I would have preferred that you had heard these in the order they were created. It would be interesting to see if you had a different reaction, although probably not since you don't have the sentimental attachment to the original that many of us have. I have the exact opposite reaction to you when saying the Shinedown version feels more intimately personal compared than Lynyrd Skynyrd. I feel the sentiment of this much more strongly with Ronnie singing his own lyrics that he wrote, along with my attachment to the Lynyrd Skynyrd sound that I grew up with. But in your not having this attachment, I can understand why you might prefer the vocals on Shinedown since they did a great job, although to me it is almost too refined a voice to represent a simple man, and again the lyrics are not his which is important in a song such as this. In the future, I would always do the original first, particularly with the iconic songs such as this. But as always, I very much appreciate your honest opinion and reaction. Just shows the power of music that we each have our own attachments that are personal and meaningful to each of us.
you’re spot on about the sentimental attachment, but still I feel i’d like Skynyrd’s version WAY more even if the familiar one was Shinedown’s and LS’s the new one. Just matter of taste, I guess, lol.
@@splitimage137. Yes, all great songs with Free Bird being one of the most iconic songs of the 70s, at least in the US. I can remember it being played as much as Stairway back when I was in high school. On the other hand, while I still love these songs, they haven't held up as well for me over the decades as well as some of the other great 60s and 70s songs, with Free Bird being the exception that I still hear fairly regularly. I enjoy watching younger reactors hearing it for the first time, particularly the incredible live 1977 Oakland concert which was just a few months prior to the plane crash. Ronnie is wearing a Neil Young concert t-shirt in that one, showing how much Ronnie respected Neil, despite his Sweet Home Alabama lyrics.
Yep, Lynard Skynard is hands down more intimate and better version. Shinedown is just there wailing away, belting it out like he is in an opera. He overpowers the message with his voice. It has no aura of an intimate personal conversation between two friends or a father/son, in my opinion.
@@dago87able I agree with your sentiment, but at the same time I recognize that the songs I grew up with will always have a tendency to have more appeal. The good news about the Shinedown version, which I really do like, is that it also brought attention back to the original for a new generation. So it is interesting to hear the opinion of someone without that attachment. It has been a while since I have heard Elizabeth of the Charismatic Voice react, so I don't remember her take on it. I think she also did them out of order. Knowing the history and work of a band also has an impact, which isn't something a reactor typical has.
I think the Lynyrd Skynyrd original is perfect. All aspects fit together. Southern sentiment, southern language, southern style of rock, and a southern pace that invites you to linger and play it again.
Brent Smith completely oversang this song in Shinedown’s remake. To me, it seemed like he saw it as more of a showcase for his vocals (which are impressive) rather than a true homage to Skynyrd. I always default to the original version when cueing up this song in a playlist. Ronnie’s vocals are spot on, and no one is going to outperform him, especially on this song.
Some analyses can tend towards reductionism that risks draining the heart of a song. The LS song isn't a version. It is original and precious. I love it.
In my opinion the Skynyrd version sounds much more authentic. The simplicity is much more in line with the lyrics! Each to their own, music is very personal, so the best version is really just whichever pulls your heart strings! However, having said that, Skynyrd’s version is clearly the better version :-)
Amy / Vlad ..... for this series of Covers, I don't understand why you wouldn't listen to the OG first, and then appreciate what faithfulness or differences the Cover brought to the table ? There will always be instances where a Cover is generally agreed to be 'better'. For Simple Man, I do appreciate Amy is being honest and that opinion can be subjective. But there's also an angle that the people who wrote the song executed their own soundscape.
Funny I am a singer songwriter and for me the most important thing is that you make the song believable, it's about telling the story, and by far Skynyrd did that much better, not a big fan of the Shinedown version, the song was perfect.
"Simple Man" and "Tuesday's Gone" are my two favorite Skynyrd songs. I'm not a fan of Shinedown's cover of "Simple Man", but I have to say Hank Jr. did a hell of a good job covering "Tuesday's Gone" on the Skynyrd Frynds tribute album. If you haven't heard it, it is definitely worth a listen.
Southern Rock is a milkshake made up of equal parts rock, country and blues. When you look the genre up in the dictionary, there is a picture of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Skynyrd is absolutely a southern rock pioneer. But we shouldn't forget that The Allman Bros. came first. I love both bands. Skynyrd's version of "Simple Man" is Simply the best version. If not for this reaction video I would've forgotten that Shinedown even covered this Masterpiece... ✌
Not knocking your favorite but I feel it would be reversed if you heard the Skynyrd version first. Brent Smith does a wonderful version bringing his intensity to give the song a different feel. For us older listeners, this song has a message that has lasted our lives. I was a teenager in high school trying to find my place in this world and first time hearing this song reassured me that it’ll all be okay. Still think of those words when life gets a little rough. It is the power of music that makes our lives better. Look forward to tomorrow’s reaction.
Oh my goodness, when you do the "Freebird" reaction it has got to be the live version "Lynyrd Skynyrd - Freebird - 7/2/1977 - Oakland Coliseum Stadium (Official)" because seeing it is just as amazing as hearing it.
I've always loved how the chord progression never changes throughout the whole song. It's like a lullaby, almost...which makes sense, since these are his mother's words. Such an awesome song!! :)
This song was played at my sister's funeral 20 years ago and to this day, I cannot listen to it without crying. I absolutely love the song and always have, but it brings me to tears every time.
I remember when it came out a lot of people likened it to blasphemy. Despite that, it got a lot of airplay and did very well. I of course prefer Ronnie every day of the week. His vocals being fairly unrefined are part of what makes this work so well.
@@keltonhutchison5951Nope..digitally altered bovine excrement..they look like f'ing geeks too. No thanks ...why listen to a cheap copy, when I can have the sublime original. You waste your time if you wish..not me.
Skynyrd was unique in that they featured 3 guitarist who alternated playing leads. Also, Ronnie insisted that the band play the song verbatim as recorded when in concert.
This original does still have the same feeling of intimacy to my listening, but maybe the difference is that in this version it is more "one-sided" ... almost like "mama told me", meaning mama was truly speaking to her one and only son, but he wasn't listening at the time, and maybe only now realizes the consequences of not having listened earlier. Or mama told me, but at the time he wasn't old enough to truly understand. And then now because of the consequences of him not listening, he is now trying to pass on the message generally so that others are given the opportunity to listen before suffering the consequences of not listening.
All shinedown guy is doing is his best approximation of this song as you hear it here. But as others have said, since you don’t have 50 years of it living and breathing within you, you can’t feel that or hear it as we do.
You are wrong that SDs version is more personal. Some of the lines are just shouted. It came across as more of an exercise in "look what I can do". The intimate, personal rendition is by Ronnie Van Zant. These are not lyrics that have to be belted out because they are conversational. I also prefer the drums and electric instrumentation of the original. The cover version is in the style of an unplugged acoustic version. In doing this, the requisite emotion is lacking from the overall performance. By the way, it is pronounced "Leonard", not 'Lynne-erd'
OK, so I had to listen to Shinedown, whom I had never heard of. Like many people here, I might not be all that objective, loving and listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd since the 70s. Like other commenters mentioned, I felt like the singer was singing louder than necessary and just kind of showing off vocally. To me Skynyrd's version and Ronnie's voice comes across with much more feeling and soul.
Oh, Amy!!! It's a kind of magic)))) I'm in you and your channel for Queen, and I don't miss any Queen reaction. But I also like Lynyrd Skynyrd, and this is my favourite song of them!!! It is so beautiful, and understandable. It's a great song, thank you!
Southern Rock, the way we heard it when we were young. Living in Florida much of the time they were making this music makes it sound honest and true to me. Imagine the music that wasn't made because of a plane crash. R.I.P Ronnie. Give me Lynyrd Skynyrd any day over Shinedown, just my opinion.
They had a cabin out in the woods they called " Hell House," and often, while the band was putting the music together, Ronnie would go out on the creek fishing and listen and write the song in his head. He never wrote lyrics down,he always memorized them.
Love your take on the differences, but knowing what I know about Ronnie Van Zant and how he wrote and the presence he had as a front man. His versions can't be beat. Keep them coming though!
Ronnie wouldn't be offended by the comment about it sounding more country because country music was a big influence on him. Just listen to No One Can Take Your Place, it's very country.
Both bands are from Jacksonville, Florida. The original Guitarist in Shinedown, Jasin Todd, was married to Melody Van Zant, the Daughter of Ronnie Van Zant, Lead Singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
@markchandler5947 , according to interviews with Melody Van Zant, she and her Mother, Judy thought Ronnie would have been honored with Shinedown doing this cover. I met Judy Van Zant at a club she opened in honor of her late husband. The club was called "Free Bird Live" it was on Jacksonville Beach. The band I was in (diveplane) played there. We didn't do any Skynyrd covers. No local band did that played there. Judy told us that Ronnie wanted to open up a club for local bands to play in, after their Street Survivor's tour..... Well, we all know the tragically sad history. Judy told us that Ronnie wanted to help out local Jacksonville bands, and all local bands from Florida have a shot to be heard. It was a cool club! She's a cool lady. She had all of their Gold and Platinum albums hung on the walls in the dressing rooms. She closed the club down in 2016
What came first and the influence on what came after is an essential part of the rock genre and experience. I'm not saying you have to listen to old blues records to appreciate the Stones or Zep, but this was a hit and a genre-defining song. Context matters. Music was important.
I actually love that this original song is somewhat "conversational". That is exactly how I envision this to be: a conversation. A southern man sitting down with his son and passing along a talk that he had with his own mother in the distant past. This song is as southern American as it gets. I haven't heard the cover yet (and I will definitely check out your video), but it seems to me if you are going to do a cover of such an iconic and culturally significant song as this, you need to do an ENTIRELY different take on it. Like we have seen recently with 'The Sound of Silence' and 'Hurt'.
The Skynyrd version does present common and traditional wisdom, so the emotional content is in the sharing, just as mama is sharing with the singer, not in the "personal" aspects of it, but it is nevertheless very intense. Listen again to the guitar solo. Since you didn't comment on it, it seems like you might have already checked out by then.
Every time I hear a Lynyrd Skynyrd tune now, I think about the fact that my father went to the same high school as them, albeit 10-15 years prior. I only learned this after my father's passing, but its really interesting how this makes me feel a different connection to the music than before I discovered this fact. It humanizes them when hitherto I always felt they were deities.
yeah I think that's the meaning of the song as well. Their life… "simple?" no . In the end, I think they were taken down by careless decisions, flying in a plane with aircrew so negligent they hadn't even checked the fuel levels.
I haven't heard the cover so I'm looking forward to watching that video tomorrow. I've been listening to this version for 50 years. It hits me deep in my soul.
Shinedown? They are nothing. Their music could be erased from the planet and it wouldn't mean anything. I mean, they have some great songs, not totally bashing them as a band. But in comparison with Lynyrd Skynyrd? I mean that isn't even fair.
LS always sit down together and made their music. nothing written down. To me it seems like they got their message across. Shinedown took it to heart. Thank you for your honest reaction. Thank you for the song.
First time watching this channel. Long time fan of Lynard Skynard. I Love the song and part of its appeal is knowing Ronnie VanZants story. I appreciate this woman’s analysis. However I think she should have listened to this original version first and also be aware of his origins, life, and death. I think that adds a lot to the experience. I’ve not heard the Shinedown version yet but I will be checking it out next. ( I’ll follow my own recommendation and read a quick bio of shinedown and their opinion of the original. This lady is very pleasing to watch and listen to. Thank you ma’am
You need to take a journey through Southern Rock: Alman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker Band, .38 Special, and Molly Hatchet are the top line up.
I do not think she likes Southern Rock, as remarkably strange as that is. She listened to Sweet Home Alabama and the reaction was ho hum. She listened to this, and preferred Shinedown for goodness sakes.
The instrumental accompaniment to the vocals in the Skynyrd version is part of what makes it so great. That's the rock element. There's an authenticity to the original version that can't be replicated or outdone. And while Ronnie Van Zant wasn't classically trained with an amazing vocal range, he was able to convey the emotional message of their songs in a way that really resonated with people. The Shinedown version with the overwrought vocals and wallpaper backing track might explain why that band is a big hit on the mainstream "rock" charts.
Fun fact -Shinedown lead singer Brent Smith revealed, “Our original guitar player, Jasin Todd, was married to Melody Van Zant, [Lynyrd Skynyrd singer Ronnie Van Zant’s daughter].”
If you are interested in songs where the feeling and message changes between the original and the cover, you should listen to Hurt by Nine Inch Nails then listen to Johnny Cash's cover. Very different.
The Totality of their work Totality outshines Shinedownds 😅 and i think they couldnt carry their lunch(speaking of muching) but thanks for your opinion. Plse do a live version of Freebird, 72 oakland is a good one.
The major difference in the versions is not how they are played by each band. The difference is in how each band is made up. Lynyrd Skynyrd is a bigger guitar oriented band with 3 great individual players.
Simple Man the song Skynyrds producer didnt want them to record. Ronnie had made up his mind. So story goes that when Skynyrd went into the studio they were getring ready to record Simple Man , their producer said , its not the right song for you , I want you to record this song I wrote. Ronnie took him by the arm walked him out and put him in his car. He leaned down and said we'll call you when its cut. The rest as they say is history.
Big fan of Skynard and a lot of 70's rock sounds. I've been enjoying your channel for a while now, too. I'm just hoping and waiting for other sounds of the 70s. A few recommendations would be Steely Dan, Van Morrison, America, and The Guess Who.
From the moment it starts you just know its great. A great rock song is a true friend for life, an ever fixed mark . It is and always will be a joy in life, like the sun ,it rules the earth ,as she the sky .
I've heard several versions of Simple Man, by various artists. In my humble opinion, as a lover of all kinds of music, the Best Version is Lynyrd Skynyrd's original version with Ronnie VanZant on vocals.
Please remember that Lynyrd Skynyrd wrote it arranged it and everything and Shinedown didn't do nothing all they did was just play it a little bit different they didn't have to write anything
Take the time machine back and listen first to "Simple Man" by Ronnie Van Zant - end of story. Shinedown is a very talented tribute performer - no disrespect. But interpreting the emotions of a singer-songwriter's performance is risky business. Morgan James' theatrical cover of Aerosmiths' "Dream On" is entertaining, Counting Crows cover of Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" lacks 1970's context, Manfred Mann's cover of Springsteen's "Blinded By The Light" gave Springsteen his only #1 hit as a songwriter, and Jimi Hendrix's cover of Dylan's "All Along The Watchtower" is favored by Dylan over his own recording.
I just went and listened to a 14-yo version from ShineDown. To me the major difference is that Lynyrd Skynyrd's version is about the music, and the lyrics are just a nice excuse for the music. ShineDown is not about the music at all. I went decades listening to this Skynyrd song before I ever thought about one word of the lyrics. I think the lyrics are cool, but that's not what connects with my soul.
This song was my focal point while in labor with my son. Not on purpose, it just came to me. I love the version from Shinedown as well, their concert was one of my top favorites and made me very emotional which is weird for me 😂. Smith and Myers covers are so good!!
Without Lynyrd Skynyrd, this song would never exist, which has inspired many artists to cover it. So it is the best version. How many people say a cover of a Beethoven piece is superior? None, but they will say it was a good interpretation of that piece. Remember, the original has inspired somebody to cover that piece and therefor is the best, if it wasn't, there would be no cover.
It is interesting seeing your take on this song. What is really interesting is this song might never have existed if it wasn’t for the insistence of Ronnie VanZant, the lead singer of Lynyrd Skynryd. It was a song that was a compilation of stories from his and Gary Rosington, their guitar player, from their Mothers and grandmothers. The producer of their first album, Alice Cooper, did not want them to record “Simple Man” Ronnie escorted him out of the studio and said, “I am the boss and this song is going on this album”
I am glad that his mother had tge foresight to add the caveat "or be something you'll love and understand", as not all son's can go grow up to fulfill the sterotypical definition of a "simple man", but they can still be good people.
Lynyrd Skynyrd is a key example of what used to be called “Southern Rock” that was heavily influenced by country music, so Amy is right to mention the country tone in the singing.
I guess artistically writing something out of thin air and then letting someone else basically lower the artistry, raise the production value, and then focus on vocals wins over even a classical musician. But this does break my heart. I guess I prefer Hallowed Be Thy Name by Cradle of Filth over the original…sometimes. But Iron Maiden wrote the melody! Pulled it out of the Ether and put it into existence.
You are nuts on both accounts...it doesn't take that much talent to re-make song today from artistry produced back in the 70s/80s when it was analog. You are a geek.
@@jeffwarren4938 what am I wrong about? I made two points: 1. Her choosing Shinedown over the original breaks my heart…it’s just a high production cover with low artistry. 2. Covers can be fine but you can’t truly compare to the original… I’ll make a third- Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of the best bands of all time and true geniuses of an era that was too short lived. My band covers Simple Man every show…I guess that makes us geeks.
@Zao923 Your comments on how the production (current) makes a better sound (maybe I misinterpreted your meaning)...the second..no way some two bit band Cradle of Filth could produce ANYTHING that sounds better than IRON MAIDEN. On that point you are nuts. I have seen shows going back to the early 70's...those bands through the mid-eighties could actually play and sing LIVE...with no autotune, backing tracks...there is no band today that can touch those bands....period full stop. Put them on the same equipment in the 70's and they would be pure amateurs. I am old enough to have heard the originals LIVE!
Ronnie Van Zant is the most underrated rock singer of the classic era. Unbelievable commitment to every note. The only singer I know who has this cocky confidence (don’t laugh) is Frank Sinatra.
I can buy into your critic. Never heard of Shine Down. Skynyrd has always been the definitive version. You've made my curious. I'll give your other video a go.
This song became very popular again in 2001 when Dale Earnhardt was killed at Daytona speedway. His son Dale Earnhardt Jr. Was also in the race and we could see Sr. Saying this to Jr.
Yes, they are very different, as are the bands. Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of the most universally beloved bands in music history. Shinedown is an after thought.
I would have preferred that you had heard these in the order they were created. It would be interesting to see if you had a different reaction, although probably not since you don't have the sentimental attachment to the original that many of us have. I have the exact opposite reaction to you when saying the Shinedown version feels more intimately personal compared than Lynyrd Skynyrd. I feel the sentiment of this much more strongly with Ronnie singing his own lyrics that he wrote, along with my attachment to the Lynyrd Skynyrd sound that I grew up with. But in your not having this attachment, I can understand why you might prefer the vocals on Shinedown since they did a great job, although to me it is almost too refined a voice to represent a simple man, and again the lyrics are not his which is important in a song such as this. In the future, I would always do the original first, particularly with the iconic songs such as this. But as always, I very much appreciate your honest opinion and reaction. Just shows the power of music that we each have our own attachments that are personal and meaningful to each of us.
Lee, would you agree: I AIN'T THE ONE; GIMME THREE STEPS; WHAT'S YOUR NAME; FREEBIRD and SWEET HOME ALABAMA are more good songs by this band?
you’re spot on about the sentimental attachment, but still I feel i’d like Skynyrd’s version WAY more even if the familiar one was Shinedown’s and LS’s the new one. Just matter of taste, I guess, lol.
@@splitimage137. Yes, all great songs with Free Bird being one of the most iconic songs of the 70s, at least in the US. I can remember it being played as much as Stairway back when I was in high school. On the other hand, while I still love these songs, they haven't held up as well for me over the decades as well as some of the other great 60s and 70s songs, with Free Bird being the exception that I still hear fairly regularly. I enjoy watching younger reactors hearing it for the first time, particularly the incredible live 1977 Oakland concert which was just a few months prior to the plane crash. Ronnie is wearing a Neil Young concert t-shirt in that one, showing how much Ronnie respected Neil, despite his Sweet Home Alabama lyrics.
Yep, Lynard Skynard is hands down more intimate and better version. Shinedown is just there wailing away, belting it out like he is in an opera. He overpowers the message with his voice. It has no aura of an intimate personal conversation between two friends or a father/son, in my opinion.
@@dago87able I agree with your sentiment, but at the same time I recognize that the songs I grew up with will always have a tendency to have more appeal. The good news about the Shinedown version, which I really do like, is that it also brought attention back to the original for a new generation. So it is interesting to hear the opinion of someone without that attachment. It has been a while since I have heard Elizabeth of the Charismatic Voice react, so I don't remember her take on it. I think she also did them out of order. Knowing the history and work of a band also has an impact, which isn't something a reactor typical has.
This version is hands down the best. It can bring a tear to my eyes if I’m in a certain mood because of how intimate it is
Personally, I much prefer Lynyrd Skynyrd's version.
I think the Lynyrd Skynyrd original is perfect. All aspects fit together. Southern sentiment, southern language, southern style of rock, and a southern pace that invites you to linger and play it again.
Not following your opinion on this, The Lynyrd Skynyrd version is the real version.
Ronnie's grandma was the birthing of this song from his grandmother. This is the real deal
This is a song that should never be remade. It's perfect as is.
Agreed. Same with Turn the Page.
Brent Smith completely oversang this song in Shinedown’s remake. To me, it seemed like he saw it as more of a showcase for his vocals (which are impressive) rather than a true homage to Skynyrd. I always default to the original version when cueing up this song in a playlist. Ronnie’s vocals are spot on, and no one is going to outperform him, especially on this song.
@@MichaelKelly-eg6joMetallica tried to sue Seger for rights to that song smh
A cover is not a remake
YES!
Some analyses can tend towards reductionism that risks draining the heart of a song. The LS song isn't a version. It is original and precious. I love it.
Yes!❤ Just enjoy the feeling and emotion, no need to analyse. God Bless Ronnie, Billie and the rest of this band that feels like old friends, family❤
There is only one version of this song and this is it.
In my opinion the Skynyrd version sounds much more authentic. The simplicity is much more in line with the lyrics! Each to their own, music is very personal, so the best version is really just whichever pulls your heart strings! However, having said that, Skynyrd’s version is clearly the better version :-)
This!!!! 100 times this. Skynyrd was authentic with it.
Amy / Vlad ..... for this series of Covers, I don't understand why you wouldn't listen to the OG first, and then appreciate what faithfulness or differences the Cover brought to the table ?
There will always be instances where a Cover is generally agreed to be 'better'. For Simple Man, I do appreciate Amy is being honest and that opinion can be subjective. But there's also an angle that the people who wrote the song executed their own soundscape.
Funny I am a singer songwriter and for me the most important thing is that you make the song believable, it's about telling the story, and by far Skynyrd did that much better, not a big fan of the Shinedown version, the song was perfect.
Tuesday's Gone is another beauty. And much more orchestral.
Yes. I second Tuesday's Gone as another great song.
I agree. And "Ballade of Curtis Loew" too.
"Simple Man" and "Tuesday's Gone" are my two favorite Skynyrd songs. I'm not a fan of Shinedown's cover of "Simple Man", but I have to say Hank Jr. did a hell of a good job covering "Tuesday's Gone" on the Skynyrd Frynds tribute album. If you haven't heard it, it is definitely worth a listen.
Southern Rock is a milkshake made up of equal parts rock, country and blues. When you look the genre up in the dictionary, there is a picture of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
I ❤this! TY for sharing.
Skynyrd is absolutely a southern rock pioneer. But we shouldn't forget that The Allman Bros. came first. I love both bands. Skynyrd's version of "Simple Man" is Simply the best version. If not for this reaction video I would've forgotten that Shinedown even covered this Masterpiece... ✌
There is no world in which the Shinedown version is even equal to the Skynrd masterpiece
Not knocking your favorite but I feel it would be reversed if you heard the Skynyrd version first. Brent Smith does a wonderful version bringing his intensity to give the song a different feel. For us older listeners, this song has a message that has lasted our lives. I was a teenager in high school trying to find my place in this world and first time hearing this song reassured me that it’ll all be okay. Still think of those words when life gets a little rough. It is the power of music that makes our lives better. Look forward to tomorrow’s reaction.
Oh my goodness, when you do the "Freebird" reaction it has got to be the live version "Lynyrd Skynyrd - Freebird - 7/2/1977 - Oakland Coliseum Stadium (Official)" because seeing it is just as amazing as hearing it.
I agree. Also, since groups dont fade out music during a live performance they sort of brought it to a grand ending.
Yes!
Living in alabama my whole life, simple man is absolute staple, skynyrds is the best, its the simplicity and authenticity
I've always loved how the chord progression never changes throughout the whole song. It's like a lullaby, almost...which makes sense, since these are his mother's words. Such an awesome song!! :)
I imagine walking with my son in the melody. And the ups and downs of life ❤
Great observation, I never thought about it that way. It always reminds me that things don't have to be complex to be great.
This song was played at my sister's funeral 20 years ago and to this day, I cannot listen to it without crying. I absolutely love the song and always have, but it brings me to tears every time.
Been so excited for you to make your way to skynyrd only to get spoiled by a shinedown cover… what a cruel twist of fate 😂
I do not believe I ever heard of Shinedown or their version of this song and frankly I don't believe I want to.
Same here
I remember when it came out a lot of people likened it to blasphemy. Despite that, it got a lot of airplay and did very well. I of course prefer Ronnie every day of the week. His vocals being fairly unrefined are part of what makes this work so well.
You do.....
@@keltonhutchison5951Don'tthink so..
@@keltonhutchison5951Nope..digitally altered bovine excrement..they look like f'ing geeks too. No thanks ...why listen to a cheap copy, when I can have the sublime original. You waste your time if you wish..not me.
Skynyrd was unique in that they featured 3 guitarist who alternated playing leads. Also, Ronnie insisted that the band play the song verbatim as recorded when in concert.
This original does still have the same feeling of intimacy to my listening, but maybe the difference is that in this version it is more "one-sided" ... almost like "mama told me", meaning mama was truly speaking to her one and only son, but he wasn't listening at the time, and maybe only now realizes the consequences of not having listened earlier. Or mama told me, but at the time he wasn't old enough to truly understand. And then now because of the consequences of him not listening, he is now trying to pass on the message generally so that others are given the opportunity to listen before suffering the consequences of not listening.
All shinedown guy is doing is his best approximation of this song as you hear it here. But as others have said, since you don’t have 50 years of it living and breathing within you, you can’t feel that or hear it as we do.
You are wrong that SDs version is more personal. Some of the lines are just shouted. It came across as more of an exercise in "look what I can do". The intimate, personal rendition is by Ronnie Van Zant. These are not lyrics that have to be belted out because they are conversational. I also prefer the drums and electric instrumentation of the original. The cover version is in the style of an unplugged acoustic version. In doing this, the requisite emotion is lacking from the overall performance.
By the way, it is pronounced "Leonard", not 'Lynne-erd'
(Pronounced 'Lĕh-'nérd 'Skin-'nérd)
OK, so I had to listen to Shinedown, whom I had never heard of.
Like many people here, I might not be all that objective, loving and listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd since the 70s.
Like other commenters mentioned, I felt like the singer was singing louder than necessary and just kind of showing off vocally.
To me Skynyrd's version and Ronnie's voice comes across with much more feeling and soul.
IDK why I listen to someone about the music I like, but I enjoy your channel. I appreciate what you do.
I love your channel and the depth you can reach so quickly while listening but also they way you can make it so entertaining
Oh, Amy!!! It's a kind of magic)))) I'm in you and your channel for Queen, and I don't miss any Queen reaction. But I also like Lynyrd Skynyrd, and this is my favourite song of them!!! It is so beautiful, and understandable. It's a great song, thank you!
Southern Rock, the way we heard it when we were young. Living in Florida much of the time they were making this music makes it sound honest and true to me. Imagine the music that wasn't made because of a plane crash. R.I.P Ronnie. Give me Lynyrd Skynyrd any day over Shinedown, just my opinion.
They had a cabin out in the woods they called " Hell House," and often, while the band was putting the music together, Ronnie would go out on the creek fishing and listen and write the song in his head. He never wrote lyrics down,he always memorized them.
Love your take on the differences, but knowing what I know about Ronnie Van Zant and how he wrote and the presence he had as a front man. His versions can't be beat. Keep them coming though!
Ronnie wouldn't be offended by the comment about it sounding more country because country music was a big influence on him. Just listen to No One Can Take Your Place, it's very country.
Yes! What a gem your song recommendation is. Another is If I'm Wrong ❤
Both bands are from Jacksonville, Florida. The original Guitarist in Shinedown, Jasin Todd, was married to Melody Van Zant, the Daughter of Ronnie Van Zant, Lead Singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Wow. Didn't know this.
Then he should damn well know better than to do what he did. Ronnie is rolling in his grave, God rest his soul.
@markchandler5947 , according to interviews with Melody Van Zant, she and her Mother, Judy thought Ronnie would have been honored with Shinedown doing this cover. I met Judy Van Zant at a club she opened in honor of her late husband. The club was called "Free Bird Live" it was on Jacksonville Beach. The band I was in (diveplane) played there. We didn't do any Skynyrd covers. No local band did that played there. Judy told us that Ronnie wanted to open up a club for local bands to play in, after their Street Survivor's tour..... Well, we all know the tragically sad history. Judy told us that Ronnie wanted to help out local Jacksonville bands, and all local bands from Florida have a shot to be heard. It was a cool club! She's a cool lady. She had all of their Gold and Platinum albums hung on the walls in the dressing rooms. She closed the club down in 2016
What came first and the influence on what came after is an essential part of the rock genre and experience. I'm not saying you have to listen to old blues records to appreciate the Stones or Zep, but this was a hit and a genre-defining song. Context matters. Music was important.
Lynyrd Skynyrd was a SUPER GRP of Talent....... Look at the Stage LIVE. Soooo many and Persfection.
I actually love that this original song is somewhat "conversational". That is exactly how I envision this to be: a conversation. A southern man sitting down with his son and passing along a talk that he had with his own mother in the distant past. This song is as southern American as it gets. I haven't heard the cover yet (and I will definitely check out your video), but it seems to me if you are going to do a cover of such an iconic and culturally significant song as this, you need to do an ENTIRELY different take on it. Like we have seen recently with 'The Sound of Silence' and 'Hurt'.
The Skynyrd version does present common and traditional wisdom, so the emotional content is in the sharing, just as mama is sharing with the singer, not in the "personal" aspects of it, but it is nevertheless very intense. Listen again to the guitar solo. Since you didn't comment on it, it seems like you might have already checked out by then.
The Shinedown version is a pale imitation of a great classic.
Just like the terrible remake of Pink Floyds song High Hopes by Night Wish . Awful.
Love both the original version and shinedown’s of this song.
And the message generally is a song that every generation can understand.
Skynnrd's version is the only version......an exercise in C-G-A and a powerful message for your boy.
Every time I hear a Lynyrd Skynyrd tune now, I think about the fact that my father went to the same high school as them, albeit 10-15 years prior. I only learned this after my father's passing, but its really interesting how this makes me feel a different connection to the music than before I discovered this fact. It humanizes them when hitherto I always felt they were deities.
The original feels almost more like regret for not taking the advice. Remembering hurts because you know they were right.
yeah I think that's the meaning of the song as well. Their life… "simple?" no . In the end, I think they were taken down by careless decisions, flying in a plane with aircrew so negligent they hadn't even checked the fuel levels.
I haven't heard the cover so I'm looking forward to watching that video tomorrow. I've been listening to this version for 50 years. It hits me deep in my soul.
Shinedown? They are nothing. Their music could be erased from the planet and it wouldn't mean anything. I mean, they have some great songs, not totally bashing them as a band. But in comparison with Lynyrd Skynyrd? I mean that isn't even fair.
100% agree. They would never be missed. There's not even a comparison between the two versions. There is only ONE version and Skynyrd created it.
Let’s compare Shinedown to the Beatles.. I’ve never heard of shinedown before and not interested
Right …..I know …. It’s really insulting to those of us who experienced all this in the 70s and 80s
LS always sit down together and made their music. nothing written down. To me it seems like they got their message across. Shinedown took it to heart. Thank you for your honest reaction. Thank you for the song.
First time watching this channel. Long time fan of Lynard Skynard. I Love the song and part of its appeal is knowing Ronnie VanZants story. I appreciate this woman’s analysis. However I think she should have listened to this original version first and also be aware of his origins, life, and death. I think that adds a lot to the experience. I’ve not heard the Shinedown version yet but I will be checking it out next. ( I’ll follow my own recommendation and read a quick bio of shinedown and their opinion of the original. This lady is very pleasing to watch and listen to. Thank you ma’am
You need to take a journey through Southern Rock: Alman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker Band, .38 Special, and Molly Hatchet are the top line up.
And don’t forget the Outlaws!
I do not think she likes Southern Rock, as remarkably strange as that is. She listened to Sweet Home Alabama and the reaction was ho hum. She listened to this, and preferred Shinedown for goodness sakes.
This was my wife and son's song. For his birthday she got him a framed picture of the lyrics.
I get it. Thanks for sharing.
Please don't ever compare shinedown to Lynyrd Skynyrd
Agree
The instrumental accompaniment to the vocals in the Skynyrd version is part of what makes it so great. That's the rock element. There's an authenticity to the original version that can't be replicated or outdone. And while Ronnie Van Zant wasn't classically trained with an amazing vocal range, he was able to convey the emotional message of their songs in a way that really resonated with people.
The Shinedown version with the overwrought vocals and wallpaper backing track might explain why that band is a big hit on the mainstream "rock" charts.
Lynyrd Skynyrd is awesome. This made me want to listen to this Shinedown guy. Waiting for your review of that 💪🏻
Best version you will ever hear
Fun fact -Shinedown lead singer Brent Smith revealed, “Our original guitar player, Jasin Todd, was married to Melody Van Zant, [Lynyrd Skynyrd singer Ronnie Van Zant’s daughter].”
If you are interested in songs where the feeling and message changes between the original and the cover, you should listen to Hurt by Nine Inch Nails then listen to Johnny Cash's cover. Very different.
Also Lose Yourself by Eminem and covered by Kasey Chambers
Agree
The Totality of their work Totality outshines Shinedownds 😅 and i think they couldnt carry their lunch(speaking of muching) but thanks for your opinion. Plse do a live version of Freebird, 72 oakland is a good one.
one of my favorite bass lines of all time
I can't help but wonder if you would have felt LS's version a little more personal had you listened to it first.
The major difference in the versions is not how they are played by each band. The difference is in how each band is made up. Lynyrd Skynyrd is a bigger guitar oriented band with 3 great individual players.
Lynyrd Skynynd is the best version, but I respect your opinion. Love watching your channel and appreciate all of your great musical knowledge!❤❤❤
Simple Man the song Skynyrds producer didnt want them to record. Ronnie had made up his mind. So story goes that when Skynyrd went into the studio they were getring ready to record Simple Man , their producer said , its not the right song for you , I want you to record this song I wrote. Ronnie took him by the arm walked him out and put him in his car. He leaned down and said we'll call you when its cut. The rest as they say is history.
Big fan of Skynard and a lot of 70's rock sounds. I've been enjoying your channel for a while now, too. I'm just hoping and waiting for other sounds of the 70s. A few recommendations would be Steely Dan, Van Morrison, America, and The Guess Who.
There's no one Like Lynyrd Skynyrd. They rock!
Well said, the guitars are huge in Skynyrd, three guitarists.
Skynyrd is the best
Ronnie Van Zant’s daughter, Melody, married Shinedown’s guitarist, Jasin Todd.
The uplift of the melody and the downthrust of the vocals always made me think of a bird in flight. Catching thermal uplifts and then diving for food.
Lynyrd Skynyrd is a truly great band, and worthy of much deeper dives from this channel. Tuesday's Gone would be a great dig.
YES!!! (Before watching)❤
You can't go wrong with SKYNYRD. So many great songs 🎵
WTF! The original doesn't feel personal? I'm not listening to you after that remark. My god!
From the moment it starts you just know its great. A great rock song is a true friend for life, an ever fixed mark . It is and always will be a joy in life, like the sun ,it rules the earth ,as she the sky .
Love that bassline
I've heard several versions of Simple Man, by various artists. In my humble opinion, as a lover of all kinds of music, the Best Version is Lynyrd Skynyrd's original version with Ronnie VanZant on vocals.
Please remember that Lynyrd Skynyrd wrote it arranged it and everything and Shinedown didn't do nothing all they did was just play it a little bit different they didn't have to write anything
Take the time machine back and listen first to "Simple Man" by Ronnie Van Zant - end of story. Shinedown is a very talented tribute performer - no disrespect. But interpreting the emotions of a singer-songwriter's performance is risky business. Morgan James' theatrical cover of Aerosmiths' "Dream On" is entertaining, Counting Crows cover of Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi" lacks 1970's context, Manfred Mann's cover of Springsteen's "Blinded By The Light" gave Springsteen his only #1 hit as a songwriter, and Jimi Hendrix's cover of Dylan's "All Along The Watchtower" is favored by Dylan over his own recording.
I just went and listened to a 14-yo version from ShineDown. To me the major difference is that Lynyrd Skynyrd's version is about the music, and the lyrics are just a nice excuse for the music. ShineDown is not about the music at all. I went decades listening to this Skynyrd song before I ever thought about one word of the lyrics. I think the lyrics are cool, but that's not what connects with my soul.
Skynyrds version was wildly more popular than anyone else's. You have to watch and listen to free bird live to really appreciate it.
This song was my focal point while in labor with my son. Not on purpose, it just came to me. I love the version from Shinedown as well, their concert was one of my top favorites and made me very emotional which is weird for me 😂. Smith and Myers covers are so good!!
North Florida is a special place and home to Lynyrd Skynyrd
I love this song.
Without Lynyrd Skynyrd, this song would never exist, which has inspired many artists to cover it. So it is the best version. How many people say a cover of a Beethoven piece is superior? None, but they will say it was a good interpretation of that piece. Remember, the original has inspired somebody to cover that piece and therefor is the best, if it wasn't, there would be no cover.
It is interesting seeing your take on this song. What is really interesting is this song might never have existed if it wasn’t for the insistence of Ronnie VanZant, the lead singer of Lynyrd Skynryd. It was a song that was a compilation of stories from his and Gary Rosington, their guitar player, from their Mothers and grandmothers. The producer of their first album, Alice Cooper, did not want them to record “Simple Man” Ronnie escorted him out of the studio and said, “I am the boss and this song is going on this album”
I am glad that his mother had tge foresight to add the caveat "or be something you'll love and understand", as not all son's can go grow up to fulfill the sterotypical definition of a "simple man", but they can still be good people.
Lynyrd Skynyrd is a key example of what used to be called “Southern Rock” that was heavily influenced by country music, so Amy is right to mention the country tone in the singing.
Love the new pink floyd, arctic monkeys and simple man videos. Thanks.
All the men must hear the lyrics of this song🤘
We don’t want to hear about the other one…
The other version sucks
No we do not....
Imitated, but not duplicated. RIP free birds.
Skynyrd connection: Shinedown's original guitarist was married to Ronnie Van Zant's daughter.
there was not one moment when you where talking i enjoyed this video, that is rare. good job
I guess artistically writing something out of thin air and then letting someone else basically lower the artistry, raise the production value, and then focus on vocals wins over even a classical musician. But this does break my heart.
I guess I prefer Hallowed Be Thy Name by Cradle of Filth over the original…sometimes. But Iron Maiden wrote the melody! Pulled it out of the Ether and put it into existence.
You are nuts on both accounts...it doesn't take that much talent to re-make song today from artistry produced back in the 70s/80s when it was analog. You are a geek.
@@jeffwarren4938 what am I wrong about? I made two points:
1. Her choosing Shinedown over the original breaks my heart…it’s just a high production cover with low artistry.
2. Covers can be fine but you can’t truly compare to the original…
I’ll make a third- Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of the best bands of all time and true geniuses of an era that was too short lived. My band covers Simple Man every show…I guess that makes us geeks.
@Zao923 Your comments on how the production (current) makes a better sound (maybe I misinterpreted your meaning)...the second..no way some two bit band Cradle of Filth could produce ANYTHING that sounds better than IRON MAIDEN. On that point you are nuts. I have seen shows going back to the early 70's...those bands through the mid-eighties could actually play and sing LIVE...with no autotune, backing tracks...there is no band today that can touch those bands....period full stop. Put them on the same equipment in the 70's and they would be pure amateurs. I am old enough to have heard the originals LIVE!
Not sure who shinedown is ,but I love lynyrd Skynyrd. Love that u chose one over the other keep doing that.
Ronnie Van Zant is the most underrated rock singer of the classic era. Unbelievable commitment to every note. The only singer I know who has this cocky confidence (don’t laugh) is Frank Sinatra.
I can buy into your critic. Never heard of Shine Down. Skynyrd has always been the definitive version. You've made my curious. I'll give your other video a go.
This song became very popular again in 2001 when Dale Earnhardt was killed at Daytona speedway. His son Dale Earnhardt Jr. Was also in the race and we could see Sr. Saying this to Jr.
This song was used for Busch Beer commercials during 2002-2004.
Who the heck is Shinedown?
He's leavin' On that midnight train to Georgia.
nothing gets you in the feels like simple man
Yes, they are very different, as are the bands. Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of the most universally beloved bands in music history. Shinedown is an after thought.