Greatest Cover Songs Ever
I love cover songs. Only the good ones of course. I like when a band takes a song and does their best to pay tribute to the original, but at the same time tries to erase all memory of the original. There are countless cover songs that make me rather ill, which is another post for a another time, but when it works, its a magic musical moment. Here are some handpicked examples of covers that worked:
All Along the Watchtower – Jimi Hendrix (original: Bob Dylan)
One of Hendirx’s most memorable is in fact, a cover. However, as good as Dylan’s folk tale was, Hendrix took it, amped it, and turned it into a staple in the diet of rock.
Smooth Criminal – Alien Ant Farm (Original: Michael Jackson)
MJ’s version was great, but Alien Ant Farm made a name for themselves with a rocking, satirical cover. Jackson is a bit of an easy target these days, but while AAF did indeed take the piss, they didn't take all of it. They left just a little in respect of the king of poip.
Can’t Take my eyes off you – Muse (Original: Andy Williams)
Andy Williams’ song received a hot injection of steaming electric guitar when Muse took it up. Highly recommended for weddings.
Last Kiss – Pearl Jam (Original: J Frank Wilson & the Cavaliers)
Few realise that Pearl Jam’s 1999 hit was in fact a cover. But that is what makes it such a great cover, they took a dormant song, and breathed new life into it (ironic because it’s about death), making it their own.
Astronomy – Metallica (Original: Blue Oyster Cult)
One of many great covers from Garage Inc, this relatively unknown song happens to be incredibly awesome. Metallicised, Astronomy becomes Led Zeppelin-esque in it’s epic sound and deep, meaningful (read: nonsensical) lyrics.
The Man Who Sold the World – Nirvana (Original: David Bowie)
Kurt Cobain was made to perform this song. Bowie’s original was nothing overly special, but with Cobain’s detached drawl, and the echoed buzzing guitar, this song becomes classic.
Heard It Through the Grapevine – Credence Clearwater Revival (Original: Gladys Knight & the Pips)
CCR introduced a gruff, raw rock feel to this already classic song, and it came out sounding awesome. It’s hard to pick which version is better, but the song seems to be better suited to the CCR treatment.
Mr Tambourine Man – The Byrds (Original: Bob Dylan)
Bob Dylan is covered again, by the Byrds again. The Byrds slowed Tambourine Man down a bit, and gave it some harmony and turned the song into a dreamy, lullabye-ish hit.
Black Betty – Spiderbait (Original: Huddie Ledbetter)
Whilst this song has perhaps the most insightful, poignant and beautiful lyrics ever heard (“Whoa black betty, bam ba lam, yeah black betty, bam ba lam, black betty had a child bam ba lam, damn thing gone wild, bam ba lam.”), its actually Spiderbait’s intensely rocking combination of thumping drums and chunky riffs, and an ear-splittingly sweet instrumental section that make this cover so good. What’s more they cleverly replaced racism with car enthusiasm.
Total Eclipse of the Heart – The Dan Band (Original: Bonnie Tyler)
Made famous by the movie Old School, this version is recognised by the liberal application of profanity. Both Bonnie Tyler and The Dan Band’s versions are funny, except, while Tyler’s was funny because it was from the 80’s, The Dan Band’s was funny because it changed karaoke forever.
Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley (Original: Leonard Cohen)
This song is guaranteed to coerce tears from eyes when played over any scene in a film or on TV. Play it over a scene featuring a man reading a newspaper, and audiences will be wailing uncontrollably. Hallelujah has been covered many, many times, but Buckley’s beautiful delivery makes his version the benchmark.
99 Red Balloons – Goldfinger (Original: Nena)
Off the Eurotrip soundtrack, the 1980’s German trashy-pop hit became a 2000’s American trashy-punk hit with the touch of Goldfinger. Pure gold.
Toxic – Local H (Original: Britney Spears)
I never really minded this song when Britney first released it. The strings on it are cool sounding, and her sexy self seals the deal. But when I unwittingly came across this song, oblivious it was a cover, I knew I had heard it elsewhere. Once it dawned upon me, I loved this kick-arse song even more.
Can anyone think of any other covers that are exceptional, memorable or make a bad song good?
One of Hendirx’s most memorable is in fact, a cover. However, as good as Dylan’s folk tale was, Hendrix took it, amped it, and turned it into a staple in the diet of rock.
Smooth Criminal – Alien Ant Farm (Original: Michael Jackson)
MJ’s version was great, but Alien Ant Farm made a name for themselves with a rocking, satirical cover. Jackson is a bit of an easy target these days, but while AAF did indeed take the piss, they didn't take all of it. They left just a little in respect of the king of poip.
Can’t Take my eyes off you – Muse (Original: Andy Williams)
Andy Williams’ song received a hot injection of steaming electric guitar when Muse took it up. Highly recommended for weddings.
Few realise that Pearl Jam’s 1999 hit was in fact a cover. But that is what makes it such a great cover, they took a dormant song, and breathed new life into it (ironic because it’s about death), making it their own.
Astronomy – Metallica (Original: Blue Oyster Cult)
One of many great covers from Garage Inc, this relatively unknown song happens to be incredibly awesome. Metallicised, Astronomy becomes Led Zeppelin-esque in it’s epic sound and deep, meaningful (read: nonsensical) lyrics.
The Man Who Sold the World – Nirvana (Original: David Bowie)
Kurt Cobain was made to perform this song. Bowie’s original was nothing overly special, but with Cobain’s detached drawl, and the echoed buzzing guitar, this song becomes classic.
Heard It Through the Grapevine – Credence Clearwater Revival (Original: Gladys Knight & the Pips)
CCR introduced a gruff, raw rock feel to this already classic song, and it came out sounding awesome. It’s hard to pick which version is better, but the song seems to be better suited to the CCR treatment.
Mr Tambourine Man – The Byrds (Original: Bob Dylan)
Bob Dylan is covered again, by the Byrds again. The Byrds slowed Tambourine Man down a bit, and gave it some harmony and turned the song into a dreamy, lullabye-ish hit.
Black Betty – Spiderbait (Original: Huddie Ledbetter)
Whilst this song has perhaps the most insightful, poignant and beautiful lyrics ever heard (“Whoa black betty, bam ba lam, yeah black betty, bam ba lam, black betty had a child bam ba lam, damn thing gone wild, bam ba lam.”), its actually Spiderbait’s intensely rocking combination of thumping drums and chunky riffs, and an ear-splittingly sweet instrumental section that make this cover so good. What’s more they cleverly replaced racism with car enthusiasm.
Total Eclipse of the Heart – The Dan Band (Original: Bonnie Tyler)
Made famous by the movie Old School, this version is recognised by the liberal application of profanity. Both Bonnie Tyler and The Dan Band’s versions are funny, except, while Tyler’s was funny because it was from the 80’s, The Dan Band’s was funny because it changed karaoke forever.
Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley (Original: Leonard Cohen)
This song is guaranteed to coerce tears from eyes when played over any scene in a film or on TV. Play it over a scene featuring a man reading a newspaper, and audiences will be wailing uncontrollably. Hallelujah has been covered many, many times, but Buckley’s beautiful delivery makes his version the benchmark.
99 Red Balloons – Goldfinger (Original: Nena)
Off the Eurotrip soundtrack, the 1980’s German trashy-pop hit became a 2000’s American trashy-punk hit with the touch of Goldfinger. Pure gold.
Toxic – Local H (Original: Britney Spears)
I never really minded this song when Britney first released it. The strings on it are cool sounding, and her sexy self seals the deal. But when I unwittingly came across this song, oblivious it was a cover, I knew I had heard it elsewhere. Once it dawned upon me, I loved this kick-arse song even more.
Can anyone think of any other covers that are exceptional, memorable or make a bad song good?
The White Stripes-Jolene: Only Jack White could get away with singing lyrics like "I'm begging of you please don't take my man".