Folds, Ben - Careless Whisper Lyrics

Best version ever!

"You're a much better piano player than I am."
Debatable, Rufus: you're pretty damn amazing.
"And you're prettier than me."
NOT debatable. I like Folds's look, that "cool nerd" look, but yeah, Rufus is very pretty.

This only shows how great GM was

Sounds bad!

o.k. artur

you dont know whether they are serious or playing around. I believe the last.

Where has this been all my life???

Ben Folds é foda

oh my f!@King GOD!!! i just saw this! i saw rufus a couple of years ago at the canyon club in agoura hills and of course he was AWESOME!!! i've never sen ben folds but I found Forever And Ever Amen at Salzers's in Ventura for a dollar and it's an amazing CD. If you haven't heard it please give it a lesson. Ben Folds was, and kind of still is, a sloppy douche bag from the 90's so people didn't give him a chance and Ben Folds Five were soooo underrated during the grunge era of radio. But he seems to be having a bit of a renaissance in the past few years. He's opening for one hit wonder Cake at the Greek on September 15 so if you're in the area check them out!

rufus wainwright literally sounds awful on this

So does Ben Folds.

Wow! I know George was a great fan of Rufus and Rufus is a great fan of George, A duet with him should have really happened

Rufus can do no wrong. Sets my soul on fire. Legend.

RW: Tin ear, tone deaf, some have said off key but how can you be of key in mono tone makes Ben Folds sound ...almost...good.

I'm sorry but the worst collaboration ever. separate they are fine but together aweful@ Vocals don't compliment.

The "yeah me neither" at the end rlly made me cry laugh good lord this video cursed me

from the first line i was WHIPPED i LOVE THIS COVER

These are two very talented artists. That being said, I prefer the Tori Amos cover.

I've been a huge Tori fan since Little Earthquakes came. That being said, I like this version better.

such a shit i don't like it , Rip Mister George Michael the best

Poesia em forma d musica

Why don't we just enjoy both versions, and to each their own on their 'favourite'. I like them both for different reasons.

Thank you smart one .....all the judgement....sad ... listening with an open mind open heart.... beautiful version...they are both paying tribute to George Michael......and i thank them for this.....

For fucks sake... It took me almost 10 years todo know about this. Now I love Rufus evento more, if that's even possible!

Enfin de vrais mecs qui la chante💟

Um don’t really know to think 🤔 about Rufus 😬but Ben I liked

No one can cover a George Michael song. A for effort…

Оригинал лучше ! Джордж Майкл спел лучше ! Если бы Руфус один спел было бы куда круче ! Руфус талант !

They sound like a couple of amateur karaoke singers...

Legends!!!!

"I'm never gonna dance again"
"Yeah, me neither!"

awesome!

Fucking nailed it. I'm sure Michael approved.

The compliments they gave eachother are very true and in fact make this song even more chilling than the George Michael's version which is haunting. Virtually anything by Rufus is so beyond description or ones ability to hold it for a moment longer than it's playing. And Ben, I believe the other man's name is, has an equally rate gift, though I have only heard 2 songs by him, I have never been able to be free from the spell each one cast upon me! Frankly, I do not wish to be free. Love them both. If you have not checked out all of Rufus' French songs, original and covers, you should do. He might actually be even greater in French. Like Celine Dion or Marc Anthony whenever they sing in their first/original/native tongues. Pour que tu m'aimes encore for Celine and Vivir mi Vida for Marc.
Peace, Regan

people saying this is the best version of this song they have ever heard need an appointment to get their ear's waxed lol george vocally compared to this guy is what cream is in comparison to dog mess lol

Not bad but miles away from the original. A song only one could sing, full stop.

George Michael is, was, and always will be, garbage.

Where have I been?? 😍😍😍

Hate this version piano guy has a horrible voice Rufus sounds like someone is squeezing his balls

Oh dear. Two singers butcher a classic. Neither can carry this off like George and Ben is so out of tune its embarrassing

Pitchy as hell but, hey, it's live.

I do recognize Rufus wainwright is a MUCH better singer than Ben Folds, but I think Ben Folds is a much better musician in general. I mean for ducks sake, who has the ability to do improvisational CONDUCTING OF A FULL ORCHESTRA. And he did all that while singing and playing the piano! That's just crazy.

WHY AREN'T THEY PLAYING TOGETHER ALL THE TIME

a superlike for this one. That would be amazing!

I haven't heard this song in forever, and must say this version is really good. The harmonies are spot on.

The Plaque Rages maybe if you freshen your memory you will remember what the original version is capable of.

P San Did I say something offensive? If so, sorry, that not what I intended. The original was a great song from back in the day and I just thought this was a fresh take on it.

The Plaque Rages gosh no, sorry for the mixup, I was kidding around meaning it sure makes sense that you haven't heard the original in years if you find these harmonies nice. I was poking fun at you and this version. It's not bad but it's funny.

P San Ahh I understand. No problem. I just think it's amazing when some can take a classic song, make a few changes and still have it come out well. It's tried a lot but most of the time it sucks. This is one of the rare times I felt it worked.

No no its fine but george michael is the best

Rufus' voice is about 50 times stronger these days. He keeps getting better and better every year.

oh my god. I just had listened to George Michael a bit ago TODAY tHEN I got into searching for Rufus' music. WOW. bABY I hold you.

Don't hate me but Rufus sounds terrible here. Bad audio/wrong song for dudes voice. Not sure. Oh wait...HORRIBLE song.  Smileyfacehere

I think the harmonies are just fine. As a musician, I think what is making people question the harmonies is that they are not used to hearing Rufus Wainwright's voice which is very distinct

I like Rufus, but is his voice a bit monotone?

Why'd he say 'heal' instead of 'mend'?

a great Canadian, rufus you do us canadians proud

is this deaf people singing? is this singing for the deaf?? wtf is this?? and why???

very nice :) my singing teacher showed me this... and its very different from other singers :) bravo.. great harmony. great duet :)
and my singing teacher said this is one of his favorite singers.. very different and very nice :)

these two cant sing. jesus. stop it.

#alternatefacts

Eugene Flanagan not this song anyway. Diff strokes for diff folks. He is stellar in "going to a town"

Rip George

Ouch. That was ugly.

Rufus looks like Sebastian stan

Love this

I think Rufus could make it better as an actor.

No, no, nooooooo! Let him be my favorite singer. Thank you!

Por que no los dos?

Teuvo Ihalainen I saw Rufus do a short scene in "Heights" and my assessment is that he is a decent actor. Of course, I love him as a singer/songwriter and composer.

speechless

Literally, one of the best things I've ever seen. ❤️

Agreed!

what is the song he's playing at the start, the one where he goes "gee shucks"

"Foxy Lady" by Jimi Hendrix

BIG XO LOVE!

Ben could've crushed this solo.

best version ever!! love you guys..

Seeing Rufus in Concert May 21, 2016 at Flynn Center in Burlington VT! Can't wait!!!

how was the show??

I want to know too. He's just wonderful.

Jeez Ben's voice is so much better than that other guy's.

Hermosoooo!!!

The version of "Careless Whisper" that Ben Folds and Rufus Wainwright did is my all-time favorite version.

Tasha Johnson-Lemjidi It's crazy but me too...what is it??

and my least favorite version

@Lucky Luke Why?

i love both these guys

Ben is typically rough as guts...... bum notes.... wrong lyrics..... that's what is so good about him...... Rufus is perfect..... as per usual.... hahahah..... 3:10 OMG....

So good.

Wainwright = Legend

What the fuck?!? SO OUT OF TUNE!!!!!!!!!

Thank you!!!! I thought it was only me who heard it

Thank you!!!! I thought it was only me who heard it

Now that you mention it, Rufus was out of tune in places. Ben was right in tune the whole time. I think Rufus was trying to harmonize but had just a little trouble finding the right notes. Definitely out of character.

yeah, I agree. not sure if the people above are the Ben Folds fan club..sounded very karaoke-ish to me....not close to sir George. not same galaxy

Tuirapanui There is no substitute for the original .

You can't invite Rufus Wainwright to a duet thinking you do it better than he!

+FletcherBeauriza


i'll take ben and his music every time but love them both!

I love hearing harmonies like this - very rare in today's mvsic - bvt was the sovnd that MADE grovps like the Beatles... we need more of this!  We have a lot of solo acts that covld pair vp and do something trvly inspiring - like this!  


I LOVE the expressive part of this song! Holy SMOKE... PIPING HAWWWWWT! Wow!!!

+Cynthia Hamil You'll want to check out Milk Carton Kids; killer harmonies that get them compared to Simon & Garfunkel all the time

Wow, thanks Rob!  Very cool!

Just listening to this harmony again - wow... they are really fabulous - especially when they cut loose and really belt it out.

My computer had an issue that week with the "u's".  Rather than completely setting my writing and projects aside - I pushed forward using the "v's".  Also, have you seen the movie "V- for Vendetta" ?  Some of my writing is of a political nature.  Some people assumed that I was writing the "V's" for that reason.

Oval - I'm "into" time travel - I've always loved movies based on that theme. "Somewhere in Time" was one of my all time favorite films -

The second Rufus comes in, I don't even want hear Folds voice anymore (and he was a judge on the Sing-Off!); it just simply doesn't compare, and I'm a huge fan of Folds. Wainwright has the greatest voice I've ever had the pleasure to hear. Those of you saying "wrong chords" and "he sounds flat" really just need take their "expertise" somewhere else, these two are REAL musicians and some of the finest of our generation.

+Daniel Dougan They actually did record this live in California with a full band; it's on Folds' Best Imitation of Myself compilation album. I'd say Rufus did better on it than on this. He's still pretty good on this, though. I don't know who was before I saw this, but as soon ad I heard him he was my favorite singer. When it comes to vocals, I'll take tone and flow over note accuracy, and no one beats his tone.

+Hugh Miller Agreed.


I think Randy Jackson would have called this performance "pitchy" though.

I feel like this is me at a night at dueling pianos bar...Love Rufus on going to a town but sorry gang, these guys are not in galaxy as George.....not even close. Granted, no one else is..RIP GM

Ben has struggled with his voice since around this time. If you see some of his earlier stuff, he actually had a really strong voice.

You don't need expertise on vocalization and pitch to know something is shit. You just need an average ear and a reasonable audio reception.

I heard them perform this duet at Niagara falls in the early 2000s, and have a really crappy copy on my flip phone. Rufus was reading the lyrics off a crumpled paper at the time. They've got it on lock down now. :)

Shane Heroux not really but then if rw can't do it it must be hard to cover. It sure is.

What a lovely cover, and Rufus is simply brilliant. Love it.

Careless mistakes...

Rufus should have sang the whole song, his voice is unbelievable 

OH MAH GAWD!!! THESE TWO ARE GOLDEN! I never heard of rufus before but i have been a huge fan of ben folds ever since over the hedge.this is awesome!!

A guy, Dan Collins, commented two years back, "What you're hearing is a strong contrast in vocal timbres... these guys are both great musicians, don't even . . .", in response to criticisms that to me seemed to be missing the mark. That was an excellent observation. This was great fun. I love seeing people put it out there and going for something different. I think some critics here just don't understand that Rufus is anything but cookie-cutter in his vocals. I LOVE that about him! He's pitch perfect and 100% give. 

As a HUGE fan of Rufus Wainwright and at least an overweight fan of Ben Folds, why am I not hearing this until 2014?  It shows that I must not be vigilant enough and also that Taylor Swift is WAY, WAY more publicized than that done-def jerk needs to be.  Thanks for sharing!!!

*tone deaf

Thanks for the correction.  Not sure how my fingers came up with "done-def"?   Bad fingers!!

Oh my god Rufus covers George Michael and sounds awful. 3 years later George Michael covered "Going to a town" by Rufus and shows him, how you make a real good cover.

Why anyone thinks this is any good... it's beyond me! I don't like either of their vocals here at all. Covers should be a tribute to the original artist. This is just... yuck.

@ladymay30  I agree .. he lacks putting any emotion into the song what so ever.... the piano sounds nice, and that's it.

sooooo true Ladymay..George sang Going to a town beter than Rufus...Rufus, no such luck

Nice cover.

3:11 is money!

that amzing ilke a ben fold

Wainwright's voice is off. Not sure if it's flat or just way too nasally, but it's kind of grating.

I'm thinking, he sounds clenched up. Maybe he'd be ok after relaxing his throat with a hot washcloth before singing or something. Maybe he's grown nodes- lots of singers do. Or maybe he has no excuse... I wouldn't know... I have never heard him before and I don't want to again. "Grating" is the word for it. 
Gotta say though, I like the idea of two dudes like them singing a love song duet. Puts a fresh vibe to the genre.

I listen to a lot of music from both of them, and this was definitely not Rufus at his best. But even a subpar Rufus Wainwright is still pretty damn good.

How much of Rufus Wainwright's other music have you heard? He has a very distinctive timbre to his voice. His pitch is excellent. He was harmonizing with Ben. These guys are both super-skilled, highly trained real musicians. Rufus was having a SLIGHTLY off night that night, but that just means he was very good instead of spectacular.

I know he Ben folds and I'm not, but I really dig an FMaj7 chord instead of an Amin right before the A7. Just sayin.

Can't believe George Michael allowed this to happen. What a cheese fest : )

I wish it was just ben folds singing

No disrespect -- both of these men are good musicians in their own right -- but this cover just proved how untouchable George Michael is.

I enjoy this version, but you are right ... George Michael is wonderful !

You do realise that this is an outdoors, live, performance?

You do realize that George wouldn't need to use that as an excuse. I think it's probably a reflection of a couple of good singers kind of goofing around. This was not a studio master, but even if it were, GM's vocals are just untouchable.

Brian Martinez have u heard GM singing Rufus Wainwright song, “going to town.” GM sang it better than Rufus. GM is irreplaceable.

@AKS I did see Geoge Micheals cover of Rufus song and Omg I agree that was incredible ! I love Rufus and so much of his music but George Micheal. .well to me anyway is still simply the best. That not say I don't adore Rufus because I really do.

RIP George Micheal 🙏 still so sad 😔 he is gone. His performance in Paris of Praying for time is my very favorite ever and I believe that was the same concert he first covered
Rufus 's Going to A Town which is an incredible song ! and yes omg he sang it so , so wonderfully like it was his own ! Unforgettable performance. And a real nice tribute to Rufus who has not gotten as much attention here in America as I believe that he truly deserves for so many of his musical talents including his song writing .

OMG THEY DID A PERFORMANCE TOGETHER?

Now I hate this song, thanks guys.

I wish Rufus could've just sang this song.

oh fuck. I think ship these two now.

@eeli1 hey you got to use the "f" word! Just like a real jr high kid! Bring it on

and the H word!  This just gets better and better!  Bring it on!

Great work and Rufus could not be any cuter.

Well that was cool , I only started listening to these songs since my teacher showed me Annie waits by Ben folds

Rufus rocks!!!!!