Debates may arise concerning the novelty of creativity, with some asserting that it embodies ingenuity while others contend that art can draw from existing concepts with no restrictions. In the realm of music, differentiating between a piece being plagiarized or merely inspired by another can pose a challenge. Nonetheless, instances of songs sharing identical titles have surfaced throughout history. Presented below are some illustrations we unearthed:
“In the Event That I’m Deprived of You”
Yvonne Elliman (1977)/Shawn Mendes (2019)
Renowned for her disco anthem from 1977 — “In the Event That I’m Deprived of You,” Yvonne Elliman crafted a sound distinct from that of Shawn Mendes, a prominent figure in the genre of pop, who later unveiled his rendition with a matching title. Despite variances in musicality, a common sentiment underpins both interpretations.
“Longing for Your Return”
Jackson 5 (1969)/*NSYNC (1997)
Back in 1969, the Jackson 5 introduced their chart-topper, “Longing for Your Return,” which enjoyed a resurgence as part of the soundtrack for “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Almost three decades later, *NSYNC brought forth a track bearing an equivalent moniker. This melody continues to resonate today.
“Lady”
Justin Timberlake (2002)/Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello (2019)
Upon releasing “Lady” in 2002, Justin Timberlake scored a major hit with its Latin rhythms and featuring the famed Pharrell Williams. In 2019, Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello teamed up to launch a fresh composition titled similarly, which swiftly garnered immense popularity.
Image Credit: Debby Wong @ShutterStock
