Did you know this song was originally written for and performed by Nina Simone in 1964? She belts out the song as a bluesy ballad in a way only she can. The more well-known version was covered by The Animals in 1965 and reached No. 3 on the UK Singles Charts, No. 15 in the US. Over the years, many artists have covered this classic. My personal favorite cover is by Lana Del Rey. She’s one of my favorite artists, her records are played on Charlotte quite often! I’d love to hear your thoughts on these three! Which version do you like best?
32 responses to “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”
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Okay, I’ve listened to the original version by Miss Simone and the more recent cover by Lana del Rey (the other video is not working) & it’s got to be Nina Simone for me! Her deep voice and earnestness with which she emphasises the chorus along with the sound win it for me! 😁
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Thanks for letting me know about the video. I’ll go fix that. Yes, her voice is incredibly unique, isn’t it?!
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Completely unique! 😁👍 I did a music performance course about 10 years ago or so and my tutor picked out another song by Nina Simone as 1 of the songs she wanted me to try for the end of course performance. It was “My Baby Don’t Care for Me.” That and Gary Jules’ version of “Mad World”. Nerve wracking and amazing experience! 😁
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I usually like the original artist’s versions of songs best. Nina and Lana are more comparable since their versions of the song are closer to the same tempo and style. I really like both versions. I think I like Nina’s voice a little better, but I like Lana’s music much better. And Lana’e voice really works well with her music. Totally a toss-up that is going to depend on my mood to which I like best at any given time.
The Animals put a whole new vibe to it ramping up the tempo and totally revamping the music. Their version will always have a special place in my heart.
[…] I suggest this wonderful rendition of Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood by Eliza Shaddad as a fourth […]
Interesting! There’s another version of this, from Santa Esmeralda (of “You’re My Everything” fame). It’s more than 10 minutes long, but I’m sure there’s a shorter version floating around on YouTube.
Incidentally, The Animals’ version is one of three tracks from the band I frequently play on Spotify (alongside “House of the Rising Sun” and “Club-A-Go-Go”.
You Lil Dickens 
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