Top 10 Cover Songs That Are More Popular Than The Original

Original: The Arrows (1975), Cover: Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (1981)
You’d be forgiven for not remembering Britain’s the Arrows, a glam rock group from the 1970s that first recorded and released “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Their version, as cool as it is, just isn’t widely remembered today, nor is it considered to be the definitive edition of the song. Instead, that honor goes to Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, who heard The Arrows’ original, and decided to cover it a few years after its release. This comparatively more hard-rocking cover eventually grew to become something of a career calling card for Jett, particularly after departing her former group, the Runaways. It was Joan’s one-of-a-kind attitude and swagger that allowed “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” to hit harder than ever before.

Original: Robert Hazard (1979), Cover: Cyndi Lauper (1983)
This song was less than five years old when Cyndi Lauper recorded it for her debut studio album, “She’s So Unusual.” As a result, its new wave stylings remain relatively intact within both versions. However, Lauper’s decision to play around with Robert Hazard’s lyrics allowed “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” to progress in a powerful and meaningful manner. She sings from a switched perspective of empowerment, whereas Hazard’s original is a comparatively vapid and face-value approximation of dating and intimacy. Lauper’s cover went on to become something of a feminist anthem, while Hazard’s demo has largely been relegated to trivia questions and lists like this one!

Original: Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969), Cover: Ike & Tina Turner (1971)
A great song doesn’t always achieve chart success via multiple artists, but then again, “Proud Mary” wasn’t just an average, everyday pop hit. This boisterous and rockin’ tune did well with its originators, Creedence Clearwater Revival, in 1969. Solomon Burke’s cover that same year was also a hit. That said, it’s the version laid down by Ike and Tina Turner that electrified the song, adding even MORE energy and solidifying it within the public consciousness. Turner’s unfettered spark and charisma gave life to the band’s upbeat and soulful arrangements. “Proud Mary” had entered its final stage: a defining track for a new music superstar and a new generation.

Original: David Bowie (1970), Cover: Nirvana (1993)
Generations of music fans were already well aware of “The Man Who Sold the World” prior to Nirvana covering it for “MTV Unplugged” in 1993. These were older generations, however, folks from the ‘70s and ‘80s who were familiar with the David Bowie original, as well as hit covers from Lulu and Midge Ure. Nirvana’s take, as a result, was delivered with perfect timing to keep the song relevant for the grunge-obsessed audiences of the 1990s. In fact, some say that it’s Nirvana’s version that helped retain interest in Bowie’s glam rock gem, allowing “The Man Who Sold the World” to live on for future generations. If that isn’t musical kismet, we don’t know what is!

Original: Otis Redding (1965), Cover: Aretha Franklin (1967)
There’s no denying that both Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin are legendary soul singers. That said, Aretha’s “stolen” cover is something special, like lightning in a bottle that has proven to be a timeless masterpiece. Her take is smoother and more refined, although the differences don’t necessarily take away from the value of either version in a major way. Instead, Franklin’s point of view allows her take on “Respect” to speak from a point of feminism and civil rights, in gripping fashion. Thus, the song became a career-making anthem for soul music’s First Lady, and deservedly so.

Original: The Family (1985), Cover: Sinéad O'Connor (1990)
Prince was famous for his work ethic, a tireless songwriter who seemed like he was always working. “Nothing Compares 2 U” was penned by him, and given to a group he formed called the Family. This musical group venture resulted in a single album that contained the OG “Nothing Compares 2 U.” Fast forward five years to Sinéad O'Connor’s second studio album, and it’s her version that has captured the imaginations of listeners for years now. The power of the song’s striking music video likely helped things along in this regard, but O’Connor’s version possesses an intimate and smolderingly intense power all its own.

Original: Bob Dylan (1967), Cover: The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1968)
Masterclass songwriters of Bob Dylan’s caliber have always seen their music covered by a variety of artists. Adele’s take on “Make You Feel My Love” is a great example of this [xref]. So is the Jimi Hendrix Experience's hard-rocking version of “All Along the Watchtower.” It would go on to become one of the defining psychedelic rock songs of the ‘60s, a precursor to heavy metal that hinged upon Hendrix’s charismatic vocals and guitar playing. Meanwhile, the rhythm section hammers home an urgent groove that’s impossible to resist. Thus, the group updated “All Along the Watchtower” for a very swingin’ decade.

Original: Leonard Cohen (1984), Covers: John Cale (1991) & Jeff Buckley (1994)
There have been quite a few artists that tried to take a swing at Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” It was John Cale’s 1991 version that arguably piqued mainstream interest in Cohen’s 1984 original after it was included in “Shrek.” That said, few “Hallelujah” covers have as much palpable melancholy and sadness as Jeff Buckley’s 1994 recording. The singer-songwriter unfortunately died when he was only 30, which lends a fatalistic aura to his “Hallelujah” that’s echoed in his impossibly resonant and impassioned vocals. Cohen’s original features a metered, insistent cadence, while Buckley’s balladry is smoother and more stretched-out, allowing each word to drip down like honey or molasses.

Original: Nine Inch Nails (1994), Cover: Johnny Cash (2002)
Trent Reznor’s original version of “Hurt” for his band Nine Inch Nails possesses a unique and impenetrable darkness all its own. That said, it’s Johnny Cash’s cover from 2002 that has allowed the song to enter a transformative state, one that proves how truly great music can transcend genres. Cash was in the twilight of his life when he recorded and released “Hurt,” and this feeling of mortality envelopes the end result like a funerary shroud. It’s virtually impossible to retain our composure as images of Cash as a young man flash across the screen in the accompanying video, too. Thus, Cash gave Reznor’s evocative ballad a new and vulnerable life all its own.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Killing Me Softly with His Song,” Original: Lori Lieberman (1972), Covers: Roberta Flack (1973) & The Fugees (1996)
Both Stunning Covers Are More Widely Known Than the Original

“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” Original: Bob Dylan (1973), Cover: Guns N’ Roses (1990)
Bringing Forth the ROCK

“It’s My Life,” Original: Talk Talk (1984), Cover: No Doubt (2003)
A Perfect Cover at a Perfect Time

“Tainted Love,” Original: Gloria Jones (1965), Cover: Soft Cell (1981)
Updating an Obscure Soul Cut for the Modern Day

“Higher Ground,” Original: Stevie Wonder (1973), Cover: Red Hot Chili Peppers (1989)
Somehow Making the Funk…Funkier!

Original: Dolly Parton (1974), Cover: Whitney Houston (1992)
It’s a musical Sophie’s Choice, of sorts: which version of “I Will Always Love You” do you prefer? Both are sung by generational talents: the originator and songwriter, Dolly Parton, and the artist covering it, Whitney Houston. Country purists or die-hard Dolly fans may swing her way. However, the public at large is probably more familiar with Houston’s cover, taken from the soundtrack to 1992’s “The Bodyguard.” Houston more than put her stamp on the song, creating a mesmerizing listening experience that’s indescribable. Thus, she allowed “I Will Always Love You” to crossover into the pop world and charts from its heartfelt country roots.

Did you NOT know any of these were covers? Let us know in the comments!