Song Deconstruction

Song 1: Land of Confustion

by Genesis

Song 2: Land of Confusion

by Disturbed

These two songs are obviously very much alike. However, their differences make them both very unique. The original by Genesis has a softer feel with more layers of sound and more depth. Their song includes more synthesizer riffs and harmonies along with more height. The synth produces multiple pitches of both low and high frequencies throughout the entire song. The groove is very pulsating with the low pitch synthesizer rhythms during the verses. The amount of synth honestly gives it a nearly electronic groove to the song. Another small effect is that the drums have an echo effect on them the entire song. The intensity of the song does not seem overly expressed. It is at a comfortable hearing level with simple timbres and medium guitar gain. Overall the song uses the techniques of sound and music very well with a deep and heighted design.

            The cover by Disturbed uses the same basic notes, rhythms, and lyrics. However, they have changed which instruments produce which rhythms and note. In this version, the beat comes mostly from the guitar. It is pounding down the same exact rhythm from the synth in the verse, but is much heavier and complex in timbre with much distortion and gain. The song is not as deep as the Genesis version. Although it uses the same notes and rhythms, the ambiences from the synth and such are not present and the guitar and vocals are the main focus anyways. They emotional structure is also a bit different. In the Genesis song, the structure seemed to be between eerie or intimidating feelings and happy ones. In the Disturbed version, they switch the eerie feel to and angry or heaviness feel contrasting with a feeling of lightness or ease. This is reflected in the heavier groove of the guitars, which are more metal/rock quality and in the louder intensity of the song, which I believe makes up for the lack of depth.

            In my opinion, the Genesis song is more creative and holds a more intelligent design; however, I relate more to the “impact” and heavy feel of the Disturbed song. The lyrics are placed and should be interpreted in an angry or aggressive manner and their style simply represents those feelings more accurately.