One of the most famous cases of a cover ever. The Patti Smith version of "Gloria" contains enough new lyrics that it arguably could have been considered a different song from Them's original. But it's important that not only was the basic guitar kept the same, it also included the distinctive chorus. While it takes forever for that big final moment, the preceding minutes are all build and tease, truly seductive and even mystical, from the assertion that "My sins, they belong to me," to her manci chanting of "And her name is! / And her name is! / And her name is! / And her name is!" that, to me, always sounds like "And the nightmares! / And the nightmares!" Which shows you the power of delivery, maybe.
And then at long last, the name is said, the song explodes. Patti seems to take such delight in drawing out the spelling, relishing every moment of that release. This version of the song is truly a piece of work, one that propels itself on intensity and desire.
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