Versions: Mad World

I'm not a big fan of revivals, but sometimes, you do find some that actually work. Here's a good example -- I have three versions of 'Mad World.'

'Mad World' was originally sung by the British band, Tears for Fears in 1982 and was included in their debut LP, 'The Hurting,' which was released the following year. The song turned out to be their first international success, making it to the Top 40 between 1982-1983.



In 2001, a slower, ballad-like cover by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules was used in the movie, "Donnie Darko." The song was such a big hit that aside from being released in 2002 as part of the movie's soundtrack, the two had to release it as a single in 2003. This too became a big hit, being the Number One single over the Christmas Holiday in the UK. It's music video also became very popular in the word wide web, garnering over 13 million views in YouTube as of 2009.



Fast forward to 2009, 'Mad World' once again gained worldwide popularity when American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert sang the slow Gary Jules version on the Top 8 performance night featuring 'Songs From the Year They Were Born.' He again chose this as his encore for the May 19th season finale. As of this week's Billboard Hot 100, Adam Lambert is at last place, dropping from previous week's postion of 44.

On a personal note, I love this song for a variety of reasons and I'm very glad that because of these artists, I am able to enjoy it in different ways. I love the Tears for Fears version because being an 80's kid myself, hearing it really takes me back to my time. However, the lyrics of the song had more meaning to me when the slower Gary Jules version was featured in CSI's Season 6, Episode 2 "Room Service." Lastly, though I'm not a big Adam Lambert fan, I enjoyed his American Idol performance as I find it very haunting. To experience that from a reality show where hopefuls sing their hearts out for a shot in the mainstream, that was magical and it obviously worked for him.

*If you don't want to watch the videos, you may just listen to all three versions either below or through my Multiply Playlist.

Tears for Fears (1982)


Michael Andrews featuring Gary Jules (2003)


Adam Lambert (2009)