For as long as people have been making and recording music, people have been covering and reinterpreting music. While many covers are forgettable and easily dismissed, there are those that are so successful that they eclipse the source material. The below list is comprised of some of those exceptional covers that by various means and ways outshine their predecessors.
Photo Courtesy: Last.fm
Long before “Twist and Shout” appeared in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, before it was made famous by The Beatles in 1963, it was recorded by a band called The Top Notes. The Beatles took “Twist and Shout” and made it work. The Top Notes may have had good intentions, but their version comes off rather lifeless, while the fab four offered up a vivacious dance tune, that has yet to lose its’ luster.
The Beatles (Cover)
The Top Notes (Original)
Photo Courtesy: The Sydney Morning Herald
Many people associate this ballad with Sinead O’ Connor, and only Sinead O’ Connor. "Nothing Compares 2 U," O’ Connor’s 1990 breakout hit, was actually penned in 1985 by Prince, and recorded by a band called “The Family” on their one and only self-titled album. That version of the song was never released as a single, and did not make any waves to speak of. Fortunately, O’ Connor came along, and through her success introduced the world at large to this great piece. Prince has since taken to performing the tune himself—he did so live on Ellen in 2004—but his post Sinead take on the tune ends up coming off like a bad, jazz lounge version. Put quite simply, Sinead O’Connor made this one her own.
Photo Courtesy: kamakawiwo.net
Israel may not necessarily possess Judy Garland’s vocal prowess, nor the starring role in the film the song was written for, but his version of “Over The Rainbow” has the advantage of being festive and uplifting, whereas Garland’s beautiful original has some hints of melancholy that simply are not to be found in Israel’s version. The other great asset of the 1993 tune is the fact that is boasts the presence of another beautiful track, “What A Wonderful World.” The ukulele medley has become extremely popular in recent years, making several appearances on the Billboard charts, and being featured in numerous commercials, television shows and films including 50 First Dates and ER. This double cover, like the double rainbow, is worth getting excited about.
Photo Courtesy: HistoryKing.com
If ever there was a single song demonstrative of the phenomenon of covers that no one knows are covers, it just might be this one. When Bruce Springsteen recorded and released “Blinded By The Light” on his 1973 debut album, it did not really go anywhere. When Manfred Mann’s Earth Band recorded the song in 1977 it became a sensation; they even played it on “Burt Sugarmann’s Midnight Special.” The Manfred Mann take on the song still receives fairly healthy radio play on certain stations, and was a #1 hit in its’ own right.
Manfred Mann (Cover)
Bruce Springsteen (Original)
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From: faceman
Posted: 02-25-2012 07:34 am
Comment:
a few more. Hurt by Johnny cash. Backdoor Man by the Doors.Black Magic Woman by Santana.Blue Suede Shoes by Elvis. Born under a bad sign by cream,although I love Albert Kings version as well.Cum on feel the noize by Quiet Riot. Heard it through the grapevine by Marvin Gay.Hush by Deep Purple and you really got me by Van Halen
From: faceman
Posted: 02-25-2012 07:15 am
Comment:
Motley Crue Smoking in the boys room. Original was Brownsville Station.
Joe Cockers version of I get by.
Metallica's version of Stone Cold Crazy.
Crossroads by Cream
Hound Dog by Elvis Presley
All along the Watchtower by Hendrix
Many early songs by Led Zepplin,specifically their first album.
I have to disagree with Limp Bizkit. Imo, they butchered the originals.
From: RunningFromSatan
Posted: 11-01-2011 01:09 pm
Comment:
One I just discovered the other day: remember the Weezer's bassist's side project The Rentals - they did a song called "Friends of P." I introduced it to a friend of mine and he looked it up, but his phone started playing the version by Tokyo Police Club instead....it just starts out with drums and vocals and I'm like...oh no...but then it kicked into the actual song, which was better! It's a little more modernized to current tastes as is to be expected, I certainly enjoyed it since I like the catchiness of the original, but the new wave synths are harsh at times and Tokyo Police Club's version was a little tamer. I enjoy his voice, too. Good stuff!
From: bobbywhy
Posted: 09-24-2011 02:57 am
Comment:
I think my country cover of Supertramp's "Goodbye Stranger" sounds better than the original. It was produced by Marty Rifkin, studio legend. Check it out on Amazon, Itunes, etc....Bobbywhy
From: Bubba
Posted: 07-20-2011 09:09 pm
Comment:
I thought you should have also added the Limp Bizkit, Behind Blue Eyes cover. The track at the end of Gothika was awesome, and when I went back and listened to the Who, it was clear that the cover was better.
From: George
Posted: 06-30-2011 07:24 am
Comment:
I agree with that
Zygors guide review
From: foreverinchains
Posted: 06-18-2011 09:10 pm
Comment:
"Lady Marmalade" - Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya & Pink
"Sweet Dreams" - Marilyn Manson
I do not respect your opinions.
From: DogMaster113
Posted: 05-26-2011 11:12 am
Comment:
Twist and Shout...Isley Brothers did the best cover.
Sweet Dreams.... the original was better
Crazy...I have no idea how you think this cover is better. It's agood acoustic cover, but that's about it.
Superstar...There are two covers overlooked by you guys. Luther Vandross' and Ruben Studdard's.
Just opinions, obviously, but a lot of the others were on point.
From: sh0rtgeek
Posted: 05-26-2011 06:06 am
Comment:
All along the watch tower as performed by Jimi Hendrix
From: dutchbob1
Posted: 05-05-2011 02:43 pm
Comment:
please include:
'I'm Not In Love' by Tori Amos
(originally by 10CC)
From: Ebunny
Posted: 03-25-2011 06:52 am
Comment:
How about Limp Bizkit's version of George Michael's FAITH.loive this one.
From: Laura
Posted: 03-23-2011 10:55 am
Comment:
I love Madaleine Peyroux's cover of Between the Bars. So amazing!
From: deadicated
Posted: 03-22-2011 07:56 am
Comment:
i actually think this dude chose a lot of really amazing covers. the johnny cash cover of "hurt" is probably the best cover in the entire world. as a matter of fact trent reznor heard that cover of his song and contacted johnny cash to let him know that he owned it. he basically gave it up to cash saying his cover was better than the original. tool covers "no quarter" by led zep which is a really good one to check out. maynard is god.
From: Kevc1984
Posted: 03-17-2011 05:22 pm
Comment:
the best cover ever. Easy - Faith No More
From: Kevc1984
Posted: 03-17-2011 05:22 pm
Comment:
the best cover ever. Easy - Faith No More
From: B4697517
Posted: 03-15-2011 05:49 pm
Comment:
"Turn the Page," Metallica.
From: Tiggerous
Posted: 03-10-2011 05:09 pm
Comment:
I think the link of Sonic Youth "Superstar" is the same as the Carpenter~
From: MFboods
Posted: 03-10-2011 12:13 am
Comment:
reel big fish - "hotel california" not better, but just as good as the original.
between the buried and me - "three of a perfect pair"
From: volkenstein
Posted: 03-09-2011 11:28 pm
Comment:
I haven't heard the Britney Spears cover, but as for the others you are wrong on pretty much every one.
From: redfan13
Posted: 03-08-2011 07:38 am
Comment:
My favorite covers - Bad Company performed by Five Finger Death Punch, and Holy Diver performed by Killswitch Engage
From: ledinitout
Posted: 03-07-2011 03:13 am
Comment:
What about zeppelin here? Bring it on home? you shook me? babe im gonna leave you? what about aretha franklins respect? And honestly how could manfred manns earth band come before springsteen? They became famous because they switched the original lyrics to something provacative and then became a one hit wonder band because of it. Also, hey joe by hendrix, and somebody to love, jefferson airplane
From: Zero0912
Posted: 03-06-2011 09:42 pm
Comment:
You also forgot "Take on Me" as performed by Reel Big fish. That song is arguably the greatest ska cover song ever.
From: TheSmirkster
Posted: 03-04-2011 11:08 pm
Comment:
One song to add here. "Eight Days a Week" as performed by The Dandy Warhols. Nothing but an acoustic guitar and vocals, makes the song a thousand times more beautiful than it was originally.
From: awkward_turtle
Posted: 03-03-2011 09:17 pm
Comment:
Yeah, I agree with "All Along the Watch Tower" and "Mad World" by Gary Jules is really bad ass, also another one is 311's cover of "Love Song", originally recorded by The Cure. I think Nick Hexum vocals are a lot better and also like the reggae-esque sound they apply in this song.
From: mistagogious
Posted: 03-03-2011 06:42 pm
Comment:
"Hey Jude" by Wilson Pickett with Duane Allman on guitar is amazing. Also almost any Joe Cocker song. And how the hell do you not have "All Along the Watch Tower" on here.
From: Mogulkhan
Posted: 03-02-2011 02:41 pm
Comment:
You forgot the Siouxsie and the Banshees covers of Dear Prudence and Helter Skelter both superor to the beatles versions
From: oldmusicman
Posted: 03-02-2011 12:20 pm
Comment:
Nice, but you missed on one. I think the Carpenters version is superior, if for nothing else than Karen's incredible voice. But the musical arrangement is one of my favorites.
Also, I think you might have omitted one. Phil Collins version of Tomorrow Never Knows is incredible. As great as the Beatles version is, with the technology that Collins had available, the Beatles could not compete.
http://www.whosampled.com/cover/view/57221/Phil%20Collins-Tomorrow%20Never%20Knows_The%20Beatles-Tomorrow%20Never%20Knows/
From: Ashika
Posted: 03-02-2011 08:44 am
Comment:
You missed one. I would submit Gary Jules's version of the Tears for Fears song: "Mad World." The Tears for Fears version is a cute pop song while the Gary Jules version is hauntingly beautiful and contemplative.
