‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ by Tiffany

When Tommy James & the Shondells took 'I Think We're Alone Now' (written by versatile songwriter Ritchie Cordell) to No. 4 in 1967, legendary rock critic Lester Bangs dismissed it as "the bubblegum apotheosis." So one can only imagine the scathing words he'd have used to describe mall queen Tiffany's version in 1987.

Turns out Bangs wasn't the only one who didn't like the original -- when Tiffany herself heard it, she didn't care for it either. And although the 16 year old complained it wasn't modern enough to include on her eponymous debut album, she recorded a version of it anyway. It's likely a decision she doesn't regret, since it was her first No. 1 hit and put her on the pop music map worldwide.

And here's a bit of weird trivia for you: No. 2 on the U.S. charts during that time period was Billy Idol's cover of 'Mony Mony' -- which, like 'I Think We're Alone Now,' was written by Ritchie Cordell and first recorded by Tommy James & the Shondells.

Listen to Tiffany's Version of 'I Think We're Alone Now'

Listen to Tommy James & the Shondells' Version of 'I Think We're Alone Now'