Probably because the song evokes such 1960s nostalgia, there have not been a lot of covers delivered with the coolness that “I Got You Babe” deserves. The song was the first single birthed from Sonny and Cher’s 1965 debut record Look at Us, an album that featured then-timely covers of “500 Miles,” “Unchained Melody,” and “Then He Kissed Me.”
UB40 along with Chrissie Hynde delivered probably the most popular – and, for some, the most snooze-inducing – version of “I Got You, Babe.” Other than them, there are versions from the Bennett, Sinatra, Jones crooners, plus the Etta James-led siren version, but most of the covers have fallen woefully short.
And now, we are treated to a new cover from rock-royalty couple-du-jour Bon Jovi former BFF Richie Sambora and guitar slinger Orianthi. “I Got You Babe” on steroids is pretty much what you would expect from these two rockers, but it rolls along quite nicely until finally breaking loose at the last part of the tune. It’s an enjoyable one or two-listen wonder, but maybe letting Jon Bon Jovi jump in to play Sonny’s tambourine is what this one needs to move it to permanent residency in your cover songs playlist.
What? No mention of Holly Beth Vincent and Joey Ramone?
They do it justice.