Jewel's Foolish Games is one of my favourite songs by the singer-songwriter, so you can understand why I had a little "moment" (not in a good way) when I heard she was rerecording the song for her February 5th-due, greatest hits album. How was it ever going to be able to improve on the perfection the original bittersweet tale of love achieved?
Well, version 2.0 has surfaced, and though it doesn't manage to top the original, it does feature a surprise duetting partner in Kelly Clarkson. This was a good move, as far I'm concerned ( and not just because I love Kelly)! To have had Jewel redo the song alone, would have led to all too easy- and probably negative- comparisons with the original being thrown about. But by including a duet partner, Jewel has given us something else to focus on: and that's Kelly's amazing vocals! Attracting some of the American Idol's fanbase -and improving her modern day relevancy- is just a bonus, really.
Only problem now is, I want to hear Kelly Clarkson sing the song in its entirety...I'm not sure that was quite the effect Jewel was hoping for by featuring her on the track!
In conclusion: does it best the original? In all honesty, no. But I still love it! Now all we need is for Kelly Clarkson to cover it on her next album. PLEASE!
[Listen]
[Original]
