The Star

Which version of The Star or Here Comes The Star comes across as better? Both were recorded in 1969. The original was recorded by Ross D Wylie but the cover version was by Herman's Hermits, fronted by Peter Noone.

Herman's Hermits is, of course, a household name for many of us who grew up in the 1960s but less is known about the Australian singer, Ross D Wylie who was later to become a successful television presenter in his country. (Here Comes) The Star was written by another Australian, Johnny Young, whose other compositions were covered by singers such as Russell Morris. 

Wylie's version is darker and melancholic, whereas Herman's Hermits sang a slightly brighter version. But the question here is which version is better: the original or the cover?

As a bonus, below is a recent video of Wylie, albeit filmed seven years ago in 2015. A much older and heftier Wylie who performed his hit song after being interviewed for a TV show in Australia. The crutches were due to a physical condition caused by polio during his youth.