Top 10 Greatest Pop Song Covers by Rock Bands

Dee Gees

For this 2021 side project featuring all the same members of the Foo Fighters, the rock band takes a disco detour. Covering the 1976 Bee Gees hit “You Should Be Dancing,” Dave Grohl and his bandmates deliver a faithful rendition which also forces the singer to bust out some of his highest notes ever. Giving audiences a funky groove, the group channels their heavier tones into a more delicate arrangement. It works both for audiences that love the original and want something a little different. If you’re looking for a good time, you could do a lot worse than this unexpected cover.

Placebo

Revisiting the Kate Bush song, Placebo gives the track a meditative quality, allowing singer Brian Molko to handle the evocative lyrics with conviction. The slower and methodical production of this 2003 version remixes the original sound and includes a haunting piano line. With a spooky tone, the band charts a course for an inventive work that makes you think. Fans of the 1985 hit might even be taken aback at the new direction. It takes some amount of courage to tackle Bush’s singular work, but Placebo’s gamble pays off. Mixing an otherworldly experience with fantastic music, the British group brings this brilliant songwriting to a new audience.

The Ataris

If you’ve ever listened to classic radio, you likely know this 1984 Don Henley hit. It’s a song that seems to perfectly capture the 1980s. The Ataris’ cover manages to update that sound for the 2000s. Charging it with a pop punk sound, this version has a propulsive energy throughout, but it still carries a tinge of sadness and a burst of nostalgia. Henley’s lyrics surprisingly work well coming out of much younger performers. While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, this remake treads new ground and salutes the original artist. The cross-genre potential of this composition attests to its multi-generational power.

Weezer

In 2019, these alternative rockers chose to take a time machine to the 1980s and beyond. They put out the “Teal Album” which includes covers of everything from A-ha to Toto. For their take on the hit “Africa,” which they had initially recorded a year before, Weezer did their best to capture the original hit’s unique hook. They also bring enough vintage sounds and instruments to make this a loving tribute. The newer version might even make you appreciate the original even more, bringing a certain amount of the same musical magic. We’re certainly glad that the guys tried something different for this entertaining tune.

Naked Eyes

Sometimes a song can be completely reborn in a new genre. Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, this classic had been sung by many singers before Naked Eyes took the hit and reworked it into a new wave single. This 1982 track includes some bouncy instrumentation and rhythms, with a driving force that makes you tap your feet. There’s also a lively vocal by Pete Byrne that encourages listeners to sing along. “Always Something There to Remind Me” creates an atmosphere that’s totally 1980s, giving you all the synths your heart desires. Bacharach and David’s musical vision remains intact while the band celebrates the sounds of their era.

Urge Overkill

With an alternative twist, Urge Overkill overhauls Neil Diamond’s 1967 hit. “Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon” easily becomes a heavier tune thanks to these rockers. The singer’s husky voice is a far cry from Neil Diamond, but it also gives the song a much moodier and edgier effect. You might also remember hearing this song in “Pulp Fiction.” When placed in the iconic movie, this cover takes on an even bigger place in pop culture. The music itself also captures your imagination with its hypnotic rhythms. Using a great guitar riff, this 1992 rendition comes alive in a cool production.

Sonic Youth

Written in the late 1960s by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell, “Superstar” is best remembered as a song covered by the Carpenters. Sonic Youth then made a daring move by churning out this amazing rendition in 1994. Singer Thurston Moore gives an unorthodox and emotional vocal, challenging listeners that are used to Karen Carpenter’s pristine voice. Moore leads this unconventional performance that’s both somber and introspective. The band completely diverts from their roots in noise rock, putting themselves out there in an experimental cover. It also has a laid back sound that redefines the pop focus of earlier versions.

Muse

Many people associate this song with Nina Simone, but the track receives another welcome cover by Muse, which infuses this show tune with a rock sensibility. With a confident style, they turn an already big musical number into an even more bombastic one. Matt Bellamy shows off his impressive range, using his high notes and control to create a perfectly modulated and exciting performance. This includes building to huge moments like a dynamic chorus, but also giving fans of earlier versions something to enjoy. The group doesn’t waste any time showing that they can wow listeners in alternative ways.

Alien Ant Farm

It’s hard to listen to any Michael Jackson song without hearing the artist’s voice. Alien Ant Farm defies the odds and creates something that stands up on its own. In a surprising turn of events, this band scored a hit out of “Smooth Criminal.” They did so by transforming a pop production into a guitar heavy arrangement. With a focus on the main riff, the group excels at bringing out the loudest cover they can muster. The result is an engaging mix of Jackson’s work and the Farm’s bold style. In a fun performance from start to finish, this version sweeps you up into a musical vortex.

Disturbed

You couldn’t ask for a stranger transition from one version to another than this 2015 release. The heavy metal group Disturbed updates “The Sound of Silence” with a beautiful arrangement. Carefully utilizing the immaculate voice of singer David Draiman, they do justice to an extraordinary piece of 1960s music. It’s also a spectacular way to honor the amazing songwriting of Paul Simon while still showcasing the diverse talents of the metalheads. Some people might write off the idea of this collaboration before hearing it, but it doesn’t take long for the song to captivate potential critics. And the gorgeous piano adds just the right color to a staggering performance.

Did we forget another rocking cover of a pop song? Let us know in the comments below.