"Whole Wide World" by Wreckless Eric had to be a monumental song while being a teenager, clear and simple. After hearing for a few days that Cage the Elephant had covered "Whole Wide World," because I'll admit the hesitation to listen to the cover was prominent. Only because other artists have butchered classic, iconic tracks to never be heard about again. However, I should have never doubted Cage the Elephant (accept my apology).
The first contact I had with the track was will watching the 2001 film 'Me Without You' starring Michelle Williams and Anna Friel. Ever since "Whole Wide World" earned a spot on my top ten list of songs... ever. So the attachment is real and hearing that any singer who is not Wreckless Eric covering the song felt like stepping on land mines. Although Cage The Elephant came through with flying colors and an admirer for respecting original songs.
The differences between both are minimal, Wreckless Eric uses an electric guitar as the forefront main attraction. Cage The Elephant introduce a stringed orchestra acting as the electrical component and challenging as to where the song could go from there. In lucky terms, Cage The Elephant must have received a standing ovation for covering a song right.
Many who may not know the song will hear simple chords and a summer essence from the writing. The song surrounds the inklings about wondering about a girl and if she even exists at all. Continuing onward, "Whole Wide World" plays out to a climactic note towards an anthem based ending. The chorus is easy, fun and will end up on repeat many days later, along with the progression of chords played throughout.
Cage The Elephant showed up, recorded and promoted that covering a classic doesn't have to end up in the overly produced section of a band's catalog.
