Another Top 10 Cover Songs
Sometimes even great songs need an update. Join http://www.Watchmojo.com as we count down another top 10 cover songs. For this list, we're looking at cover songs from any genre. These covers proved that you don't need to be entirely original to be successful, you just need to know your way around a classic tune.
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#10: “Holy Diver” (2006)
Killswitch Engage
Originally by Dio (1983)
Dio’s signature song is a heavy metal classic, but metalcore band Killswitch Engage took “Holy Diver” to a whole new level. Adding in screeching pinch harmonics, double bass drumming and an awesome guitar solo to the mix, Killswitch infused their modern style of heavy metal music while also introducing many young metal fans to one of the icons that influenced them. The sheer amount of metal respect in this song is surely enough to make Dio himself proud.
#9: "Land of Confusion” (2006)
Disturbed
Originally by Genesis (1986)
Disturbed has a great track record when it comes to awesome cover songs. With this cover, they took what was already an amazing song and added their signature aggression, replacing the pounding keyboard rhythms with incredible heavy metal riffage. To top it all off, their music video was animated by Todd McFarlane of Spawn fame and his team, adding an extra layer of awesomeness to an already great cover song.
#8: “Jolene” (2004)
The White Stripes
Originally by Dolly Parton (1973)
Without a doubt, Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” perfectly captured both the sound and vibe of the country music of her time. However, when The White Stripes took a stab at it, they added their own personal touch. The verses echo the soft melody of Parton’s original version, but the choruses quickly erupt with a heavy drum beat in typical White Stripes fashion. Though it has a different tone and approach, it maintains the beauty and elegance of Parton’s song.
#7: “No Diggity” (2011)
Chet Faker
Originally by Blackstreet ft. Dr. Dre and Queen Pen (1996)
We just love it when artists take a classic rap track and put their own spin on it. “No Diggity” is one hell of a 90’s rap tune, featuring an old school verse by Dr. Dre and a beat crafted by legendary Bill Withers. Chet Faker’s version is a shining example of a cover done right. He takes a widely different genre of music and incorporates the lyrics into his own style. Just as catchy in its own right, we can’t help but bob our heads to this tune.
#6: “Whiskey in the Jar” (1999)
Metallica
Originally by Thin Lizzy (1972)
Based on a famous Irish traditional song, Thin Lizzy brought this tune to the mainstream. Metallica decided to take a crack at covering the already popular Thin Lizzy arrangement and boy did it work! Replacing the more laid back feel of the original with that of a faster paced rock anthem, Metallica paid respect to this classic while also giving it some attitude at the same time. Metallica solidifies yet another great cover.
#5: “Killing Me Softly with His Song” (1996)
The Fugees
Originally by Roberta Flack (1973)
Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly” is a truly unforgettable track. However, The Fugees created an equally emotional song that both updated the original for the modern era of R&B while also keeping the tone and gravitas of Flack’s version. The smooth drum beat and laid back hip-hop style makes this version more upbeat than the original. With a great flow and hypnotic vocals that just pull you in, this is one of the best covers to ever grace our ear drums.
#4: “Blinded by the Light” (1976)
Manfred Mann’s Earth Band
Originally by Bruce Springsteen (1973)
“Blinded by the Light” by Bruce Springsteen is an excellent example of The Boss at his finest, but Manfred Mann’s Earth Band put a spin on it and made it a signature track of their own. While Springsteen’s version is more folky, this update has more emphasis on the keyboard and adds in a killer guitar solo, making it an unforgettable song that blends in perfectly with the rock n’ roll music of the 1970s.
#3: “Higher Ground” (1989)
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Originally by Stevie Wonder (1973)
There’s no denying that Stevie Wonder’s original version is a timeless classic, but it was certainly ripe for a funky update. The Red Hot Chili Peppers are known for their widely outrageous style and fun upbeat grooves. And with this song, they took Wonder’s track and brought it back in glorious style. Flea’s signature thumping bass booms in the background with glee while Anthony Keidis’ vocals invite us in for a funky good time. And this is definitely a party you won’t want to miss.
#2: “Cocaine” (1977)
Eric Clapton
Originally by J. J. Cale (1976)
Following his successful Bob Marley and The Wailers cover, Slowhand took another track by another artist 3 years later and turned it into another of his classic blues rock hits. Written and recorded by country blues singer-songwriter J. J. Cale in 1976, “Coccaine” was transformed into a lengthier, more rockier tune on his 1977 album Slowhand, and a top 30 Billboard Hot 100 after a live version was released in 1980. Thanks to Eric Clapton’s musical gifts, it’s considered one of the guitarist’s greatest songs. Of note is also the fact that in more recent performances, Clapton will use slightly modified lyrics so that “Cocaine” does not sound like it’s endorsing the drug and is actually anti-coke instead.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are few honorable mentions:
“Lake of Fire” (1993)
Nirvana
Originally by The Meat Puppets (1984)
“Skinny Love” (2011)
Birdy
Originally by Bon Iver (2008)
“Mr. Tambourine Man” (1965)
The Byrds
Originally by Bob Dylan (1965)
“Free Fallin’” (2007)
John Mayer
Originally by Tom Petty (1989)
“Wonderwall” (2003)
Ryan Adams
Originally by Oasis (1995)
#1: “I Fought the Law” (1979)
The Clash
Originally by The Crickets (1960)
Although The Crickets helped shape rock and roll with “I Fought the Law”, The Clash changed the face of music with their version of the very same track. The Crickets brought a classic rock and roll style to the track, while The Clash cranked the distortion and introduced the tune to a whole new demographic. The lyrics were a perfect fit for the punk music scene of the late 1970s and The Clash incorporated their signature rebellious sound, making it one of the most memorable cover songs ever made.