Classic Covers: Epoch Failure – Livin’ on a Prayer

More often than not, this feature presents a rock/metal act covering a non-genre title. For a change, here’s the tables being turned. A rap act adapting and updating one of the best-known rock classics the world has ever known – Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer”. Love it or hate it; you know it. Admit it.

Epoch Failure have taken the decades-old tale of Tommy and Gina and brought it up to date lyrically, with an accompanying video which sets it in modern days. This is, I guess, the musical version of cinema’s reimagining, or reboot. Thing is, it works pretty well – especially the final third with the rousing bridge and last chorus.

Rap and rock have partnered well in the past – Anthrax/Public Enemy and Aerosmith/Run DMC being two pairings that spring immediately to mind, plus the whole Judgement Night soundtrack. This is a lighter take on the idea, but it works as well in its own way as any I’ve come across in the past. And, for those who are concerned, it’s been given the green light by JBJ himself:

The powerful new version of ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ by Epoch Failure retells the intimate story of Tommy and Gina, set in an urgent urban landscape. It captures the song’s timeless message, lifting the banner of hope and faith for a whole new generation of working class heroes. Epoch Failure is a winner!

The track is lifted from Epoch Failure’s sophomore EP Warrior’s Hymn, which is available now.

Epoch Failure: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | soundcloud | youtube

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments