COVER vs ORIGINAL: ‘Some Guys Have All The Luck’

The song, “Some Guys Have All the Luck”, was originally recorded by The Persuaders in 1973

“Some Guys Have All the Luck” was written by Jeff Fortgang of the American R&B group, The Persuaders, for their third studio album, “Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me”. It was released as the lead single in October 1973 and peaked at No.39 on the US singles chart and No.7 on the R&B chart.

The song was covered THREE times in the 1980’s, each of them achieving international success with the song. First up was Robert Palmer (1949-2003), who changed some of the lyrics, adding his name to the publishing rights of the song. He released his version in early 1982, taking it to No.16 in the UK and No.59 in America.

Just two years later, Rod Stewart recorded his version of the original song for his 1984 album, “Camouflage”. The single was released in July that year and peaked at No.15 in the UK and No.10 in America, becoming the highest charted at the time in those territories.

Three years later a then unknown British singer Maxi Priest recorded a version for his third studio album, “Maxi”. His version would give him his first UK top twenty charting single, making No.12 in November 1987. His version was not released in The States, although the album was in 1988.

But which version is the best? THE PERSUADERS original, ROBERT PALMER’s re-write, ROD STEWART’s hit or MAXI PRIEST’s cover?