Version cover

Version

Mark Ronson · 2007

46 min · 14 tracks · contemporary R&B

Eclectic reimaginations of classic tracks fuse vintage soul with contemporary grooves, creating a vibrant celebration of musical nostalgia.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    God Put a Smile Upon Your Face — This cover transforms Coldplay's original into an upbeat groove that highlights Ronson's signature production style while retaining emotional depth.
  • →
    Valerie — The rendition features energetic vocals and a lively arrangement, becoming one of Ronson's most recognized tracks and a staple of his live performances.
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    Stop Me — This track merges elements of The Smiths' 'Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before' with infectious brass arrangements, demonstrating Ronson's ability to blend genres effortlessly.
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    Toxic — By reinterpreting Britney Spears' hit with a retro flair, Ronson showcases his talent for reinvigorating pop classics with a fresh perspective.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases eclectic arrangements but lacks a strong cohesive narrative across its diverse tracklist.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate live instrumentation, including horns and strings, which adds a rich texture to the overall sound.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo pacing
  • short immersive listening sessions
  • vibrant upbeat atmosphere
  • contemporary reinterpretations of classics

Where this album fits

Career context
Mark Ronson was establishing himself as a prominent producer and artist with this album, following his breakthrough work on Amy Winehouse's Back to Black in 2006. Version served as his second solo album, showcasing his knack for crafting innovative covers and solidifying his reputation in the pop and R&B landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Bruno Mars· Pharrell Williams· Dua Lipa

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Valerie

    The singer directly addresses Valerie with longing hints at unresolved emotions and desire for connection.

    Direct address in this part shifts from general yearning to personal intimacy, deepening the emotional stakes of the song.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 God Put a Smile Upon Your Face 3:12
  • 2 Oh My God 3:35
  • 3 Stop Me 3:54
  • 4 Toxic 4:05
  • 5 Valerie 3:39
  • 6 Apply Some Pressure 3:36
  • 7 Inversion 1:47
  • 8 Pretty Green 3:16
  • 9 Just 5:20
  • 10 Amy 3:32
  • 11 The Only One I Know 3:59
  • 12 Diversion 1:19
  • 13 L.S.F. 3:30
  • 14 Outversion 1:50

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata