Musical Similarities: When Songs from Different Artists Resemble Each Other

Musical Similarities: When Songs from Different Artists Resemble Each Other

Introduction

While music is a unique art form that often resonates on a personal level, sometimes two songs from different artists can sound incredibly similar, leading to discussions on originality and inspiration in the music industry. This article explores several pairs and a trio of songs that share similar beginnings, examining their musical journeys and the fascinating parallels that arise.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Versions of “Born to Be Wild”

One notable example is the similarity between Born to Be Wild by Steppenwolf and [Doctor Doctor …] Bad Case of Loving You by Robert Palmer. At the very start, both songs share a striking resemblance, making it easy to confuse the two. Born to Be Wild was released in 1968, while [Doctor Doctor …] Bad Case of Loving You came out in 1976. Both songs’ beginnings evoke a sense of freedom and adventure, which might explain their shared appeal and resemblance:

Born to Be Wild by Steppenwolf
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[Doctor Doctor …] Bad Case of Loving You by Robert Palmer
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Case Study 2: “From the Beginning” by Emerson, Lake Palmer and “Crazy on You” by Heart

Another interesting pair is “From the Beginning” by Emerson, Lake Palmer and “Crazy on You” by Heart. Both songs begin with a buildup that gradually crescendos, creating a sense of drama and excitement:

From the Beginning by Emerson, Lake Palmer
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Crazy on You by Heart
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Case Study 3: Beginnings of “Summer the First Time” by Bobby Goldsboro and “Wishing You Were Here” by Chicago

Two songs from the 1970s, “Summer the First Time” by Bobby Goldsboro and “Wishing You Were Here” by Chicago, share a similar beginning with the sound of ocean waves, adding to their emotional impact:

Summer the First Time by Bobby Goldsboro (1973)
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Wishing You Were Here by Chicago (1974)
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Case Study 4: “Rhythm of the Rain” by The Cascades, “Raindrops Falling from My Eyes” by Dee Clark, and “Riders on the Storm” by The Doors

These three songs—“Rhythm of the Rain” (The Cascades, late 1960s or early 1970s), “Raindrops Falling from My Eyes” (Dee Clark, 1960s), and “Riders on the Storm” (The Doors, 1971)—all begin with a storm, complete with thunder. This shared musical element is a striking resemblance:

Rhythm of the Rain by The Cascades
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Raindrops Falling from My Eyes by Dee Clark
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Riders on the Storm by The Doors
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Discussion on Originality and Inspiration

Such similarities raise questions about originality and inspiration in music. Two songs that are similar at the start but differ in their overall compositions offer an interesting perspective. Consider the pair ‘Oh No Not My Baby’ by Maxine Brown and ‘Workin’ On a Groovy Thing’ by Patti Drew. Both songs were written and released around the same time but have distinct chords and melodies:

Oh No Not My Baby by Maxine Brown
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Workin’ On a Groovy Thing by Patti Drew
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These examples illustrate that while a common start can be striking, deeper analysis reveals the unique aspects of each song. Artists often draw inspiration from existing works, but the final product is their own original creation.

Conclusion

Musical similarities and comparisons are a fascinating aspect of the music industry. These similarities not only entertain but also challenge us to think critically about originality and inspiration in music. As long as artists continue to create and innovate, we can expect to see more parallels and unique masterpieces that blend the past and present of music.