When people think of Pink, they remember the woman who burst onto the scene in the 1990s with a brash attitude, spiked hair and catchy songs. They also may think of the athletic acrobat who did death-defying stunts during some of her shows, some of them quite high in the air. They tend not to think of a woman who actually sings very well. That won’t be the case when they see this video of Pink singing Janis Joplin’s “Me & Bobby McGee.”
Yes, technically Joplin’s version was a cover too, but many people think of it as the definitive version. The same could be said for Phil Collins’ rendition of “You Can’t Hurry Love”, Johnny Cash’s version of “Hurt”, which is actually a Nine Inch Nails song, and Whitney Houston’s gorgeous singing of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” So, Pink had big shoes to fill when she sat down at the Sessions @ AOL studio in 2003. She nailed it.
Sitting in a relaxed atmosphere while her guitarist strums an acoustic guitar, she belts out the song with confidence and gusto that few can match. Many people think that she achieved her fame because of her image rather than talent, but she can really sing! Just like a certain someone named Miley Cyrus, who also has let image overrule talent at times. It’s a pleasure to listen to.
Some of the older guards might be adamant that Joplin’s version was better. That might be the case to them, but music is subjective, not objective. There are some songs by bands that I adore and my wife listens to it and just rolls her eyes. I could say the same of some of her music.
Everyone likes different things. I’m just glad that Pink challenged herself like this. Some musicians get comfortable with a certain style and never branch out. The same could be said of artists and writers. Everyone has to get out of their comfort zone if they really want to be successful. Pink can say she did.
