If the title of Halsey’s single “Without Me” — which went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week — sounds familiar, it might be because Eminem had a big hit with a different song bearing the same name back in 2002. Who did it better?
Here, we break down who wins the battle of the “Without Me’s” and some other hit copycat song titles.
“Without Me” — Halsey vs. Eminem
Halsey’s atmospheric breakup ballad borrows from Justin Timberlake’s killer kiss-off “Cry Me a River,” but the electro-pop eeriness of her single can’t match the spit and wit of Slim Shady at the peak of his powers on his 2002 smash from “The Eminem Show.”
“I Like It” — Cardi B feat. Bad Bunny & J Balvin vs. Enrique Iglesias feat. Pitbull
Visions of “Jersey Shore” come fist-pumping back from Enrique’s global dance anthem with Mr. Worldwide. Even Snooki and the Situation, though, would have to agree that Cardi’s Bronx-goes-tropical jam packs way more hot sauce. But we also like the pure soul-pop sweetness of DeBarge’s 1982 hit “I Like It.“
“Hello” — Adele vs. Lionel Richie
The piano-ballad melodrama of Richie’s 1984 No. 1 hit plays you like a basic chord, but all that soft-rock mush gets crushed by the almighty Adele, who takes her Grammy-winning tune to the other side with a transcendent vocal that hits you a thousand times harder.
“Hold On” — Wilson Phillips vs. En Vogue
Back in 1990, both of these girl groups had us hooked on their harmonies — and holding on beyond one more day. It’s a close call between the empowering pop of Wilson Phillips and the emphatic soul of En Vogue, but the latter gets the edge for that a cappella “Who’s Lovin’ You” intro.
“Call Me” — Blondie vs. Aretha Franklin
You really can’t lose with either of these classics — and you could throw in Al Green’s “Call Me (Come Back Home),” too. The Queen of Soul’s piano-led plea is one of the most gorgeous gems of her golden era, while Blondie’s biggest hit takes new wave to the disco. Call this one a dead heat.
“Photograph”— Ed Sheeran vs. Def Leppard
Sheeran’s wistful 2014 hit is more, shall we say, subtle than Def Leppard’s 1983 classic. But there’s a reason why the British metal men are getting inducted into the Rock & Roll of Fame in March: They know how to bang a song into your head. Special shoutout to Ringo Starr for another notable “Photograph,” his 1973 No. 1 single.
“Somebody To Love” — Queen vs. Justin Bieber
When the Biebs was still rocking a bowl cut back in 2010, he dropped a dance-pop single that, despite its name, thankfully wasn’t a Queen cover. The gospel opera of Freddie Mercury’s band is the Holy Grail for this song title, but honorable mention goes to Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody To Love.”
“Beautiful” — Christina Aguilera vs. Snoop Dogg feat. Pharrell & Charlie Wilson
Snoop turns on the gangsta charm on his 2003 hit, which is more Champagne and roses than gin and juice. Still, the winner here is Aguilera’s 2002 self-love anthem, which boasts some of the same uplifting spirit as Carole King’s “Beautiful.”
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