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.

Brief background

Leonard Cohen originally wrote and released ‘Hallelujah’ in 1984. The meaning and lyrics of the song contain various biblical references such as David playing the harp for the King. Since then his song has been covered by over a hundred different artists with the most famous versions covered by Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright and most recently Alexandra Burke. Each version of the song has been targeted to different audiences. Leonard Cohen’s version would have been targeted more towards subcultures, whereas Alexandra’s version has been produced more for mass culture, with it being made famous through the talent contest The X Factor.

Rufus Wainwright’s version was used as a soundtrack for the hit animated movie ‘Shrek’. This put Cohen’s song back in the public eye with many young kids who are fans of the movie undoubtedly singing it around school believing that the true meaning behind the song is probably Shrek’s undying love for Princess Fiona! In addition to being used in ‘Shrek’ it has also been used in many television programmes such as One Tree Hill.

Hallejuah's portrayal in 'Shrek'

Leonard Cohen Hallelujah Lyrics

"Hallelujah"

Now I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you
To a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Baby I have been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you.
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

There was a time you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in you
The holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

You say I took the name in vain
I don't even know the name
But if I did, well really, what's it to you?
There's a blaze of light
In every word
It doesn't matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though
It all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Leonard Cohen - Hallelujah (Original)

Why do artists cover other people's music?

I feel that artists cover other people's music because they believe that this will gain them the same success as the original song did. There have been successful cover songs over the years, with the most recent the release of the X Factor winner Alexandra Burke's version of "Hallelujah". This song was originally sang by Leonard Cohen, however has also had successful covers by Jeff Buckley, Rufus Wainwright and Allison Crowe. This was a huge success for Alexandra Burke, making her single the fastest-selling single by a female solo artist (although this was probably fuelled further by the hype of the X Factor!). Despite this, artists will often get critised for not using their own material but is this really a worry to them when recording a cover song brings them money, fame and success?!

Does British Music Still Matter?

On a personal level the music i prefer to listen to is very American. My favourite band are Lifehouse, who are an American Rock Band. From seeing people's faces when i speak of them, i can tell that they are not very well known here! Despite this, i do feel that British Music does still matter. I feel it is difficult for British Artists to become accepted in America, and it seems currently the easiest way to break into America is to befriend a certain Mr Cowell!

Also from reading Simon Frith's article, it is apparent that British music from the 60's and 70's is still strongly influencial today, with the likes of The Beatles still being played and listened currently in society.

Often American artists will come to Britain to promote their music which highlights that they respect the British and want to gain status in Britain. Although American music is dominant, and it probably will always be this way, i feel that British music still has an significant impact in society.

Lifehouse - Broken