Thursday, May 27, 2010

SONGS WITH ELEMENTS FROM OTHER LANGUAGES OR ETHNIC INFLUENCES


Songs in English with Spanish titles or lyrics

Amado Mio-RITA HAYWORTH dubbed by ANITA ELLIS (OST Gilda, 1946), GRACE JONES (LP Bulletproof Heart, 1989), PINK MARTINI (LP Sympatique, 2000)
Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life)-JOSE CARRERAS & SARAH BRIGHTMAN (1992)
As Long As There Is You / P(H2) remix-TIMI YURO (originally 1968 / remix with both English & Spanish versions in 2010)
Bailamos-ENRIQUE IGLESIAS (OST Wild Wild West, 1999)
Bandido-LA BIONDA (LP Bandido, 1978)
Barcelona-FREDDIE MERCURY & MONTSERRAT CABALLE (1987 & 1992 / sung in English by F. M. & in Spanish by M.C.)
Cha Cha Loco-JOE JACKSON (LP Body & Soul, 1984)
Chiquitita-ABBA (LP Voulez-Vous, 1979)
Club Tropicana-WHAM! (LP Fantastic, 1983)
Como Tu Te Llama (What's Your Name)-SLY FOX (1985)
Demasiado Corazon (Too Much Heart)-MINK DE VILLE (LP Each Song Is A Beat Of My Heart, 1983)
Dov'e L'amore-CHER (LP Believe, 1998
El Condor Pasa-SIMON & GARFUNKEL (LP Bridge Over Troubled Water, 1970)
El Macho-MARK KNOPFLER (LP Sailing To Philadelphia, 2000)
Enamorada-EROS presents RICHARD D. (2001)
Eso Beso-PAUL ANKA (1962)
Hasta Manana-ABBA (LP ABBA, 1974), DEBBY BOONE (LP You Light Up My Life, 1977)
I Adore Mi Amor-COLOR ME BADD (LP C. M. B. 1991)
Kalimba De Luna-TONY ESPOSITO (1984), BONEY M (1984)
Kissing With Confidence-WILL POWERS (1983)
L'esqualita-SOFT CELL (LP This Last Night In Sodom, 1984)
La Habanera-YELLO (1985 / LP One Second, 1987)
La Isla Bonita-MADONNA (LP True Blue, 1986)
La Luna-BELINDA CARLISLE (LP Runaway Horses, 1989)
Las Palabras De Amor (The Words Of Love)-QUEEN (LP Hot Space, 1982)
Livin' La Vida Loca-RICKY MARTIN (LP Ricky Martin, 1999)
Loco-FUN LOVIN' CRIMINALS (LP Loco, 2001)
Loco In Acapulco-THE FOUR TOPS (OST Buster, 1988)
Mi Chico Latino-GERI HALLIWELL (LP Schizophonic, 1999)
Mi Tierra-MARTIKA featuring CELIA CRUZ (LP Martika's Kitchen, 1991)
Mia Bocca-JILL JONES (1987)
Oye Mi Canto (Hear My Voice)-GLORIA ESTEFAN (LP Cuts Both Ways, 1989)
Paloma Blanca-GEORGE BAKER SELECTION (1975)
Perfidia-LINDA RONSTADT (OST Mambo Kings, 1992 / this is probably the most recognizable version of the song in Hellas and has an introduction with Spanish lyrics)
Que Sera Mi Vida (If You Should Go)-GIBSON BROTHERS (1979)
Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)-DORIS DAY (OST The Man Who Knew Too Much, 1956)
Se A Vida E (That's The Way Life Is)-PET SHOP BOYS (LP Bilingual, 1996)
Senor (Tales Of Yankee Power)-BOB DYLAN (LP Street Legal, 1978)
Senorita-JAMES (LP Pleased To Meet You, 2001)
Senorita-JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE (LP Justified, 2002)
Senorita Por Favor-CHOCOLAT'S (1979)
Te Amo Corazon-PRINCE (2005 / LP 3121, 2006)
Vaya Con Dios-LES PAUL & MARY FORD (1953)
Venceremos - We Will Win-WORKING WEEK (1984 / LP Working Nights, 1985)
Viva Forever-SPICE GIRLS (LP Spiceworld, 1997 / hasta manana)
Viva La Vida-COLDPLAY (LP Viva La Vida or Death & All His Friends, 2008)
Viva Las Vegas-ELVIS PRESLEY (OST Viva Las Vegas, 1964), ZZ TOP (1992)

also with Spanish lyrics:

Go Rosa-SANDY ROGERS (OST Fool For Love, 1985)
Hips Don't Lie-SHAKIRA featuring WYCLEF JEAN (2006)
I Wanna Be Where You Are-JOSE FELICIANO (1981)
In These Shoes?-KIRSTY McCOLL (2000)
Looking For A New Love-JODY WATLEY (1986 / hasta la vista, baby)
Maria Maria-SANTANA (LP Supernatural, 1999 / ahora vengo mama chula)
Mexican Moon-CONCRETE BLONDE (LP Mexican Moon, 1993)
New Moon On Monday-DURAN DURAN (1983 / la luna)
Perfect Love-SIMPLY RED (2005)
Should I Stay Or Should I Go-THE CLASH (LP Combat Rock, 1982)
Spill The Wine-ERIC BURDON & WAR (LP Eric Burdon Declares War, 1970)
Theme From S-Express-S-EXPRESS (1988 / uno, dos, tres, cuatro)

Special exceptions:

Don Quichotte-MAGAZINE 60 (1985 / mixed English & Spanish)
Hasta La Vista-MC SOLAAR (2001 / sung in Spanish & French)
La Raza-KID FROST (1990 / mixed English & Spanish)
Pistolero-DSCHINGHIS KHAN (1979 / sung in German - other word: desperado)

and with a distinctive Spanish (eventually Latin) feeling, by non Latin singers:

CopaCabana (At The Copa)-BARRY MANILOW (1978)
Domino Dancing-PET SHOP BOYS (LP Introspective, 1988)
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood-SANTA ESMERALDA (LP Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood, 1977)
Hernando's Hideaway-ARCHIE BLEYER (1954 / ole!)
I Left My Wallet In El Segundo-A TRIBE CALLED QUEST (1990)
Lady Grinning Soul-DAVID BOWIE (LP Aladdin Sane, 1973)
Latin Love Affair-EDDY GRANT (LP Killer On The Rampage, 1982)
The Lonely Bull-HERB ALPERT & THE TIJUANA BRASS (1962)
Me & My Monkey-ROBBIE WILLIAMS (LP Escapology, 2002)
Puerto Rico-VAYA CON DIOS (1987 / LP Vaya Con Dios, 1988)
Spanish Caravan-THE DOORS (LP Waiting For The Sun, 1968)
Spanish Heart-GERARD JOLING (LP Sea Of Love, 1986)
Speedy Gonzales-PAT BOONE (1961)





Songs in English with French titles or lyrics

Cabaret-LIZA MINNELLI (OST Cabaret, 1972)
C'est Si Bon-LOUIS ARMSTRONG (1950), EARTHA KITT (1953, sung in French)
C'est La Vie-EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER (LP Works Volume 1, 1977)
C'est La Vie-ROBBIE NEVIL (LP Robbie Nevil, 1986)
Chanson D'amour-THE MANHATTAN TRANSFER (LP Coming Out, 1976)
Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup-NAT "KING" COLE (1955)
Je Ne Sais Pas Pourquoi-KYLIE MINOGUE (LP Kylie, 1988)
Je Ne Sais Quoi-HERA BJORK (Eurovision SC entry for Iceland, 2010)
La Vie Dansante-JIMMY BUFFET (LP Riddles In The Sand, 1984), AARON NEVILLE (LP Warm Your Heart, 1991)
La Plage De Saint Tropez-ARMY OF LOVERS (LP The Gods Of Earth & Heaven, 1993)
Les Courant D'Air-GRAND TOURISM feat. TERRY CALLIER (LP A L'Ecoute De Tes Courbes, 2000)
My Cherie Amour-STEVIE WONDER (LP My Cherie Amour, 1969)
N'oubliez Jamais-JOE COCKER (LP Across From Midnight, 1997)
Voulez-Vous-ABBA (LP Voulez-Vous, 1979)
Voulez Vous Coucher Avec Moi Ce Soir (Lady Marmalade)-LABELLE (1974 / LP Nightbirds, 1975)

also with French lyrics:

A Girl Like You-BERTINE ZETLITZ (2003)
Lyrics: Tu sais que je te vois je fais ca tout le temps tes main, tes cheuveux tu es partous, toujours, tu sais que je te vois je tente de reveller le mots bizzares que tu veux me donner

Bad Romance-LADY GAGA (2009)
Lyrics: J'ai ton amour et je veux ton revenge

The Ballad Of Cable Hogue-CALEXICO (LP Hot Rail, 2000)
Lyrics: L'amour passé, l'amour obsolète. Pourquoi perdre sa vie à chercher l'or d'un coeur? Je ne me noierai pas dans ce désert mystique. Je ferme mes comptes et je repars. 

Bongo Bong-MANU CHAO avec ANOUK (LP Clandestino, 1998)

Bored By Dreams-MARIANNE FAITHFULL (LP A Secret Life, 1995)
Lyrics: Lasse des ríves Ríve qui brille dans le noir Brillera bien, tu peux le croire. Toujours dire la vérité Quand je suis lasse des ríves.

Divine-SEBASTIEN TELLIER (2008 / Eurovision Son g Contest entry for France)
Lyrics: Toi et moi c'est commes tu sais, comment mon coeaur a succombe

Don’t Talk To Strangers-RICK SPRINGFIELD (1982)
Lyrics: Fais l'amour avec moi - Make love with me Viens dormir, mon amour - Come to sleep my love Donnez-moi votre coeur ce soir - Give me your heart this evening

Eyes Without A Face-BILLY IDOL (1984 / LP Rebel Yell 1983)
Lyrics: Les yeux sans visage

Fade To Grey-VISAGE (1981)
Lyrics: Un homme dans une gare isole Une valise a ses cots Des yeux fixes et froids Montre de la peur lorsqu'il Se tourne pour se cacher

French Kissing In The USA-DEBBIE HARRY (1986)
Lyrics: Embrasser c'est Francais

Games Without Frontiers-PETER GABRIEL (1980)
Lyrics: Jeux sans frontieres

I’m Not Scared-8th WONDER (1988)
Lyrics: Oh, debarrasses-moi de ces chiens Avant qu'ils mordent ... J'ai pas peur

I’ve Seen That Face Before (Libertango)-GRACE JONES (1981)
Lyrics: Tu cherche quoi, rencontrer la mort? Tu te prends pour qui, toi aussi tu détestes la vie, Dans sa chambre, Joelle et sa valise, un regard sur ses fringues

I'll meet You At Midnight-SMOKIE (1976)
Lyrics: Jean-Claude was a student at the Universite

Jazz Is Paris-MALCOLM McLAREN (1995)

Lauren Caught My Eye-THE CRASH (2001)
Lyrics: Mais je ne sais pas qui tu es derriere ton visage digital Je suis amoreux de l'image Et j'ai peur que to sois seulement un mirage Je ne sais pas qui tu es

Living On Video-TRANS-X (1983)
Lyrics: Sur un faisceau de lumieres

Michelle-BEATLES (1965)
Lyrics: Michelle, ma belle. Sont des mots qui vont tres bien ensemble, Tres bien ensemble.

My Army Of Lovers-ARMY OF LOVERS (1990)
Lyrics: Pour l'univers' on quitte la terre Heureux joyeux l'amour de Dieu n'a pas de frontires Pour L'armee qui voyage sous la loumire

One Day I Will Live In France-JUDIE TZUKE (1991)
Lyrics: comme une fleur de la terre je reviens j'aime rentrer chez moi Un deux trois nous irons dans le bois quatre cinq six pour ceuillir des cerises

Passion For Paris (An American In Paris)-FRANKIE VALLI (1980)

Psychokiller-TALKING HEADS (1977)
Lyrics: Qu'est-ce que c'est? Ce que j'ai fait ce soir la-Ce qu'elle a dit ce soir la Realisant mon espoir, Je me lance vers la gloire... Ok

Rapture-BLONDIE (1981)
Lyrics: Francois c'est pas flashe non due

Sunday Girl-BLONDIE (1979)
Lyrics: He, j'ai vu ton mec avec une autre fille Il semblait dans un autre monde Cours te cacher Sunday girl Quand je t'ai revu l'e te j'ai de cide Si ton amour e tait pareil au mien Je pourrais e tre Sunday girl De pe che-toi, de pe che-toi et attends Toute la semaine absent et pourtant j'attends J'ai le cafard, je t'en prie viens voir Ce que ton amour repre sente pour moi He , j'ai vu ton mec avec une autre fille Il semblait dans un autre monde Cours te cacher Sunday girl

To The End-BLUR (1994)
Lyrics: En plein soleil Jusqu'a la fin En plein amour

Took The Last Train-DAVID GATES of BREAD (1978)
Lyrics: Viens chez moi Ce soir va jamais terminer On va rester toujours ensemble-you're


Special mention: The Deja Vu songs

Come Undone-DURAN DURAN (1993)
Lyrics: Words, playing me
deja vu, like a radio tune I swear I've heard before

Deja vu-DIONNE WARWICK (1979)
Lyrics: feel like I'm home, in a place I used to know long ago,
deja vu

The Flame-ARCADIA (1986)
Lyrics: Know my weakness call it
deja vu

Incommunicado-MARILLION (1987)
Lyrics: sometimes it seems like I’ve been here before when I hear opportunity kicking in my door call it synchronicity call it
deja vu

I Need Love-LL COOL J (1987)
Lyrics: it's
deja vu whenever I'm with you

Set A Drift On Memory Bliss-PM DAWN (1991)
Lyrics: it’s just one of those
deja vu things

Special exceptions:

Francoise-THE VIKINGS (1967 / Hellenic band)
Paris Latino-BANDOLERO
(1983 / French song with English rap)
Sexy Boy-AIR (1998 / English title & French lyrics)




Songs in English with Italian titles or lyrics

Bellissimo-ILYA (2003)
Dolce Vita-RYAN PARIS (1983)
Forget Domani-FRANK SINATRA (1964)
Mamma Mia-ABBA (LP ABBA, 1975)
Mambo Italiano-ROSEMARY CLOONEY (1953)
Mi Casa, Su Casa (My House Is Your House)-PERRY COMO (1957)
That's Amore-DEAN MARTIN (1952)
Ti Amo-LAURA BRANIGAN (LP Self Control, 1984)
Tutti Frutti-LITTLE RICHARD (1955)

special exceptions 1 (English-Italian duets):

Cose Della Vita - Can't Stop Thinking Of You-EROS RAMAZZOTTI & TINA TURNER (1998)
Senza Una Donna (Without A Woman)-ZUCCHERO & PAUL YOUNG (1991)

special exception 2 (Italian songs with English elements):

Baile Morena-ZUCCHERO & MANA (2006 & 2008 / Baby , the night is on fire... You Got Me Hurtin' so bad... What You Say)
I Want To Know-ADRIANO CELENTANO (LP Svalutation, 1976 / English title - Italian lyrics)
Ma Quale Idea-PINO D'ANGIO (1980 / Oh yeah)
Via Con Me-PAOLO CONTE (LP Paris Milonga, 1981 / It's wonderful, good luck my baby)


also with Italian lyrics:

Save Your Love-RENEE & RENATO (1982)
Shappap You Face-JOE DOLCE MUSIC THEATRE (1981)

and with a distinctive Italian feeling:

It's Now Or Never-ELVIS (1960)
Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want-THE SMITHS (LP Hatful Of Hollow,1984)
This Is My Song-PETULA CLARK (OST A Countess From Hong Kong, 1967)





Songs in English with German titles or lyrics

Auf Immer & Ewig-CHRIS REA (LP On The Beach, 1986)
Danke Schoen-WAYNE NEWTON (1963)
Ich Bin Ein Auslander-POP WILL EAT ITSELF (1994)
Mein Herr-LIZA MINNELLI (OST Cabaret, 1972)
Weltschmerz-ANNE CLARK (LP Joined Up Writing, 1984)

also with German lyrics:


Bitter-Sweet-ROXY MUSIC (1974 / Nein, das ist nicht das ende der welt, gestrandet an Leben & Kunst... und das spiel geht weiter wie man weiss... noch viele schoenste wiedersehn!)
Dr. Mabuse-PROPAGANDA (Kein Zurueck fuer dich, there's no way back Sell him your soul Warum schmerzt es Warum schmerzt es Wenn mein Herz den Schlag verpasst?)
Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick-IAN DURY & THE BLOCKHEADS (1978 / Das Ist Gut... Ich Liebe Dich)
Hot Love-T-REX (1971 / jetzt kommt sie doch)
Loser-BECK (LP Mellow Gold, 1993 / sprechen Sie Deutsch)
Parklife-BLUR (LP Parklife, 1994 / Vorsprung durch Technik)
Wooden Heart-ELVIS PRESLEY (1960 / Muss I denn, muss I denn Zum stadtele hinaus Stadtele hinaus Und du, mein Schatz, bleibst hier?)
Zooropa-U2 (1993 / Vorsprung durch Technik)

mixed German & English lyrics

Da Da Da-TRIO (1981)

Jeanny (Part1)-FALCO (1985)
Rock Me Amadeus-FALCO (1985)





Songs with Hellenic elements in their music

Acropolis Now-JOE JACKSON (LP Blaze Of Glory, 1989)
Crime & Punishment-THE NITS (LP Play It Again Sam, 2000)
Dancin' (On A Saturday Night)-BARRY BLUE (1973)
Dragging Me Down-INSPIRAL CARPETS (1992)
Galvanize-THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS (2004)
Return Of Pan-THE WATERBOYS (LP Dream Harder, 1993)
Rubylove-CAT STEVENS (LP Teaser & The Firecat, 1971 / although Steven is of Hellenic origin)

mixed Hellenic / international duets & lyrics

Πεθαίνω Στην Ερημιά (The Desert Is In Your Heart)-ΣΟΦΙΑ ΑΡΒΑΝΙΤΗ & BONNIE TYLER (1992 / sung in Hellenic & English)
Φως (Ask)-ΜΑΝΤΩ (MANDO) & SERTAB ERENER (1999 / sung in Hellenic & Turkish)

also to notice:

Getaway-ΜΙΧΑΛΗΣ ΡΑΚΙΝΤΖΗΣ & IAN GILLAN (1992 / sung in English)




Songs with Indian / Pakistani elements in their music

Bow Down Mister-JESUS LOVES YOU (1990)
Brimful Of Asha-CORNERSHOP (1997)
Govinda-KULA SHAKER (1996)
In Iverna Gardens-THE LILAC TIME (LP Astronauts, 1991)
Kiss Them For Me-SIOUXSIE & THE BANSHEES (1991)
Living On The Ceiling-BLANCMANGE (LP Happy Families, 1982)
Loser-BECK (1994)
My Sweet Lord-GEORGE HARRISON (1970)
Paint It Black-THE ROLLING STONES (1966)
You Can't Hold Me Down-US3 (2001)





Songs with Japanese elements in their music

Ai No Corrida-CHAZ JANKEL featuring KENNY YOUNG (1980), QUINCY JONES featuring DUNE (1981 / inspired by 1976 Japanese movie "Ai No Korida")
Big In Japan-ALPHAVILLE (LP Forever Young, 1984)
Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime-THE KORGIS (LP Dumb Waiters, 1980)
Just Get Through This Night-STYX (LP Kilroy Was Here, 1983)
Kyoto Song-THE CURE (LP The Head On The Door, 1985)
Lies-THOMPSON TWINS (1982 / LP Quick Step & Side Kick, 1983)
Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence-RYUICHI SAKAMOTO (OST Merry Christmas... 1983)
Mr. Roboto-STYX (LP Kilroy Was Here, 1983)
Tokyo Joe-BERTIE HIGGINS (LP Pirates & Poets, 1983)
Tokyo Nights-KROKUS (1979 / apart from the Japanese sounding beat, there's a woman's voice whispering something in Japanese @ 2' 40'')
Tora Tora Tora-NUMERO UNO (1984 / in Japanese: Tiger Tiger Tiger)
Turning Japanese-THE VAPORS (1980)




Songs with Middle-East / Oriental elements in their music

C'est La Vie-JEAN MICHEL JARRE featuring NATACHA ATLAS (LP Metamorphoses, 2000)
Cult Of Snap-SNAP! (1990 / plus African lyrics)
The Cutter-ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN (LP Porcupine, 1983)
Desert Rose-STING featuring CHEB MAMI (LP Brand New Day, 1999)
Getting Through-EMF (1992)
Ghost Town-THE SPECIALS (1981)
Hassan I Sahba-HAWKWIND (LP Quark, Strangeness & Charm, 1977)
Last Kiss-ISHTAR (2002)
Marrakesh Night Market-LOREENA McKENNITT (LP The Mask & Mirror, 1994)
Mustapha (Ya Mustapha)-BOB AZZAM et EDDY BARCLAY (1960 / Bob is fo Egyptian origin. The song is traditional & sung here in Arab & French), LEO LEANDROS (1960 / in German)
Nights Over Egypt-THE JONES GIRLS (1981)
She's In Fashion-SUEDE (LP Head Music, 1999)
So Cold The Night-THE COMMUNARDS (LP Communards, 1985)





Songs with Russian elements in their music

Babooshka-KATE BUSH (1980 / probably using the Russian "babushka doll" metaphorically, referring to the woman's twofaced behaviour)
Mr. Soft-COCKNEY REBEL (LP The Psychomodo, 1974)
Moskau-DSCHINGHIS KHAN (LP Dschinghis Khan, 1979)
Moscow Nights-ANYA (1985)
Rasputin-BONEY M. (LP Nightflight To Venus, 1978)
Those Were The Days-MARY HOPKIN (1968)
U.S.S.R.-EDDY HUNTINGTON (1986)
Velvet Goldmine-DAVID BOWIE (1975 / LP Rare, 1982)





Some African elements in international songs (sounds or lyrics)

Aie A Mwana-BANANARAMA (1981, the song is in Swahili), based on: Aie A Mwana-BLACK BLOOD (1975)
All Night Long-LIONEL RICHIE (1983, Karamu: Swahili) but also many African sounding words
Bakerman-LAID BACK (1989, lyrics: Sagabona kunjani wena < Zulu)
Cult Of Snap-SNAP! (1990)
Don't Look Any Further-DENNIS EDWARDS (1984, day-o, day-o, mombajee ai-o)
Go Deh Yaka (Go To The Top)-MONYAKA (1983)
In Zaire-JOHN WAKELIN (1976), ROUND ONE (1985)
Liberian Girl-MICHAEL JACKSON (LP Bad, 1987)
The Lions Sleeps Tonight-THE TOKENS (1961), TIGHT FIT (1982), the song is based on: Wimoweh-THE WEAVERS (1951), that was a cover version of: Mbube-SOLOMON LINDA (1939 / sung in Zulu)
7 Seconds-YOUSSOU N'DOUR & NENEH CHERRY (1994, in English, French & Wolof)





and last but not least some Chinese (Mandarin) in international songs (sounds or lyrics)

Anything Goes-KATE CAPSHAW (OST Indian Jones & The Temple Of Doom, 1984)
China Girl-DAVID BOWIE (LP Let's Dance, 1983)
Kites-SIMON DUPREE & THE BIG SOUND (1967)
Souvenir De Chine-JEAN-MICHEL JARRE (1982)
Στα Ξαφνικά (Sta Xafnika)-XAXAKES (LP Hey Mister Όμορφε, 1997)




other languages

The Girl From Ipanema-FRANK SINATRA & ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM (1967, sung in Portuguese & English)
Iko Iko-THE DIXIE CUPS (1965), THE BELLE STARS (1982).
The song is based on "Jock-A-Mo" by JAMES CRAWFORD (1953) and includes Native Indian American lyrics & music.
Israelism-ARMY OF LOVERS (1993 / sung in Hebrew & English, using the traditional hymn "Shalom Aleichem")
The Piper-ABBA (LP Super Trouper, 1980 / Sub Luna Saltamus>Latin: dance beneath the moon)
Total Disguise-VIKTOR LAZLO & SERHAT HACIPASALIOGLU (2004 / some Turkish lyrics: I loved you sevdim seni, Sen de sev beni, sev beni)
Uska Dara-EARTHA KITT (1953 / sung in Turkish & partly in English referring to Skoutari, a municipality of the Constantinople area)