Susan Boyle Unveils Surreal 'Mad World' Cover -- Exclusive Premiere

Posted on Oct 27th 2011 11:00AM by Contessa Gayles

Susan Boyle Columbia

Runner up of 'Britain's Got Talent' Season 3, Susan Boyle, became an overnight sensation back in 2009 and has taken the music industry by storm ever since. Now the singer, who recently celebrated her 50th birthday, premieres her new single 'Mad World' off of her forthcoming third studio album, 'Someone to Watch Over Me,' exclusively on AOL Music.

Listen to 'Mad World (Tears for Fears Cover)'

"'Mad World,' that's about social comment. It's as though your eye is a camera and you're looking outward and observing. It's a very surreal song," Susan told AOL Music of the 1982 Tears for Fears classic. Boyle recently revealed that her new album was, in part, inspired by touching fan letters. "There are certain songs that I liked that resonated with the letters that people had written and sent to me. I knew that's what my record needed to be about. They wrote about grief, love, happy and sad times, it was all deeply moving and the songs mirror the emotion and life experience. I find music in many ways an easier way to communicate than just talking to people," she told Britain's Daily Record newspaper.

Susan's rendition of the 'Mad World' will appear on 'Someone to Watch Over Me,' which hits the shelves Nov. 1 stateside.

Watch 'Susan Boyle's Advice For 'X Factor''

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Filed under: Hot Off the Press, New Song, Exclusive

Around The Web:

Mad World? Susan Boyle's third album tracklist revealed | Music ...

Mad World - Susan Boyle with Lyrics - YouTube

Susan Boyle Mad World - YouTube

SUSAN BOYLE - MAD WORLD LYRICS

Susan Boyle - Track by Track

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Belva Carlisle-Bushm

You, my lady, have an extraordinary gift that you have been given the opportunity to share with all of us. I want to let you know that it also takes an amazing heart to project that gift the way you do. You are an amazing woman both inside and out. May God watch over you and guide and protect you today and in your future. Keep sharing that gift, we are all better for having heard your lovely voice and seen your amazing smile.

January 21 2012 at 1:55 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

luv2eatitwhite

hey susan.how are u?i love your musics n u have a lovely voice.i'm single live alone i know how that feels when u go to bed alone at night.hopefully u'll find a good honest man soon.take care.

November 05 2011 at 8:47 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

scheelk

I have always liked Susan Boyle's voice. Her ability to sing operatic and folk music and heaven know what else is truly amazing. I don't think that we have seen the last of Susan Boyle.

October 28 2011 at 9:20 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Carol Clifton

One of the most impressive qualities of Susan Boyle's voice is the versatility. She is so much more than a "belter"! Her ability to infuse emotion and intensity into songs is amazing. As a singer, I know how much more difficult it is to control a powerful voice such as Susan has. "Let her sing"? That is exactly what she is doing and she is doing it beautifully!!!!

October 28 2011 at 10:22 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

bellotte3

This is not the Susan Boyel that was on Britains Got Talent. That Susan was new, professional, and just swept the world off its feet. Songs like this ae just ot her. They have toned her down and are holding her true voice captive. i want to hear her belt out I Dreamed A Dream. Not have these uknown songs sung in a low, quiet, covered up by backround music voice. Unleash here. And who ever thought of putting Crhistmas Songs on regular albums should have their head examined. When I listen to her CD in my car in the summer i don't want to hear Silent Nigth. Put out a Christmas Album if you want but not mixed with other reular albums. Just let Susan siing!!
Anthony Bellotte

October 28 2011 at 2:51 AM Report abuse Permalink -2 rate up rate down Reply

2 replies to bellotte3's comment

J S

True, this isn't the same Susan that was on BGT, this is the new and much improved Susan. She's showing that she's capable of so much more than belting out show tunes. She's proven that she's an artist.

October 28 2011 at 3:11 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply

spiritbrio

I agree with you - then again, nothing wrong with changing it up a bit. It's good, but it's not as good as Adam Lambert's version. He had more dynamics to his version. What I don't understand is why does she only sing other songs. Aren't there any writers out there willing to write a song for her? With her voice, one would think there'd be numerous people dying for an opportunity to have her sing their song. The Michael Bolton syndrome who I don't ever think sang an original. That's very disappointing to me - I'm ok with an occassional remake from an artist, but not every song. Come on...be original.

November 05 2011 at 6:19 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

2 replies to spiritbrio's comment

lswccw

yes!

March 05 2012 at 5:58 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down

lswccw

yes!

March 05 2012 at 5:58 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down

MsSharon1031

I just listened to Susan's cover of Mad World and sorry but it just doesn't stand up to Adam Lambert's cover. He's performed it all over the world. She should not have attempted this song. In fact she doesn't even sound like herself. Kinda like a young child.

October 27 2011 at 9:53 PM Report abuse Permalink -3 rate up rate down Reply

3 replies to MsSharon1031's comment

Rand

I was a product of the 80's and Tears for Fears was my favorite band - and I suppose always will be. When Adam Lambert sang his cover of Mad World - I fell in love with the song all over again. I wasn't sure that anyone could top his version. But then Susan came out with this cover. Not a genre that I expected her to sing - but she hit it out of the park! I am mesmerized!! Her cover is beautiful and haunting. Clear, angelic tones have me listening to it over and over again. I guess a good song can be covered and reinterpreted and you never get tired of it. So I love the Tears for Fears version, then Adam's version - and Now Susan's version. Thanks to Roland and Curt for this amazing song! And to Adam and Susan, thanks for two fantastic reinterpretations - making it fresh all over again. Amazing talent - all of you!

October 27 2011 at 9:36 PM Report abuse Permalink +3 rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to Rand's comment

J S

I've been listening over and over too. It's addictive!!
Her Enjoy The Silence was another unexpected one but it's beautiful!

October 27 2011 at 9:51 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply

Ellie

I kind of think it blows. Too stylistically close to Gary Jules' cover (the original cover), which is amazing. I mean, stylistically close but she's way too cheesy. Gary's is legit.

October 27 2011 at 9:07 PM Report abuse Permalink -2 rate up rate down Reply

Celluvr

Though on Susan's website, Gary Jules gave her a "BRAVO"!!

October 27 2011 at 8:12 PM Report abuse Permalink +3 rate up rate down Reply

gardens4353

What a treasure, this woman's voice and expression! Can't wait to hear more from her. She says what others can't.

October 27 2011 at 6:58 PM Report abuse Permalink +3 rate up rate down Reply

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