The song, “One”, was originally recorded by U2 in 1991
U2 lead singer Bono wrote the song “One” for the band’s 1991 album, “Achtung Baby”. It was produced by Daniel Lanios, who had previously worked on “The Joshua Tree” album, and Brian Eno. “One” was released as the third single from the album in February 1992, reaching No.7 in the UK, No.10 in America and was a top ten hit across much of the rest of the world.
British singer Mica Paris recorded a version of the song in 1995 as a standalone single that was never featured on a studio album of hers. The song was produced by DJ Paul Oakenfold and Steve Osborne, who had also worked with U2 on mixes of another track from the “Achtung Baby” album, “Even Better Than The Real Thing”. Mica’s version charted at No.29 in the UK and No.5 on the R&B chart.
In 2006, US singer Mary J. Blige joined forces with U2 for a new version of “One” that featured on her studio album, “The Breakthrough”. Her recording was a huge international hit, reaching No.2 in the UK, the songs highest charted position yet and was a top five hit across most of Europe, although it only made No.86 Stateside. Blige had performed the song with U2 the previous year in New York, while the band toured The States with their “Vertigo” album.
But which version is the best? U2’s original, MICA PARIS’ cover or MARY J. BLIGE’s cover?
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