Simple Plan have released a cover of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” both as a dedication to The Lion King’s 30th anniversary as well as for a new Disney pop-punk and alternative rock covers compilation titled A Whole New Sound.
Simple Plan’s rendition of the Elton John song is certainly more upbeat, taking the balladry of the original and turning the volume dial much, much louder. Vocalist Pierre Bouvier sings the iconic chorus surrounded by vocal harmonies, and if you were wondering what a pop-punk version of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” sounds like, just listen to Bouvier sing the words “kings and vagabonds.” Stream Simple Plan’s cover below.
“We grew up watching Disney movies with our families and now we get to enjoy them with our own kids, so it’s pretty amazing to have been invited to be on this album,” Simple Plan said in a statement. The band elaborated, telling Billboard “When Disney reached out to us to be a part of this project, it was a bit overwhelming because there are so many amazing Disney songs. But it became obvious pretty quickly that The Lion King song book, and especially ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight,’ stood out from the rest,”
They continued, saying, “The song just has such a classic feel, and the melodies are so memorable and timeless. We also felt like it would lend itself really well to our style and would sound awesome as a pop-punk version. Finally, the fact that the movie celebrates its 30th anniversary this year was just the icing on the cake! It’s such an honor to offer our own version of this song and to cover such an iconic artist like Sir Elton John. We’re not sure if he heard the song or not, but we hope he will enjoy this new version and feel like we did it justice.”
The track arrives as the first offering from Disney’s new covers album A Whole New Sound, which will feature renditions of Disney’s greatest hits from alternative, rock, and pop-punk bands. A release date has yet to be confirmed, nor have the participating artists been revealed — but the album and vinyl will be available this year.
Simple Plan, meanwhile, have been on the road opening for Avril Lavigne on her “Greatest Hits Tour.” Get tickets here and get ready for a blast of early 2000s nostalgia.
Revisit our ranking of every Disney song, ever to see where “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” landed.
A Whole New Sound Artwork: