It is clear that "Hallelujah" has held great status within society over the years, with it being used for various films, TV shows and covered by numerous artists. The views of theorists such as Adorno can influence the way in which it is viewed, however the popularity of this song can never be underestimated. The lyrics of this song have both spiritual and romantic interpretations, which have appealed to various audiences. Alexandra Burke's version remains the most recent cover of this song; however this song will undoubtedly be covered again and again in the future.

Subcultures

Subcultures are groups of people who will hold different views, beliefs and characteristics which differ from the rest of society. Subcultures tend to be formed when the mainstream culture does not satisfy the needs or interests of particular people. In relation to "Hallelujah", Cohen and Buckley would represent a subculture, with Burke's version and portrayal of her version of the song appealing and marketed towards a more mainstream audience. Through The Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies (CCCS), the idea of subcultures is expanded on. According to the CCCS, subcultures each act as a sight of resistance against the mainstream. It is proposed by authors under the CCCS, that subcultures do indeed have a degree of resistance, which in turn will help them gain their status within society. Through the pure publicity surrounding Burke's cover of "Hallelujah", this has allowed Cohen's original, and even Buckley’s version to gain greater recognition within today’s society.

The views of Adorno

Adorno’s theory focuses on culture industries and how they can encourage false needs. Culture industries will produce commodities to fulfil people’s false needs, and will exploit the public. Within Adorno’s theory he openly addresses his opinion that he feels all popular music is, to put it politely...rubbish! In relation to Alexandra Burke’s version of ‘Hallelujah’, Adorno would have little respect for her cover version, and would not even value the worth of the lyrics. His view is very old fashioned, biased and limited in terms of describing contemporary popular music. Adorno would prefer the original version of ‘Hallelujah’ and would undoubtedly hold the view that Alexandra’s version has ruined the original, and was simply released to meet society’s false needs and to exploit them further.

Alexandra Burke Xmas Number 1 2008

Xmas Chart domination: Burke 'V' Buckley!

Christmas 2008 proved to be a popular month for the song ‘Hallelujah’, with it dominating the charts holding 3 different chart positions. Alexandra Burke held the number 1 spot, Jeff Buckley closely missing out reaching number 2 with Leonard Cohen’s version creeping in at number 36. ‘Hallelujah’ has always had its followers; however The X Factor put this song back in the public eye and captured the attention of a mainstream audience. The clear hype and demand for this song is a classic example of commodity fetishism. Alexandra’s version is the current fastest selling single of a UK female artist. This highlights commodity fetishism whereby the public seemed to have an uncontrollable need to own this single, despite not necessarily needing it. It could be suggested that the public has being exploited, particularly through the media and advertisement that they need to purchase this song. This links to the idea of false needs and false consciousness whereby the public become obsessive over an item or product that they must own. In relation to Buckley’s version, second in the charts after Burke, this highlights commodity fetishism further where the latest cover of the song doesn’t seem to satisfy public needs, but they have to then purchase previous covers.
The pure exposure that The X Factor was able to give to ‘Hallelujah’ seemed to give new power to Buckley and even Cohen’s version of the song. The fact that the same song held 3 different chart positions in the same week is truly amazing and clearly highlights the popularity of this song, and gives credit to Cohen’s writing of the original version.