There is no contest. The Benatar version is a very good record, but it simply cannot compete with Rachel Sweet's performance here. Sorry. The only weak part of this version that absurd Springsteenesque sax solo -- should have dropped that in favor of something with strings. Other than that, just no contest.
Let me add to the amen chorus. Much superior to Benatar's version. More raw vocal and I love the sax solo. I loved this stripped down version not overly produced. The voice is much more soulful.
In my opinion better than Pat Benatar's. Pat Benatar's singing is wonderful, but her version sounds so over-produced. Rachel Sweet's voice is so lush and rich I know she could carry this one A Capella. What an extraordinary talent. She should have been a superstar - though to me, she is.
It ain't bad. Benatar's voice is a little bolder/richer, and handles the register (octave) better. Also, Benatar's singing style, her pronunciation, is fuller - whereas Sweet had that sort of 80s 'american brogue' heard in, arguably, second-raters of the time.
And, Benatar's version has a bolder, more contemporary (for the time) orchestration - though could've been more so in that vein, as in the main part of the song, the drumming was a bit 'straight'.
@aculturemind I gotta stand up for Benatar's drummer here. I love me some Myron Grombacher. One of the best drummers ever. I think he drummed for Lita Ford for a couple of albums while working with Benatar. And I have to hand it to Pat. She behaves more like a band frontwoman than a solo artist, and her band is always top-notch (especially Neil Giraldo). I will grant that the video for Benatar's Shadows was really stupid, right down to the director casting her Jewish drummer as a Nazi.
This is an absolutely incredible rendition. What an amazing singing voice. May she take comfort in the fact that her amazing vocal work is now appreciated. I can't believe she recorded this as just a teenager.
Rachel Sweet's version, like Pat Benatar's, has some great singing (including vocal power and emotion) behind it. Helen Schneider's video version makes no sense, and she can't sing. Ashley Tisdale's version is too bubblegum cute and weak.
Benatar's version was so god awful and yet it got airplay over this version. This just blows Benatar away. You can not only hear this, but when Racheal sings this you feel it as well. Amazing performance
I had NO idea that this wasn't originally a Pat Benatar song. This is the second version I 've heard, the other being from Helen Schneider. Amazing how many different interpretations are possible for one song. x
I actually discovered her by accident thanks to this record. I really only gave her a shot because she worked with Rick Cherthoff on this record, who was the man who produced Cyndi Lauper's debut record (that I love). But this whole album is fantastic! Rachel was just too for the New Wave era I think. and wasn't taken as seriously as people should have
Hey Phillip...Where did you FIND a recording of it? I like the Arrangement better than Pat's version and would REALLY like to have the piano sheet music to it...going looking for that now! Thanks!
i mail-ordered it from nina's oldies collectables in Pa. (as i don't have an order form or invoice in front of me, that may not be the exact name, but they have thousands of titles, including phil seymour's debut album, which i also ordered.) as much as i dig rachel's version of this song, i like helen schneider's version even more. Her vocal is live (over a pre-recorded backing track). it's on youtube, and on my youtube favorites. rock on...
Rachel looks so hot in this picture, but she doesn't look that way anymore! :( Just kidding. I still like her what the heck! Good song and voice by the way.
Well, it's going on 30 years since she released this song. Has anyone ever figured out why it wasn't a huge hit for her? I'll check back in 30 years or so...
Among her many credits in the realm of TV was playing George's cousin Shelly in the Seinfeld episode "The Contest." She's also been very successful as a writer and producer on many TV shows.
No one will probably ever know why it didn't become a hit...just like her Protect the Innocent album..and why they didn't put that onto CD. Took forever just to find the song Tonight, not Tonight Ricky, but the first song on the album. She is Crazy good!!
I agree with Bemchgo. I wish she were still around or something. I saw on here wiki she is a powerful TV Executive? Get into internet Rachel! The Television is going the way of the radio. We need someone like you here. I wish I'd been born earlier just so I could have gotten your music and pined over your poster on my wall. v_v
Thank you for posting this; Rachel Sweet is one of my favourite singers and I think she was much under rated and appreciated; this is possibly my favourite song of hers
Rachel Sweet must've sued over the lyrics, because Pat Benatar includes some of the additional lyrics from Sweet's version, which weren't present in D.L. Byron's original demo.
Hopefully, Ms Sweet still gets some nice royalty cheques.
I like this version better than Benatar's overproduced single. Reminds me way too much of Springsteen and E Street to NOT be awesome.
DodgerOfZion 1 month ago
This is sweet. But I love Pat Benatar's version better.
TwistedSister09 2 months ago
There is no contest. The Benatar version is a very good record, but it simply cannot compete with Rachel Sweet's performance here. Sorry. The only weak part of this version that absurd Springsteenesque sax solo -- should have dropped that in favor of something with strings. Other than that, just no contest.
albcwc 4 months ago 2
Let me add to the amen chorus. Much superior to Benatar's version. More raw vocal and I love the sax solo. I loved this stripped down version not overly produced. The voice is much more soulful.
SuperDrJeckyl 4 months ago
In my opinion better than Pat Benatar's. Pat Benatar's singing is wonderful, but her version sounds so over-produced. Rachel Sweet's voice is so lush and rich I know she could carry this one A Capella. What an extraordinary talent. She should have been a superstar - though to me, she is.
bewareofzealots 6 months ago
This is so much better than the Benatar version -- sounds like a 60s/Phil Spector produced song (yeah I know, but he still produced great songs).
darwinjr 6 months ago
I think Rachel's version is superior to Benatar,s. She has an amazing voice. Too bad she stopped doing albums.
99somerville 6 months ago
with the Sax and the Glock it has an E Street band feel to it
usrt46 7 months ago
Pat Benatar OWNED this song, but at least Rachael's version isn't as bad as the Ashley TIsdale version!
DENo1MatchGameFan 7 months ago
It ain't bad. Benatar's voice is a little bolder/richer, and handles the register (octave) better. Also, Benatar's singing style, her pronunciation, is fuller - whereas Sweet had that sort of 80s 'american brogue' heard in, arguably, second-raters of the time.
And, Benatar's version has a bolder, more contemporary (for the time) orchestration - though could've been more so in that vein, as in the main part of the song, the drumming was a bit 'straight'.
aculturemind 8 months ago
@aculturemind I gotta stand up for Benatar's drummer here. I love me some Myron Grombacher. One of the best drummers ever. I think he drummed for Lita Ford for a couple of albums while working with Benatar. And I have to hand it to Pat. She behaves more like a band frontwoman than a solo artist, and her band is always top-notch (especially Neil Giraldo). I will grant that the video for Benatar's Shadows was really stupid, right down to the director casting her Jewish drummer as a Nazi.
sm1else 7 months ago
Rachel sticks to DL Byrons original lyrics. I.e. she runs THROUGH the Shadows of the Night, not WITH as Pat B does. This is the original and BEST.
BERD1958 8 months ago
One Akron Ohio's true all time talents!
tharper1961 9 months ago
This is an absolutely incredible rendition. What an amazing singing voice. May she take comfort in the fact that her amazing vocal work is now appreciated. I can't believe she recorded this as just a teenager.
bronstet 1 year ago
She added a nice Phil Spector/Ronnie Spector vibe to this song.
You can hear her stamp all over this song, where Benatar's sounds more straight-up 80's pop.
razorjules 1 year ago
Rachel has a writing credit on this, i don't know if it's because lyrics differ from Benatar version...
ginostats 1 year ago
@ginostats Yes, it's because she altered some of the lyrics from the original D.L. Byron version.
ILoveJenni47 1 year ago
rachel you are and always will be #1 vocal singing superstar thank you
motomarc99 1 year ago
I always preferred this version to Benatars. I love the way Sweet just belts it out. Great vocals.
Bemused46 1 year ago
@Bemused46 I agree too, this is first time i'm hearning this she sounds completely unrelenting, confident and brave!
torquemonster290 1 year ago
I remember this tune, but I guess it was Pat Benatar's version, though I don't hear much difference.....
msOctober12 1 year ago
Wow! i had this album when i was a kid!! Luv it!!
mdjechazabal 1 year ago
is there ANY recorded version ANYWHERE of this song that features a MALE lead vocal? please advise! thanks!
rocknrollphilip 1 year ago
@rocknrollphilip Check on myspace dlbyronzenarcher this is the page of the songwriter
magicub 1 year ago
@rocknrollphilip It is on DL Byron's CD "Exploding Plastic Inevitable"
79cb750f 1 year ago
Great version. Rachel definitely is under-recognized as a major talent.
kooljeff2000 1 year ago
Rachel Sweet's version, like Pat Benatar's, has some great singing (including vocal power and emotion) behind it. Helen Schneider's video version makes no sense, and she can't sing. Ashley Tisdale's version is too bubblegum cute and weak.
moonhawk64 1 year ago
Benatar's version was so god awful and yet it got airplay over this version. This just blows Benatar away. You can not only hear this, but when Racheal sings this you feel it as well. Amazing performance
jive7 1 year ago
@jive7 Are you saying Pat Benatar Can't sing?
MarcusistallAhotmail 1 year ago
Rachel Sweet showed what range and vocal strength can do with a song.
She added something to music scene back then, pure talent.
LUVTheMotels 1 year ago
I had NO idea that this wasn't originally a Pat Benatar song. This is the second version I 've heard, the other being from Helen Schneider. Amazing how many different interpretations are possible for one song. x
petie71 1 year ago
This is confusing. Rachel Sweet sings this, Helen Schneider, Pat Benetar, and Ashley Tisdale! Why the hell can't people make up their own songs?
bearsfan2002 1 year ago
Has a real Pat Benetar sound to it, great stuff
rickie37 2 years ago
@rickie37 MABY THATS BECAUSE PAT BENATAR ALSO SINGS THIS SONG
varaques 1 year ago
Love the scracth at the begining,The times when you had to take your time to listen a record. Great arrangement
magicub 2 years ago
hoooooo!!! YEAHHHHHH !!! AT LASTTT
found it
this is the version!! yeahhhh
ramonmaza 2 years ago
I got her autograph on my L.P.
JPGR66 2 years ago
Wow. Great song and Rachel sings it brilliantly! It def. sounds like it could have been written by Bruce Springsteen and the band sounds like his.
SweetBee13 2 years ago
man....her singing just knocks me out. i've recently (finally..) ordered this album. thanks for posting this intense vocal!
rocknrollphilip 2 years ago 4
You're welcome, glad you discovered Rachel!
ILoveJenni47 2 years ago
I actually discovered her by accident thanks to this record. I really only gave her a shot because she worked with Rick Cherthoff on this record, who was the man who produced Cyndi Lauper's debut record (that I love). But this whole album is fantastic! Rachel was just too for the New Wave era I think. and wasn't taken as seriously as people should have
OasisEnLaLunna 2 years ago
Hey Phillip...Where did you FIND a recording of it? I like the Arrangement better than Pat's version and would REALLY like to have the piano sheet music to it...going looking for that now! Thanks!
tomzworkbox 2 years ago
i mail-ordered it from nina's oldies collectables in Pa. (as i don't have an order form or invoice in front of me, that may not be the exact name, but they have thousands of titles, including phil seymour's debut album, which i also ordered.) as much as i dig rachel's version of this song, i like helen schneider's version even more. Her vocal is live (over a pre-recorded backing track). it's on youtube, and on my youtube favorites. rock on...
rocknrollphilip 2 years ago
Rachel looks so hot in this picture, but she doesn't look that way anymore! :( Just kidding. I still like her what the heck! Good song and voice by the way.
RussX5Z 2 years ago
Well, it's going on 30 years since she released this song. Has anyone ever figured out why it wasn't a huge hit for her? I'll check back in 30 years or so...
Among her many credits in the realm of TV was playing George's cousin Shelly in the Seinfeld episode "The Contest." She's also been very successful as a writer and producer on many TV shows.
glutubular 2 years ago
No one will probably ever know why it didn't become a hit...just like her Protect the Innocent album..and why they didn't put that onto CD. Took forever just to find the song Tonight, not Tonight Ricky, but the first song on the album. She is Crazy good!!
Sicilianforlife 2 years ago
@glutubular because Radio Stations back then and today are run by fools
jive7 1 year ago
Yes, I'll take the lyrics of this version. Please post them!
Halpin2006 2 years ago
Rachel was the first video DJ for the comedy channel. She was buds with Lene Lovitch-Stiff Records. Saw her in 79 at the Bayou in DC. Fab!!!!
Always loved her and even named my daughter after her-Rachel-Lee (it's a southern thang)
:)
inhouserecordingstud 2 years ago 8
I agree with Bemchgo. I wish she were still around or something. I saw on here wiki she is a powerful TV Executive? Get into internet Rachel! The Television is going the way of the radio. We need someone like you here. I wish I'd been born earlier just so I could have gotten your music and pined over your poster on my wall. v_v
Gathies 2 years ago
Shes too cool....
bigblonde26 2 years ago
With a voice like that, she really should have been much bigger. Isn't it amazing some of the no-talents that do make big?
bemchgo 2 years ago 10
That's just the problem. A lot of people just thought she was a Stevie Nicks copycat.
Halpin2006 2 years ago
Thank you for posting this; Rachel Sweet is one of my favourite singers and I think she was much under rated and appreciated; this is possibly my favourite song of hers
corp2jonesa 2 years ago 2
You're welcome!
ILoveJenni47 2 years ago
I never imagined this Akron, Ohio teeney-bopper legend would sing a ripsnorter as great as this! Rachel sure lets this hang out, alright!
headphone355 1 year ago
It sounds like the back up band is Bruce Springsteen E Street Band.
Ariamaluum 2 years ago
The arrangement is similar. And three lines of lyrics are the same. Interesting. Wonder how Byron's demo sounded.
kilgh 2 years ago
wow, never knew pats version was a remake...
earlymtv 2 years ago 2
Benatar's was actually the third version, after Rachel Sweet (2nd) and Helen Schneider (1st).
jemb2000 2 years ago 3
This comment has received too many negative votes show
she sounds like she has a cold and it sounds kind of terrible!
starluverFrosty 2 years ago
this is so much better than Benatars...Rachel sued over her lifting the arrangment and settled out of court
flipdbird61 2 years ago
Rachel Sweet must've sued over the lyrics, because Pat Benatar includes some of the additional lyrics from Sweet's version, which weren't present in D.L. Byron's original demo.
Hopefully, Ms Sweet still gets some nice royalty cheques.
jemb2000 2 years ago