The Story Of Anthrax’S Unique Cover Of Joe Jackson’S “Got The Time.”

December 3, 2024

The Story of Anthrax’s Unique Cover of Joe Jackson’s “Got the Time”: A Thriving Intersection of Punk and Metal

In the mid-1980s, the fusion of punk’s raw energy with heavy metal’s sonic heft gave rise to a new genre that would flourish in clubs and concert venues alike. At the forefront of this burgeoning scene was Anthrax, one of the stalwarts of thrash metal, known not just for their blistering riffs and frenetic energy but also for their eclectic music choices. In 1990, Anthrax released a cover of Joe Jackson’s “Got the Time,” a track originally nestled within the pop-rock canon. This audacious reinterpretation, while paying homage to Jackson’s compelling songwriting, simultaneously redefined the song within the brutal framework of thrash metal, creating a fascinating dialogue between genres.

Joe Jackson’s original rendition of Got the Time,” from his 1980 album *Beat Crazy*, encapsulates the spirit of New Wave with its brisk tempo and taut, driving rhythm. The song’s themes of urgency and existential angst resonate with the frantic pace of modern life, making it an appropriate choice for Anthrax, a band whose oeuvre often explores the chaotic elements of existence. When Anthrax took up the challenge of covering this track, they not only sought to inject their signature sound but also to engage with an audience that might have been oblivious to Jackson’s contributions. The result was a fusion that showcased their technical prowess while embedding a sense of nostalgia for a generation navigating the complexities of both punk and metal.

Anthrax’s version of “Got the Time” is marked by its transformation of Jackson’s punchy melodies into aggressive, heavy instrumentation. The driving guitar riffs and thundering drums shift the song’s tone from New Wave playfulness to thrash intensity, creating a palpable sense of urgency that inherently ties back to Jackson’s lyrical content. Lead vocalist Joey Belladonna’s dynamic delivery brings an entirely different gravitas to Jackson’s words, allowing for a fresh interpretation that appeals to both fans of metal and those familiar with the original tune. The interplay between the robust instrumentation and Belladonna’s soaring vocals underscores the raw emotionality that permeates both versions of the song.

The strategic choice to cover “Got the Time” was not merely an exercise in eclecticism; it was a shrewd maneuver aimed at bridging the gap between disparate musical fanbases. During a period characterized by a growing animosity between the metal and punk scenes, Anthrax’s collective embrace of Jackson’s work demonstrated a willingness to transcend genre boundaries. In doing so, they not only broadened their appeal but also introduced the thrash metal community to the sophisticated songwriting of Jackson, who artfully articulated the anxieties of his generation. This symbiotic relationship between artists and genres is illustrative of the evolving landscape of rock music in the late ’80s and early ’90s, as bands began to seek inspiration beyond their established niches.

Moreover, this cover stands as a commentary on the changing dynamics of musical influences. By spotlighting an artist like Joe Jacksonwhose work, while critically lauded, had not enjoyed the same commercial success as many of his contemporariesAnthrax positioned themselves as champions of artistic integrity. This act of reclamation not only added depth to their catalog but also served to elevate the significance of Jackson in the broader rock narrative. In a manner reminiscent of musical alchemy, Anthrax transformed a pop-rock staple into a metal anthem, effectively honoring the original while recontextualizing it for a new audience.

In retrospect, Anthrax’s rendition of “Got the Time” is more than just a cover; it is a testament to the band’s innovative spirit and their ability to navigate the intricate interplay of musical genres. By embracing the nuances of Joe Jackson’s writing while infusing it with their unmistakable sound, they crafted a version that resonates with both the themes of the original and the ethos of their own music. In this synthesis, we find an enduring lesson on the power of music as a unifying forceone that transcends boundaries, enriches artistic dialogues, and, ultimately, brings listeners together in their shared appreciation for the profound depths of expression found within every genre.