Don’t You (Forget About Me) has been one of the most popular songs during the 1980s. Originally recorded by the new wave band Simple Minds, it was meant to be the theme song for movie The Breakfast Club which starred some of the most famous teen stars that time. This hit was probably included in New Found Glory’s From the Screen to Your Stereo Part II album.

It was written by Ketih Forsey and Steve Schiff and originally offered to Billy Idol and Bryan Ferry. The two artists refused to do the song so it was pitched to Simple Minds. The group also didn’t want to record it but after some encouragement from their label, the band did record the song. The song turned out to be a major hit.

It turned out to be a wise decision for the band. When the movie The Breakfast Club, which featured the song, was shown in theaters, it became a major hit. The song became the band’s only number one hit in the United States. It was also their most famous song to date.

The song’s history and haunting effect makes it the perfect cover for a pop-punk band. It would be a great irony to have a band who’s used to shouting songs take on a serene, slow-paced up to the point of being haunting song from the 80s.

The cover version of the song was quite different. New Found Glory succeeded in making it unique and interesting. It is unlike the original version. Most notable is the absence of the eerie effect caused by the original singer’s vocals. The words felt like shouted (there was even a growl at some point), which is expected from a pop-punk band. This version is more hip, youthful and current.

It was great that the band did not make any major changes with the song’s melody. People would expect a band like New Found Glory to not make drastic changes in a song’s melody. What’s expected from them is loud, upbeat and fun music. And they did deliver that. By sticking to the original score, they were able to retain the spirit of the song but still make it their own.

In truth, nothing is achieved in recording another version of the song. You can’t really see anything new with the new version aside from it being upbeat and more current. There was not much to expect, only loud shouting and growling (which was very audible at the bridge). However, the growl at the latter part of the song was executed nicely, It didn’t sound awkward or forced. It felt natural, making the song sound more like a New Found Glory hit.

The song is okay. I don’t dislike it but I’m not jumping in my seat either. It was good to listen to but there is nothing to get from it but a nice listening experience.