Cover Story

“Since U Been Gone” (Kelly Clarkson)

August 31, 2008 0 Comments

Another year, another cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone.” But who’s complaining? The song cemented its status as a modern pop classic soon after its release on Clarkson’s 2004 sophomore effort, Breakaway.

Written by Max Martin and Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottswald (the Swedish pop masterminds responsible for hits by Britney Spears, Pink, and countless others), “Since U Been Gone” settled in at #2 for two consecutive weeks in spring 2005. Cover versions soon appeared, a trend that has continued to the present day. Ted Leo was first at bat (mixing it with Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ “Maps”), while Timbaland and The Gossip have also tackled the track. (None have been officially released, to my knowledge.)

Speaking of Swedish pop masterminds, it’s Robyn’s turn. Appearing on Jo Whiley’s BBC Radio 1 show earlier this month, she treated listeners to a sensitive, synth-only “Since U Been Gone.” Hear here:

As if a Robyn-Kelly Clarkson combo wasn’t reason enough to turn into a giggly 12-year-old schoolgirl, there’s a bit toward the end which sounds an awful lot like Madonna’s “Angel.” But since Robyn is opening for the European leg of Madonna’s Sticky & Sweet Tour, I suspect it was an intentional (and inspired) lift.

Clarkson fans, take note: Her fourth album is scheduled for release on November 18. She’s completed some tracks with Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, who says the new material is influenced by Garbage (another big favorite of mine).