INCREDIBLE!| FIRST TIME HEARING Gary Jules - Mad World REACTION

[@abelardojeda]

This song was made this way for the Donnnie Darko film soundtrack. And actually, Richard Kelly, the director, is a huge Tears for Fears fan. The opening scene features Head Over Heels, another amazing song by Tears for Fears. Of course this one sounds deeply sad, it makes sense for the movie, which btw is one of my all time cult cinema favs.

[@nenasimone]

what a genuine reaction by amber, my soul sank as i watched her getting sadder and sadder. a great song to reflect upon the realities of life.

[@RDRussell2]

Agreed, I noticed that too. Right away.

[@LowcountryJoe2]

Yep

[@salmarin5625]

She always feels the music, lyrics and the meaning. So on it. Love her reactions and wisdom.

[@MrRandyv]

Curt Smith of Tears for Fears is doing the vocal on this.

[@hughdalton7622]

​@MrRandyv have you seen Kurt and his daughter covering this version?

[@johnmavroudis2054]

"Donnie Darko" sent me. A brilliant film that needs to be seen and discussed. This song was absolutely PERFECT for it.

[@magneto7930]

Gary puts an emotional spin on this song that nobody was expecting when they first heard it. He put himself in the driver's seat and felt the whole thing. But people seem to forget that this is a Michael Andrews song, featuring Gary Jules. Michael produced the song, played all the instruments, and gave it that soft arrangement that everybody loves. He asked Gary to sing on it. He deserves a lot of credit himself.

[@trouty42]

This version definitely accentuates the lonely, solitary feelings. The TFF version felt more manic or frantic, discordant. They're like two completely different takes on depression and feel like two completely different songs that just so happen to have the same lyrics and basic melody. Both are fantastic.

[@BintyMcFrazzles]

Great summary of the emotions both versions feel.

[@jeanine6328]

If you want to see an extremely different cover, check out Kasey Chambers cover of Eminem’s Lose Yourself.

[@RiffleVFXportfolio]

Kinda like when A Perfect Circle covered Imagine

[@cebridges]

"Everybody Wants to Rule the World" is another Tears for Fears song it took me years to actually listen to the lyrics on. Their version is almost optimistic and happy, musically, but if you listen to Lorde's version, you hear how chilling it is.

[@abelardojeda]

Well, Tears for Fears was trying to be ironic, something similar happen with The Cure, the “happy-sad” song style.

[@tengkuamsyar2120]

I first heard that song on the show Mr. Robot, covered by the lead actress, and it was a beautiful rendition

[@ImmortalBroken]

I loved watching Jay smiling the whole time at how cool this version is and Amber looking like she was about to cry the whole time from how heartbreaking it is. Both super valid reactions!

[@tinastar1972]

I'm so glad you took all our advice and listened to this version! I love Tears for Fears, too, but this version takes the cake for me every time. ✌️

[@quincee3376]

I love both the original and the cover. . I usually don't like covers all that much but this one is up there. Brilliant stuff.

[@simontemplar3359]

2:56 is the perfect response to this. The first time I heard this was on the Donnie Darko sound track, which is a phenomenal film and well worth seeing. But yeah, I can just see that you get it. very powerful tune.

[@michael7191]

During the pandemic Curt Smith from TFF put out a video of this song accompanied by his daughter, based on the Gary Jules version. Slow and backed only by acoustic guitar, and wonderful harmonies. Sort of like the original artist covering the cover. You should check it out.

[@btgiv6009]

Agreed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHbTl6mKmbdoY7c

[@Cyssane]

Yes, I remember that! It was lovely to see his daughter singing along with him, and it was such an amazing video. I hope they take your advice and feature it.

[@magneto7930]

That was a gorgeous version and his daughter had a very sweet voice.

[@templarpg]

Definitely one they need to listen to

[@dianetaylor841]

I like this version best. Soft voice for such heavy thoughts.

[@btgiv6009]

The same effect is found in the acoustic cover Curt Smith did with his daughter a couple of years ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHbTl6mKmbdoY7c. For my money, that's the best version there is because you get those great dad-daughter harmonies.

[@dannyrhollingsworth4200]

Check out Haley Reinhart version

[@marcelotto6825]

This wonderful song is a perfect example of a well-written song that can interpreted by many artists over many years and still stay relevant.

[@jenwinslow5602]

Every single time I hear this I break down in tears. When TFF sang this I was a freshman and immediately it became my anthem. When I hear either version, now, I celebrate having come through that darkness, yet embrace the song like an old friend.

[@OverworkedITGuy]

I just watched Donnie Darko yesterday. It is impossible for me to hear this and not think of that movie. I also love Gary's cover much more than the original Tears For Fears.

[@orcoastgal]

It's a testament to the songwriting that a song can be adapted so differently yet still hold the powerful impact.

[@smalltownfamadventuresmore5109]

me and my mom love when Adam Lambert sung this on American Idol

[@migiplayz91]

Kids today know about this song cause of the memes, i knew about this song from the Gears of War commercial. Not gonna lie though but this song makes me cry every time it comes on the radio or if im just in a depressed mood. It reminds me of being in a war torn area in deep depression.

[@Jay1770C]

This version blew me away from the first time I heard it & still has an impact on every listen. Donnie Darko is a great movie with lots of brilliant 80’s tunes. Well worth checking out. Amber always cops it right in the feels. Love the reactions.

[@ShannonR1969]

This is probably my favorite cover of any song. Stripped down and beautiful. Thank you!

[@NRTSean]

As someone who suffers from clinical depression, this song really talks to me... And its kind of funny that this song though emotional is about not having any emotions as many would know them. The tone of voice emphasizes this. It speaks to those of us who feel other than normal... Just the undercurrent of a melancholic sad/mad world.

[@Chrisrob90406]

I find it hard to explain what on going depression is and this song captures some of it. One of the few ways to use the words of others to find some explanation to those who are not in this all the time.

[@EightPieceBox]

I have grown tired of slowed down acoustic renditions of popular songs, but it works with synthed out 80s songs. Jørgen Dahl Moe did this with Dancing in the Dark for his blind audition on The Voice Norway and he made the judges all cry!

[@jackiec859]

Back then, this cover unexpectedly grabbed us by the heart. Still gets me. Reminds me of my younger years.

[@kimberelyanngunter6341]

I found myself watching your face Amber...the way it changed as the song went on...almost had me in tears😢 Fabulous version.

[@Stephens_Rocket]

Tears for Fears recently sung Mad World for BBC Radio 2 as a cover of a cover - Roland Orzabal said that "We discovered how actually to sing this song from someone doing a cover of it" - amazing!

[@jameshall9402]

This version is how I feel when I reflect on my childhood.

[@petercourtien4581]

For me it’s my alcoholism. A dark place. I’m in recovery, but this is how I felt then. Takes me there. ❤🥲

[@martsol262]

I agree! Me too.

[@janel1386]

Hugs

[@swfcocs1]

​@petercourtien4581 that's weird, as I relate it to my 22 year struggle with heroin and crack, but only since I got in recovery , not while I was in that madness

[@tessesmom]

Yes me also 😢

[@billiam8554]

Great choice for an amazing cover! As others are saying this version is from the movie Donnie Darko...a must see!

[@andycofin6983]

I love the lyrics of this song because I can totally relate to the painful reality it invokes. I have five different covers off this on my favorite songs play list, including this cover, Pentatonics cover, Sarah Hickman’s, and Adam Lambert’s. All are a little bit different in presentation, but each rips the soul with its honesty and anguish.

[@jeffcobb2734]

The power of this song is undeniable. Adam Lambert covered this version of the song and used it as a springboard to his career, finishing as runner up on American Idol in 2009.

[@coyote1157]

Jaw dropping performance. Love you guys ❤

[@michelleb9808]

Never heard this version before. Wow. Heart-rending. Special.

[@ENDTIMEsVideoLibrary]

You can still like both!! Both versions cover different aspects of the emotions tied to this great song.. I personally am forever linked to the 80s because I grew up back then but I do love the REM feel to this version very much.. So I like both parts of the spectrum in these!

[@justwantedtocomment28]

honestly, if it was just amber reacting to songs i’d watch every single video lol. she just understands, she really listens to the lyrics, analyses every video

[@Judymoe]

I grew up with the TFF version, but the Gary version is so haunting. It's also used to great effect in the movie, "Donnie Darko" (a good movie for the Halloween season, if you're in the mood), and can make me tear up thinking about that movie.

[@mrchfrn6066]

When you come down to it, this may be the greatest song cover of all-time.

[@daledubose3032]

I definitely like this one better

[@wrorchestra1]

This version was used by many charities in the UK on their videos, specifically the piano part.

[@kazwilson425]

No one should ever diss a cover song. They show how good a songwriter can be be and how good the covering artist is.

[@idbrady9759]

Hey rob squad. Thought I'd share a wee story. One of my most treasured memories. This song was Christmas number one in the UK a while ago now, my parents and I were out looking at the local light's on all the houses. It was a snowy night and then this song came on the radio. My mam had recently being diagnosed with lung cancer. We lost her a few years later. This song always reminds me of that cold night. We stopped off for a "chippy" on the way home. Good times. All the best from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 love the channel.

[@clg3697]

I love cover day! I have a playlist that has 6-7 of my favorite songs by a variety of artists. For example I have "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan (writer), Ladysmith Black Mambazo featuring Miss Dolly Parton, Guns N' Roses, Eric Clapton, Warren Zevon & The Mayries. All different & wonderful. Thanks again.

[@andreasoice5905]

I used to watch So You Think You Can Dance and one of my favorite routines was two male dancers doing this song. They depicted a business man on his way to work crossing paths we a homeless man and realizing they are old friends whose lives went in different directions. Set to this song it was so moving.💖

[@paml5062]

Adam Lambert did a version of this when he was on American Idol…just as haunting.

[@dawood121derful]

The first time I heard this song on Pandora, I just let it play again and again, I don’t know why I was so captivated by it.

[@jasonmcewen436]

This is a great cover! Thanks for the introduction! I would recommend you check out the Pentatonix cover of this as well.

[@MinneapolisSkip]

I’m crying now. My dreams are the same. Mad World is a understatement.

[@burningkarma]

You know you did a great job when Tears for Fears says you captured the song the way they intended in a way they couldn't.

[@cb5117]

What a great factoid , and i would imagine a loftier comment nay exists.

[@jamesharland5137]

The proclaimers " the first attack" amazing harmonies great lyrics ...soul heart love redemption all in one beautiful song

[@Furthur805]

This version brings tears to my eyes every time.

[@buddystewart2020]

This song has been covered a lot, a lot, and I like damn near every cover. It's just a great song.

[@sonofmoss]

First heard in Donnie Darko if I remember correctly a movie you should check out

[@kevinsacks3185]

beat me to it😃

[@3DJapan]

Yeah, it was made for the movie.

[@sonofmoss]

@@kevinsacks3185 BWAAAHAHAHA 😈

[@BackJack450]

I'd love to see these two be thoroughly confused by the end 😂

[@cliftonparago4547]

When I was younger this song was used (without the video) in suicide prevention TV commercials

[@Jude_196]

OMG - One of my FAVS from this time period!!! If you haven't seen Donny Darko - you should!! Jules' version is SO INTRIGUING!!! VERY COOL VIDEO!! ENJOY!!! HUGS!! ❤❤❤

[@Xtinakattv]

Yes pleeeease do Donnie Darko for a film Friday if you haven't seen it!

[@smallmechanicalthoughts4559]

Yes please, please, please do Donnie Darko for film Friday.

[@Eric-cp2kt]

Director's cut only, please! It adds more depth to several scenes. I prefer the cover song and the connection it has to the movie. Perfect fit.

[@michaelbradley6004]

100%

[@eddiekoch3901]

Absolutely!

[@4rmd9tres48]

They used this version of "Mad World" by Gary jules for the Gears of War game by Xbox back in 06' and it's been the best trailer to this day. Witht he new game releasing withing the next couple years the trailer had snippets of Mad World paying homage to the original

[@merimeechristopherson7485]

Adam Lambert’s cover of this is soooo good

[@mistybenefield5796]

It truly is exquisite. But then, so is Adam. So you just expect that from him.

[@yannhollister9091]

Amazing cover, gives me the chills everytime.. I remember this version was used multiple times in TV shows in the 2000's

[@davidstathers9534]

Post modern jukebox covered this as well guy dressed as a clown had a bouncy vibe to it . Worth a listen. Great reaction peeps.

[@douglaswerner8334]

Puddles Pity Party was the singer. He does others songs in his style. Better than you would think.

[@taniaPBear]

I loved the TFF song when it came out, and I knew exactly what the song meant, but years later, hearing this in 'Donnie Darko' (lord, I hope you watch that movie someday), I think it made us all collectively gasp and say, "Wow, I REALLY get it now".

[@roger1296]

I’m literally sobbing right now…Gary’s version kills me…hits me so hard.

[@jimstark1810]

I have been watching reactions from both of you for a while and I have seen an awakening to the wonders of musical creativity. A deeper appreciation for truly talented people and amazing performances. The more you listen, the more you hear....and it moves the soul. Keep exploring. 😊

[@jlb629]

"Donnie Darko" I first heard this version of the the song from this movie, which is itself pretty amazing. Chock full of 80's hits, but was released in 2001. (It's set in 1988) Check it out, one of Jake Gyllenhaal's first. (his sister is also in it, playing his sister) It's a mind-trip. (look for Frank the rabbit)

[@johantorsell6943]

“The dreams in which I’m dying is the best I’ve ever had”. My daughter is getting an extra hug just in case

[@too_many_hobbies]

After my father passed, this song helped me a lot. I just made me feel like it was ok to be sad and just let it out.

[@petercena9497]

Gary Jules for the win. Classic!

[@JennRighter]

This is obviously a very well done cover song. To me, it shows the deep dark sadness and dread most people feel but hide.

[@AndyTempleman-ot6lu]

The mood of this song is so authentic!

[@mikeb3835]

This was the version I heard first while watching the movie Donnie Darko, so I thought maybe that was the reason I preferred it over the Tears for Fears version. But you're right, this version is much more emotionally impactful.

[@louisdiblasi5441]

Smiles are still shining

[@brendarogers1036]

My all-time favorite version of this song is from Adam Lambert when he was a contestant on American Idol. It was so dramatic. You two would love it!

[@armandogarza6181]

Loved it, this one hits harder for me. Also, the video keeps you engaged, great reaction guys.

[@jeanpeuxplus7257]

There was a time a song like this could be (and was) a UK Christmas Number 1! So beautiful.

[@JeanPierreWhite]

Several artists have recorded this song. This one is a cover. However it is absolutely my favorite rendition. Plus the video is epic.

[@caroljshepherd3848]

This is from a film called Donnie Darko. It would be a good film to react to (do the original) it has a fantastic 80's soundtrack you will enjoy. The film is dark, weird and hilarious in equal measure. It "stayed with me" for weeks after i watched it. Loved your reactions to this ❤

[@anthonydinsdale8783]

I heard this song when it was performed for the first time live on the Ray Darcy radio show on 2fm in Ireland. It was coming up to Christmas and the song resonated with a lot of people. It became number 1 in the Christmas chart and it inspired Ray Darcy to produce an album of covers of famous hits performed by Irish bands called Even Better than the Real Thing (ironically the title of a U2 song).

[@Steviecallan]

I love Tears for Fears, but this is one of the best covers I have heard. The film Donnie Darko is also amazing.

[@JeffersonMills]

Great reaction and analysis. I could see the change on Amber’s face when she first heard the “dreams in which I’m dying” line.

[@dennis2966]

Tears for Fears' original version wasn't slow. It was frenetic. Then Gary came along and slowed it down. After that every singer was doing a cover of a cover.

[@ryanhorner1675]

Adam Lambert covered this song live for American Idol (even crazier powerful vocals)

[@valogden]

Like others have said you need to check out Adam Lambert's version. His voice is so beautiful and is the best I have ever heard live in 50+ years of going to concerts. He has a way of making you feel the words. Adam is the king of cover songs. Cher would agree and said recently she's happy he wasn't around when she first sang Believe. That's one you should definitely do a comparison of. It even brought Cher to tears when he sang it to her at the Kennedy Center Honors. His own songs are great too and he's been touring with Queen as their front man for 10+ years. Excited to see them in a couple of weeks! Adam Lambert Mad World live kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqDIkIyoZsdlb7Msi=cAYH1fIf_AcA9IrX

[@phyl1042]

I loved that version by Adam Lambert on American Idol.

[@rowanmayfair9249]

Yes!!! I walked by while my mom was watching. His vocals, stage presence... stopped me dead in my tracks. I was hooked on him from that point on.

[@cjpew]

Amen. His cover of Ordinary World is outstanding, especially the live performance on The Voice last year. It was dedicated to the people killed at Club Q, so heartbreaking but beautiful.

[@tinagoff3573]

I agree …Adam Lambert’s version is 🔥!!! This a great one too!!

[@kelliekeefer2558]

Yes I agree, Adam Lambert has the best emotion in his music. Hoping they do some Adam reactions, maybe Believe at Kennedy center honors.

[@jeffmontgomery9637]

I thought Amber was going to cry and deservedly so. Gary Jules verdion is pure magic. They need to listen to the live version, a duet with a french singer!

[@jackieknows9129]

Adam Lambert did an amazing cover of this song when he was on American Idol That video is on KZbin.

[@joyceharkin3641]

This is one of my all time favourite songs. Love it!

[@Tinker_LV426]

100% mood

[@haydendegrow945]

This song is amazing. The music video is so simple that it makes you think of what you're hearing... it's hard to hear at times, but you need to hear at the same

[@ericacawthorne790]

Please remember Kurt and Roland wrote this great piece of music . Without those haunting words and brilliant composition artists like Gary Jules wouldn't have content. I personally heard this as a very unhappy teenager and it sunk in my heart ,I can't compare originals to covers. Mr Jules hasn't done out since so that really shows you where the talent is as Tears for fears have a new album and touring. For me Tears for fears are undeniably the best band to come from the 80s.

[@cgrist7000]

Pure raw emotions.. impossible not to feel This…

[@runyunhyde4373]

This version is from the cult classic Donnie Darko. Y'all should definitely add it to your movie reaction list

[@leifanthony8182]

Remember, Tears for Fears are British. "Mad" translates more to "crazy". If you listen to their lyrics, matched with their movements and fanatic music, they were trying to explain the duality of losing your mind while trying to appear sane. This version is mis-titled. "Sad World" would be more correct. Using the same lyrics as the original, it try to convey a totally different feeling...despair.

[@bonniecreevy2642]

So many great versions of this too. Adam Lambert. And the kiwi bird makes me cry!😢

[@robertmahenski7660]

Adam Lambert kills this song on American Idol. Great reaction, y'all, thanks!

[@ljwhitmire200]

I agree. You have to do this one as well. It's the third leg of the Mad World table: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hp2nn5Sjl7yLkKM

[@elausente21]

Totally... in my opinion, the best version

[@chrispavlich9656]

@@ljwhitmire200The fourth leg would be Pentatonix’s version.

[@Dd8505]

Haunting, I used to do my own cover of this in a duo, inspired by this version.

[@alleykeosheyan4779]

My husband and I play music and I would LOVE to do this song, but part of me wonders if it's too depressing for a bar crowd...

[@BoricuaBox]

I can’t listen to this song without crying. Another cover that had this effect on me is Maxwell - This Woman’s Work (the live version)

[@paulo5258]

Alan Parsons Project "Time" is another great song that brings out the emotions.

[@livenhfree]

My buddy and I were just having a little fun sharing remakes that we love. This is my favorite. Whole different vibe. The original from Tears doesn't capture the essence of the lyrics. This definitely does. It's just gut-wrenching. So well done, Gary Jules. Thanks for picking this, guys.

[@TheNotedHero]

Of all the covers of this song, you've found my favourite. I will always love the Tears for Fears original, but this cover is so haunting. This is how covers should be done.

[@sarahkinsey5434]

Have you listened to The Bass Gang's cover? It is incredible too

[@martinmorris5997]

This was a surprise number 1 in the UK at Christmas in 2003, beating the favourite Christmas song by The Darkness. We were all under the spell of this song back then. Wonderful cover of the song.

[@redindenver6666]

I had never heard "Mad World" by Tears for Fears when, years ago, I heard THIS version of the song on an alternative station I was listening to. This song gave me chills from almost the first chords. I still have never heard Tears for Fears version, but I can't imagine it could top this "cover". And kudos to the writer -- the melody and lyrics are hauntingly beautiful. THANK you, Gary Jules!

[@Agg1E91]

It's more upbeat and a bit more aggressive and a little, I guess, angry. It's hard to explain, but definitely nowhere near as fatalistic and hopeless as this version. You owe it to yourself to listen, but it probably won't be your cup of tea.

[@Kelly-just-kelly]

It's better

[@hughdalton7622]

There are dozens of us. DOZENS!

[@JeanPierreWhite]

The version is the best. Gary Jules did an epic job here.

[@redindenver6666]

@@JeanPierreWhite I'll take your word for it. And I agree -- the simplicity of the piano and the beautiful vocals were perfect for this song.

[@stevehorn4680]

Adam Lambert did it on American Idol. The song is haunting because you find a place to hide in it.

[@Renkk17]

Love the Song, My Favorite is still Tears for Fears!

[@dawood121derful]

This is a special song that makes people stop and think about how short the happy phases of life can be, and how often people are left searching for meaning and purpose and happiness.

[@lippylip007]

The 1st time I heard it was in the movie Donnie Darko, I immediately fell in love with this version. Perfect for the movie too. Another great cover is Halestorm doing Soundgarden's Fell on Black Days. Amazing version.

[@Oli-sc4ib]

To be honest, I never knew this was a cover. When it cames out almost 20 years ago, I feel in love with it and is on my Ipod since.

[@meganyounger4842]

I'm a die hard Tears for Fears fan!! But this version is genius 😢