Top 10 Cover Songs that DESTROYED the Original
#10: Got My Mind Set on You
Original: James Ray with Hutch Davie Orchestra & Chorus (1962), Cover: George Harrison (1987)
Delving into early 1960s music history, George Harrison covers a song with a timeless hook. He might bring more of a 1980s sound, but the essence of this great tune remains. Harrison has a way of making this such a catchy and inviting version. The stellar vocals only make the chorus more memorable. It just goes to show that the former Beatle could bring some magic to somebody elses song. In one of his last big hits as a solo artist, the musician reminds everyone that he delivers as well as his contemporaries. Its the kind of music thats both sweet and unabashedly sincere.
#9: Blinded by the Light
Original: Bruce Springsteen (1973), Cover: Manfred Manns Earth Band (1976)
This is another case of a song that took on a life of its own after the cover. Its one of the few Bruce Springsteen works that didnt take off as an original. Many years later, Manfred Manns Earth Band made it a 1970s rock staple. This includes the often misinterpreted lyrics in the chorus. No matter what you hear them say, you have to admit that this song is entertaining. There isnt much Springsteen left in the second version, but its still a fun experience thats endured in pop culture. You mightve heard it one too many times and thats only because of its massive popularity.
#8: Mad World
Original: Tears for Fears (1982), Cover: Michael Andrews feat. Gary Jules (2003)
Some people remember this song best from movies like Donnie Darko. The cover is guaranteed to make you sad, or at least put you in a melancholic mood. Michael Andrews and Gary Jules created the perfect rendition of a 1980s single. The original Tears for Fears track doesnt have the same poignancy despite the compelling lyrics. In the older version, theres much more reliance on sounds that contrast with the more serious message. Andrews and Jules found a way to access the dramatic themes, taking you to another place and letting each note linger in your head.
#7: Tainted Love
Original: Gloria Jones (1965), Cover: Soft Cell (1981)
What would the 1980s have been without this Soft Cell hit? The duo brought synths to an old standard recorded by many artists like Gloria Jones. With this cover from 1981, the band gives a dose of funky attitude to a track from the 1960s. Youd be forgiven for needing to dance or tap your feet throughout this version. To this day, the single has all the trademarks of a fantastic and fun pop tune from the era. Its the kind of bouncy rhythm thatll be bopping around your head for hours. While this new wave collective didnt have many hits, they certainly left an impact with this one.
#6: Nothing Compares 2 U
Original: The Family (1985), Cover: Sinéad OConnor (1990)
In her most famous recording, Sinéad OConnor pours her heart out in a piece written by Prince. Its the kind of track that can alter your state of mind in a few notes. OConnor gives the performance of her career in a profound love song. It almost sounds like shes reading from a diary, making this feel even more personal. You have to wonder if it was destiny that brought her to this single and helped make her an even bigger star. She manages to tear your heart out with some heartfelt lyrics. While it might have been written by one of the best artists ever, the vocalist makes this version her own.
#5: Valerie
Original: The Zutons (2006), Cover: Mark Ronson feat. Amy Winehouse (2007)
You may or may not remember The Zutons and their song Valerie. Producer Mark Ronson then made it more famous as a cover, but he needed a talented singer to bring it to life. Amy Winehouse just so happened to be the perfect choice. The collaborators brought a throwback sound to this single. Ronson supplies Winehouse with some awesome instrumentation to back her up. The second she starts singing, the vocalist and her personality shine through and make you happier. You can imagine this rendition being a hit in multiple eras with its timeless production values.
#4: Hurt
Original: Nine Inch Nails (1995), Cover: Johnny Cash (2003)
Die-hard Nine Inch Nail fans might think otherwise, but Johnny Cash completely owns this cover of Hurt. Its a fantastic and devastating trip down memory lane for the country star. Trent Reznors lyrics sound completely natural coming from Cash. He knows how to interpret the alternative rock song into something much different and stripped down. With a guitar and piano, the production feels sparse and especially intense. The performer gives his all in one of his final recordings before his death in 2003. Along with the moving music video, the newer rendition became its own work of art.
#3: Respect
Original: Otis Redding (1965), Cover: Aretha Franklin (1967)
Otis Redding is one of the great voices in R&B history. He first recorded Respect in the early 1960s, but then Aretha Franklin covered it. The classic song became something of a signature for the latter singer. While the two are both legends, the second version stands as a truly generational record. Franklins cover has the kind of energy that you cant replicate. You could argue that she changed the meaning of the words when she did it, with the artist making it a rally cry for women everywhere. If anyone could redefine a song, it was certainly one of the best voices of her era.
#2: All Along the Watchtower
Original: Bob Dylan (1968), Cover: The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1968)
Its one of many classics written by Bob Dylan. The legendary songwriter is well known for his compositions, but many artists have covered him to even greater success. You could argue that this song needed someone like Jimi Hendrix to revolutionize it. From a purely technical standpoint, the Hendrix version is much more exciting and powerful. The opening percussion and the electric guitar solo add up to an amazing production. Its the kind of track that you want to turn up, with the booming instruments ringing in your ears. Dylan knows how to write and his counterpart knows how to kick it up a notch.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Proud Mary, Original: Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969), Cover: Ike & Tina Turner (1971)
The Turners Make This into a High-Flying Funk & Rock Experience
How I Could Just Kill a Man, Original: Cypress Hill (1991), Cover: Rage Against the Machine (2001)
In a Fully-Loaded Cover, Rage Turns the Song into an Explosive Production
Its My Life, Original: Talk Talk (1984), Cover: No Doubt (2003)
Gwen & the Band Revamp an 80s Classic to a 2000s Audience
Torn, Original: Lis Sørensen (1993), Cover: Natalie Imbruglia (1997)
Imbruglias Heartbreaking Cover Helps Us Navigate Our Emotions
Crazy, Original: Willie Nelson (1962), Cover: Patsy Cline (1961)
Clines Version Is Something of a Groundbreaking Take on Country
#1: I Will Always Love You
Original: Dolly Parton (1974), Cover: Whitney Houston (1992)
Even with Dolly Partons essential contributions, its hard to imagine I Will Always Love You without Whitney Houston. Houston covered the song for The Bodyguard soundtrack. Her voice reaches staggering heights as she builds to the chorus, delivering a powerhouse performance. Each note and lyric is elevated with the performers pristine vocals. Theres also the iconic notes that she unleashes in a last chorus. Few people can stretch their voice or make you feel the raw emotion of a song every time you hear it. This particular artist is in that category, with this being one of her defining works. Its so famous that you could argue some people dont even know Parton wrote it.
Did we forget another cover that blew the original out of the way? Let us know in the comments below.
