Many versions of classic songs become controversial, or admired by their authors. But when a cover song positively catches the attention of its creator, in a genre completely opposite to the original, it's a task for deeper investigation.
This is the case with Sammy Hagar , and the synthwave band Arena Van Halen 's 1965 classic , "Dreams," which earned praise coveted by musicians across much of the globe. "Arena's cover of 'Dreams' might be my favorite cover anyone has ever done of any of my songs," says Hagar. "I'm giving it five stars; everyone has to hear it."
“If I could find the soundtrack of my childhood, no song would compete with 'Dreams',” says Joey Arena of Arena. “I remember hearing it for the first time on the radio in '93, but I never knew the name, and at the end of The Power Rangers Movie (1995). The song came on and made me nostalgic.”
“When I received the news from my team that Sammy had listened attentively to the track, I was very grateful for his time, but when we received written and visual praise (check out the video below), I was speechless and nervous. I grew up being a huge fan of Sammy, and having this legend take a moment and acknowledge me reminded me of what it’s like to be a fan and not just a musician anymore,” he recalls.
Arena continues: “I’ve experienced some great achievements as a musician, but this one particularly surpasses them all. I can’t thank him and his team enough for making a dream come true. When I listen to ‘Dreams,’ it takes me back to a younger, freer, and more imaginative self. What more could we really ask for from nostalgia?”
Finally, check out Arena's cover of "Dreams":
