We almost feel bad for anyone who event attempts to perform the national anthem — unless you’re Whitney Houston, chances are someone is going to be disappointed. And my oh my, were many people disappointed upon hearing The Fray’s (remember them?) flowery acoustic version of “The Star Spangled Banner” at a NCAA basketball championship game last night. Listen and judge for yourself below.
As EW Music Mix points out, it sounds like The Fray were inspired by Kermit The Frog’s “The Rainbow Connection” when figuring out the arrangement for their version.
Though not the worst performance of the National Anthem we’ve ever heard (not to mention, frontman Isaac Slade managed to remember all the words!), we can see why most people would think their lackadaisical, acoustic rendition wasn’t appropriate for a song we’re used to hearing in a larger-than-life manner. It does sound like the band’s guitarists were playing in two different keys, though. Oof.
What do you think of The Fray’s unique performance? Not that bad, or do you still have your hands over your ears? Let us know what you think on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments below.
I like The Fray well enough, but who was the idiot who thought they would do justice to the anthem? Not everybody has a powerful enough voice to sing it. They were set up to fail.
the most piss poor version I have ever heard. Fire the people respsonsible!!
Watched 30 seconds and posting this comment…it sounds like 3 different songs playing.
yeah i agree the only one who truly brings justice to this song is whitney
i am exaggerating but whitney did it the best
and the fray’s lead singer just doesn’t sing this kind of stuff well
i agree the only one who truly brings justice to this song is whitney
i am exaggerating but whitney did it the best
and the fray’s lead singer just doesn’t sing this kind of stuff well
Umm well I like that they tried something different but it really didn’t come off to well. That 3rd chord that was being finger picked sounded wrong.
Surely Roseanne barr’s was the worst ever… Americans are waaaaaaaaaaay too precious over the national anthem.
Couldn’t get through more than 15 seconds of it. One of the guitarists is playing the wrong d@mn chords. Simply dreadful…..
James durbin is doing the anthem tomorrow at the la kings last home game and if you look at you tube you will see his last performance of the national anthem and it was insane,if he does it anyway close as he did at the baseball game, youll want to hear it .
Actually, I like it…
I will never buy another Fray song. You do not disrespect my National Anthem. Sing it like it’s written or don’t sing it. I don’t like it when stars try to embellish it with runs and show off moves either. Just sing the darn song like it was meant to be.
Not only that, but it took all of the excitement and fire out of the beginning of the game. It was like we were singing kumbaya.
Dumbest move ever.
Not only that, but it took all of the excitement and fire out of the beginning of the game. It was like we were singing kumbaya.