“How Will I Know” is everyone’s second favorite Whitney Houston song and it needed an update. Sam Smith is not my favorite, but he’s just right for this song. This was just before everyone knew who Smith was, unlike most of these covers, or most songs featured on Grey’s Anatomy, they aren’t by famous artists. Most are indie bands, loved by people who love music and not most of the junk on the radio. But not this song.

Enjoy.

The Family Crest does the Hall & Oates classic very well.

No commentary tonight. Stuff.

Nope, not THAT version. Leave it to Grey’s Anatomy’s brilliant creator and writer, Shonda Rhimes, to take it back to 1965 with Gloria Jones’ original recording of “Tainted Love.” I’ve read about it this morning and it’s in the genre Northern Soul, which is the Motown-esque British sound popular in the mid 60s to the early 70s. Soft Cell’s synths are nowhere in sight. It’s phenomenal.

Enjoy.

Yes, I know Meredith Grey is a fictional doctor played by Ellen Pompeyo on Grey’s Anatomy, but her writers are pretty brilliant. And as long as I’m posting songs from season 10, why not throw in some quotes that aren’t part of my 365 days?

Here’s number one.

“Don’t You Want Me” by Human League was always a good song — two versions of a breakup story. The version featured on Grey’s by Young Summer is breathy and haunting with only a piano for accompaniment. None of the familiar synths of the early 80s. It’s a good one.

Enjoy.

My favorite Police song is probably “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic.” I’ve seen Sting do it live twice, once with a full orchestra and it was beautiful. This version by Sleeping at Last that appeared on Grey’s Anatomy is magical.

Enjoy.

Many people have said “We Built This City” is one of the worst songs of all time, but those people are idiots. Grey’s obviously knew the genius of this song and used Aron Wright and Jill Andrews’ cover in episode 21 of season 10*.

Enjoy.

*”genius” may be a little strong, even sarcastic.

Next up on my Grey’s Anatomy 80s covers playlist is beautiful. The original by Tears For Fears is no doubt in my top ten of 80s songs. Top ten of my lifetime. The song is great. Good stuff. The cover by Aron Wright — good stuff.

Enjoy.

The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven” is perfect just that way it is. Perfect. Then along came Joy Zipper who recorded it and made it something entirely different, fresh and light and poppy. Plus, I love this song. Thank you to Grey’s once again.

Enjoy.