeting the old with the new.

Each track is a treat to listen to as the artists make the songs their own without losing that core quality that draws so many of us to 80s music in the first place.  A wonderful example is Wolf Alice's take on 'More Than This' by Roxy Music, which is so suited to them it could be mistaken for an Ellie Rowsell original. Indeed each artist seemed to choose very well for their style and musical sensibilities without being afraid to play around. 

The irresistibly cool French psych-punk rock band La Femme’s take on Madonna’s 'Like A Prayer' adds a futuristic disco beat to the already dancey cult hit while maintaining the sense of urgency and desperation of the original. L’Imperatrice do a brilliant spin on  'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' by Whitney Houston, using their iconic vocal layering, funky bass and synths, and drum machine to conjure up an arguably even catchier take. 

With a diverse roster of artists and covers, listeners are bound to find at least a few tracks to their liking that will make it a fun and interesting listen. I defy anyone to resist being drawn in by Lido Pimienta's evocative cover of Enya's 'Orinoco Flow' or Juan Pablo Vega's stunning rendition of 'Wicked Game'.

For those of you who are wondering why your search for 'Inversions80's' on Spotify is only turning up a random band from Southern California (who are also worth a listen and have a hilarious biography by the way), this compilation is exclusively available on Deezer. 

While it might seem like an inconvenience to steer away from your usual go-to platform, this album provides a great opportunity to really check out Deezer as a platform, as this album was commissioned by them and available to listen to solely on their platform. With the competition between platforms, perhaps the music streaming market is taking a lesson out of the TV & Film streaming service playbook by making exclusive and enticing content. If such competition results in brilliant creative ideas like 'InVersions80's', perhaps it's a good thing to have more than just the top dogs to go to for your music. 

“80s music is seeing a resurgence like never before, with a whole new generation of fans embracing the sounds of this unique decade," says Nigel Harding, Deezer’s VP of Global Artist Marketing announcing the release on the Deezer blog.  

Whether you’re here for nostalgia, to listen to your favourite current artists try something new, or both, there is something for every listener on 'InVersions 80s' and is certainly an excuse to see what Deezer as a platform has to offer.  If for nothing else, throw it on if you feel like having a little dance around the house because you won't be able to sit still when you hear it. 

Aoife McMahon 

Image: DEEZER