This one's been done a few times, each time very, well, I think. Phil Phillips did it originally in 1959 and it went to #2. Classic 50s sound to this one. Would rate listening even if there weren't three other versions.
In 1984, the Honeydrippers brought it to a younger audience, in a modern medium when they did the song and video. Many don't remember the name of the band, simply that it was fronted by Robert Plant. Jeff Beck and Zepplin partner Jimmy Page were also involved. A bit schmaltzy, frankly, but it was also a pretty big hit.
Tom Waits did a version of the song Sea of Love for the movie of the same title, which featured Al Pacino playing--what else--a talented, but somewhat burned out cop with an edge and Ellen Barkin as the love interest/subject of investigation. This version of the song is the most unique, as you might expect if you know even just a little bit about Tom Waits. It's darker, grittier. There's a bit of confusion or desperation in there. It fits the movie to a T. Good version of the song, good movie.
Finally, we feature the most recent prominent version. This one's done by Cat Power and was used in the movie Juno, which I watched last night. Brilliant selection and placed well in the movie. The love is now between a pregnant teen and her unborn child. Again, the voice and backing music matches the character and the story of the movie. Uncertain, searching, lonely, sad and hopeful at the same time. No complicated production, like the Honeydrippers. This one relies on simplicity just as the character tries to follow her most basic instincts to find her way through.
Credit to wikipedia for some details and confirmation of information. Visit them to see a complete list of the many versions of this song. Among artists who have covered it are Iggy Pop and Hawaiian favorite "Iz."
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