Top 10 Cover Songs That Outshine The Original
Published on November 16, 2008 - 328 Comments
Cover songs play a vital role in the music industry. Many bands have been launched on the back of a great cover - going on to perform and record original music. There have also been a number of artists who are already great in their own right who have a hit with a cover song. This list deals with the latter category. If you know of other excellent covers that are better than the original, be sure to mention it in the comments.
Original: Bob Marley
One of many covers that The Clash and Strummer did over the years, and also The Clash is also a highly covered band. It was not uncommon in the late 70s and early 80s for English and American bands to cover reggae songs and ‘bring them to the masses’ .
Original: Tears for Fears
From the Donnie Darko soundtrack, this cover of the Tears for Fears track is an infinitely better version of the song, and also a perfect piece of music for the dark themes explored in the movie.
Original: John Kongos
Classic Ryder take on great rambling dance hall shuffle from South Africa. While the lyric ‘Oh he lied, oooh he’s twistin’ my melon man’ sounded perfectly logical coming from Shaun Ryders Ecstasy fuelled mind, it wasn’t his line.
Original: Brenda Lee
Neil Tennant always had an ear for the sublime hook. And with this cover of Brenda Lee’s 1972 song, that was also covered by Elvis Presley (1972) Wilie Nelson (1982), the Petshop Boys took the song to a UK Number One.
Original: Public Enemy
An agitated mesh of distorted trip hop layered electronica, growls and most the introduction to the world of the stunning Martina Topley-Bird on lead vocals. Tricky credited Public Enemy with being a massive influence on him, but along with Massive Attack and Portishead, Tricky was massively influential in creating the Bristol Sound, or Trip Hop.
Original: The Four Lads
A strange piece this one, but every time I hear it, I can’t help but start nodding and tapping my feet. From the hugely underrated album Flood this song by the two Johns was one of their break through hits, alongside Particle Man and Birdhouse in your Soul.
Original: Trent Reznor
Reznor was famously was quoted as saying ‘that song isn’t mine anymore’ and earned Cash a Country Music Award for Single of the Year. The music video for the Cash version features footage from his life.
Original: Alphaville
Broke this Sydney band on the world stage when their cover of the German trio Alphavilles 80s hit Forever Young was played on an American soap opera The OC.
Original: David Bowie
Was played endlessly by MTV following the news of Kurt Cobain’s passing. This cover of the Bowie song from the 1994 Nirvana album Unplugged in New York showed that there was a lot more to Cobain than the howling grunge sound that Nirvana among others had pioneered.
Original: Prince
Sinead O’Connor had a world wide number one hit in 1990 with this cover of the Prince track originally performed by The Family in 1985. O’Connor’s version is the definitive version, and after the song became a number hit in the US, Australia, Germany and the UK, Prince even began to perform the song at his live shows.
Original: Leonard Cohen
Was always going to make this list, for its break through that it gave Jeff Buckley. Although Cohen’s version is actually more moving, the Buckley cover reached a newer generation that had not heard of Cohen.
Contributor: Spart
Related ListsTop 10 Most Original Cover BandsTop 10 Strangest Rock and Roll Covers Top 10 Best Disney Songs Top 10 Most Depressing Rock Songs |
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1. Elizabeth - November 17th, 2008 at 1:26 am
I pretty much agree with all of them. All of them are really great songs
2. thunderchicken - November 17th, 2008 at 1:31 am
As far as Hallelujah goes, I think that Rufus Wainwright does a noteworthy job
3. jfrater - November 17th, 2008 at 1:39 am
Item 1 is one of my favorite songs - definitely worthy of its place here
4. Jman - November 17th, 2008 at 1:51 am
This is a good list, but I must ask what about Jimi Hendrix’s cover of “All Along the Watch Tower”?
5. fauxhaux - November 17th, 2008 at 1:59 am
i personally think that the buckley version is better, but i guess i must be that “new generation”. even though bob dyaln penned all along the watch tower, it’s not a good song. and i adore bobby d.
elliott smith’s thirteen would be my recommendation for this list.
6. Jono - November 17th, 2008 at 2:11 am
Funky Town by Lipps Inc better be on there.
7. Jono - November 17th, 2008 at 2:20 am
Oh, it’s not.
(cries to sleep)
8. Arnaud - November 17th, 2008 at 2:24 am
With a Little Help from my Friends, by Joe Cocker !!!
Come on !!!
9. cheesedrummer - November 17th, 2008 at 2:45 am
actually, i think the nin version of ‘Hurt’ was much better.
just my opinion though.
10. Iain - November 17th, 2008 at 2:52 am
The John Cale (ex-Velvet Underground) version of ‘Hallelujah’ is, in my opinion, better than Buckley’s.
11. Anon - November 17th, 2008 at 2:53 am
how about Josh groban’s cover of You Raise Me up? he clearly outshines Secret Garden… i can bet no one would expect them as the original singers….
12. Iain - November 17th, 2008 at 3:00 am
Here’a a few for further consideration by interested parties.
‘Into the Groove(y)’ - Ciccone Youth (aka Sonic Youth)
‘I Fought the Law’ - The Clash
‘Eight Miles High’ - Husker Du
‘Love is all Around’ (Mary Tyler Moore show theme) - Husker Du
13. jljorna - November 17th, 2008 at 3:06 am
I actually really love Bowie’s version.
14. kiwiboi - November 17th, 2008 at 3:07 am
Interesting list!
Some of my own thoughts :
The Clash - I Fought The Law (orig. The Crickets)
The Sundays - Wild Horses (orig. Rolling Stones)
Aretha Franklin - Respect (orig. Otis Redding)
Flying Lizards - Money (orig. Beatles)
Rita Coolidge - We’re All Alone (orig. Boz Scaggs)
and, maybe the Shinehead version of Billie Jean (M Jackson); but the original is, in itself, probably untouchable.
Geez, I could probably think of a hundred…
15. Iain - November 17th, 2008 at 3:26 am
For some ‘interesting’ covers, check out Laibach (from Slovenia). They specialise in doing OTT wagnerian metal versions of songs like ‘The Final Countdown’, ‘Live is Life’ by Opus and Queens ‘One Vision’ - (titled ‘Geburt einer Nation’) - that point out the more ‘totalitarian’ aspects of these songs - “One race, one hope, one true decision.”
16. McSquida - November 17th, 2008 at 3:26 am
I love both versions of Hallelujah - two of the best interpretations of the same song.
Mad World is also fantastic; really sets the scene for that movie, and it’s a great song in its own right.
And as for good covers, nothing can top Ben Folds’ cover of “Bitches ain’t Shit”. It’s unique to hear a rap song of this type sung by a guy who usually sings ballads!
17. jfrater - November 17th, 2008 at 3:30 am
I foresee controversy over this list
18. Iggy - November 17th, 2008 at 3:32 am
Damn, I was hoping to see “Turn the Page”, the version from Metallica on this list. That won an award I believe. Bob Seger was great but the saxaphone part replaced by Kirk Hammet’s screaming guitar riff makes its mark upon the song legacy.
19. TDavis - November 17th, 2008 at 3:47 am
Tiny Toons at #5!
Yay!!!!
20. BlackRainbow - November 17th, 2008 at 3:51 am
#10 definitely is a mistake
Bob Marley version is much better
21. TMX - November 17th, 2008 at 3:59 am
Considering this was presented as a list of cover songs that “far outshine the original” then Hurt being on there is highly debateable - granted I fully expected it to be number one in this list. Yes, Cash’s cover is excellent as he makes the song his own, but I can’t say that it is far and away better than the original. I don’t take issue with anyone saying the Cash version is better as that is where taste comes into play; but far outshining the original? I don’t think so, even with Trent Reznor’s humbleness aside. I guess I see the argument for including it, but it really should be number 10 given how split opinions are on the matter.
I’d suggest that the following songs would also make the cut
-Jose Gonzalez’s cover of The Knife’s “Heartbeats”
-Matt Weddle’s (Obidiah Parker) Outkast’s “Hey Ya!”
-Turisas’ cover of Boney M.’s “Rasputin” (Yes, a folk metal band covering a disco song - check out the videos to both on YouTube)
-Metallica’s cover of Thin Lizzy’s “Whiskey in the Jar” (Maybe by virtue of the fact that it really is one of Thin Lizzy’s more mediocre songs turned into one of the better songs of the post-thrash era Metallica song)
-George Thorogood & The Destroyer’s cover of John Lee Hooker’s “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” (And I’m a huge Hooker Fan… errr, that doesn’t sound right…”
I know there may be a lot of disagreement on the last two, but hey, that’s the nature of these things.
22. warrrreagl - November 17th, 2008 at 4:05 am
spart, this is a helluva list. Good job! I second kiwiboi’s suggestion to consider Aretha’s “Respect,” but that’s only because I’m an old fart. However, I totally agree with the selection Sinead O’Connor at the top. I once saw a music critic say that Prince wrote the shit out of that song, and Sinead sang the shit out of it.
23. Doodlebug - November 17th, 2008 at 4:09 am
NOOOOOOO!
The NIN version of ‘Hurt’ will always be the better version!
Ok, maybe I am just a die-hard NIN fan, but still :p I was absolutely struck dumb when I first heard the Cash version; I always enjoy cover versions merely as a means to explore previously unsung interpretations of material. (Some songs however are sacred and should really be left alone - I’m looking at you Madonna you skanky old string bean!)
24. luna1580 - November 17th, 2008 at 4:13 am
@5 fauxhaux,
can you tell me where to find the elliott smith version of 13? both that and the garbage version (which is WONDERFUL) where included on a series of mixtapes from a friend started about 10 years go, so lovely, sigh.
i actually still have a cassette player, just to hear these tapes! but we all know that medium degraded badly over time. all my other music is now cd/mp3/digital etc. the problem is the tape-making friend and i both had/have random collections and it’s often hard to find some of the tracks in any form of stand-alone digital (you know, missing 1 b-side out of many and don’t want to re-buy something for one track when you have the other 10+…..)
regardless, another excellent list
25. Spart - November 17th, 2008 at 4:20 am
I agree with the call on The Clash cover of I fought the law - it was a toss up between that and Redemption Song. I liked the Strummer version of Redemption Song, simply because it was so pared back, and I thought Joe just nailed the intent of the song.
To others who suggest some of the more Metal covers - not to my taste, so sorry - didn’t get a gurnsey.
26. luna1580 - November 17th, 2008 at 4:22 am
the original versions of “hurt” and “man who sold the world” and the covers are all at least equally wonderful (as someone who cherishes them all, for different reasons.)
but the jeff buckley live @ sin-e version of hallelujah is one of the best pieces of western music ever recorded!
(and i say that as some one who really enjoys leonard cohen.)
27. Iain - November 17th, 2008 at 4:23 am
BlackRainbow - definitely agree with you about Redemption Song (and I’m a huge Clash fan)
TMX - definitely don’t agree with you about ‘Whiskey in the Jar’, although I do like the Metallica version
28. Blackstar - November 17th, 2008 at 4:23 am
Bob marley version was way better that’s the only one i disagree with.
29. Englandexpects - November 17th, 2008 at 4:28 am
i think muse can’t take my eyes off of you and feeling good should be on this list
30. cheesedrummer - November 17th, 2008 at 4:35 am
oh.. for any jazz lovers.
what about freedom jazz dance by miles davis?
or elvis’ hound dog…
31. Tim - November 17th, 2008 at 4:39 am
“What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace Love and Understanding”, by Elvis Costello (orig. Brinsley Schwarz)
Dittos on Husker Du’s “Eight Miles High” and the Clash’s “I FOught the Law”
32. Iain - November 17th, 2008 at 5:02 am
I suppose the phrase ‘far outshines the original’ might be controversial. Perhaps a more nuanced approach would have been to suggest songs where the covers are more famous/popular than the originals - which works for some but not all of the songs on the list. But hey - it’s all good fun!
P.S - with that in mind here’s a few more
Tainted Love - Soft Cell (Gloria Jones)- NOT Marilyn Manson
Terry Jacks - Seasons in the Sun (Jaques Brel)
and how about Lulu’s version of ‘The Man Who Sold the World’
33. ZAxel - November 17th, 2008 at 5:10 am
I completely agree with 2, 4, 5, and 9. I haven’t heard the others.
34. PirateXxEsque - November 17th, 2008 at 5:18 am
Powderfinger did a really (quote) “fucking brilliant (unquote) version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps.
35. Trigintor - November 17th, 2008 at 5:22 am
And nobody didn’t even mention probably the best cover of all times- “All along the watchtower” by Jimi Hendrix!!
36. sarahenity - November 17th, 2008 at 5:28 am
Incubus - No Scrubs. Even though it’s only short it’s awesome. Incubus do a lot of fantastic covers.
And for my Aussie bands,
Karnivool - Sleeping Satellite
Birds of Tokyo - Heard it through the Grapevine
Cog - Open Up
I’ve got plenty more covers… I’ll get to them later.
37. Suskis - November 17th, 2008 at 5:33 am
listen to SEEMAN (Rammstein) covered by Apocalyptica and voiced by Nina Hagen!
also Spirit in the Sky has been covered wonderfully by both Doctor and the Medics and Bauhaus
and Rock’n'Roll Nigger (Patti Smith) has been edited to wonder by Trent Reznor
38. romerozombie - November 17th, 2008 at 5:36 am
I really don’t think Cash’s version of Hurt outshines the original. Both are incredibly powerful, one really isn’t better than the other.
39. STL Mo - November 17th, 2008 at 5:43 am
Intriguing list.
What do you all think of Tina Turner’s cover of CCR’s “Proud Mary”? Both versions are great. Which is better? (For me, depends on the mood.)
40. STL Mo - November 17th, 2008 at 5:45 am
Tommy Dorsey’s “Moonlight Serenade,” which “covers” the 2nd movement of Tchiakovsky’s 5th Symphony?
41. shaj2329 - November 17th, 2008 at 5:47 am
Number 4, Cash’s version of Hurt has to be one of my most favourite songs along side Seal’s Kiss From A Rose. I have heard the NIN original but yet cannot get Cash’s voice out of my head when I hear the song. I think it was better suited to him, his voice, his style of singing and all the experiences that he had gone through in life. It is a deeply moving, emotional and poignant song made all the more sad and memorable because it was the last video with him and his wife before they both passed on respectively. You can see all of his feelings and emotions in his eyes as he sings.
Not disputing any NIN fans but this shall forever remain one of the greatest versions of the song ever sang. Cash, truly made it his own.
R.I.P.
42. romerozombie - November 17th, 2008 at 5:50 am
40. shaj2329 - Cash did make it his own and for all the reasons you said, but sit down and listen to the whole of The Downward Spiral album by NIN, the album the song Hurt first appeared on, and you’ll see it in a new light. A darker one.
43. Kyran Wray - November 17th, 2008 at 5:50 am
yeah good list, a few of them i even thought were the originals.
44. deepthinker - November 17th, 2008 at 6:02 am
Nothing compares to you is one of my favorite songs. If you speak to me while I am listening to that song, you will surely be slapped.
45. Mining - November 17th, 2008 at 6:02 am
Where’s All Along the Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix?
46. kurt sager - November 17th, 2008 at 6:05 am
joe cocker “with a little help from my friends” by the beatles.
47. Damo - November 17th, 2008 at 6:17 am
‘All along the Watchtower’ by Jimi Hendrix was awesome, but any half-decent cover of a Bob Dylan song is better than the original. Respect to Dylan for writing the songs but his versions are, for the most part, insipid.
48. Bigwig Rabbit - November 17th, 2008 at 6:27 am
Manfred Mann’s version of Blinded By The Light (Bruce Springcheese)
49. thirtytwo - November 17th, 2008 at 6:29 am
Johnny Cash did loads of good covers.
The Mercy Seat (Nick Cave), In My Life (The Beatles), One (U2) are some of my other favourites.
50. onwisconsn - November 17th, 2008 at 6:32 am
I think Willie Nelson’s rendition of Always on my Mind ties that of the Petshop Boys
51. LordCalvert - November 17th, 2008 at 6:34 am
Pearl Jam - Crazy Mary (Victoria Williams)
52. Ravyn - November 17th, 2008 at 6:38 am
I was going to say Marilyn Manson’s cover or Sweet Dreams (Originally by The Eurythmics). But then I thought, they want covers that are way better than the original, and both versions are equally excellent in this case so I guess it doesn’t belong.
Excellent list and I will agree to almost everything you have. I do prefer NIN-Hurt over Cash-Hurt. And in my opinion Bowie and Nirvana are equally awesome with their version of Man Who Sold the World. But that is my opinion.
53. dantheman - November 17th, 2008 at 6:39 am
Unchained melody by the righteous brothers is surely better then the original and I def. Agree with the man who sold the world and I would have liked to have seen Jimi Hendrix.
54. Mortivore - November 17th, 2008 at 6:39 am
Mad World! Heck yes. I freakin love that song. It’s nine different kinds of amazing.
55. KMAC - November 17th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Great list. I’m here to second that Rufus Wainwright comment. I think his version is just as good as Buckley’s. Smashing Pumpkins do a great version of The Cars’ “You’re All I’ve Got Tonight”
56. MT - November 17th, 2008 at 6:44 am
Good list that as usual will invite a lot of comments.
I think Whitney Houston’s cover of Dolly Parton’s
“I Will always Love You” is one of the biggest omissions on this list. It was a hit for Dolly in the 70’s but the 90’s version by Whitney is one of the biggest hits of all-time.
57. DiscHuker - November 17th, 2008 at 6:45 am
i’d go with rufus wainwright’s cover of hallelujah. the emotion of his voice is moving.
58. jayjackpot - November 17th, 2008 at 6:51 am
i was almost sure that “sweet dreams” by marilyn manson would be on this list.
59. Pengi05 - November 17th, 2008 at 6:52 am
The only one on this list that I totally disagree with is number 10. You can’t redo Bob Marley….He sings this song with much emotion and the cover of this sounds like the guy is just singing the words but there is no feeling behind it. I guess the only person I am suprised to not see on the list is Marilyn Manson I mean he has covered almost every song known to man but they are always brillant (Sweet Dreams, Tainted Love, Personal Jesus, I put a spell on you) those are just the tip of the ice.
60. AbstractPlain - November 17th, 2008 at 7:00 am
Agreed with all except man who sold the world, i find nirvanas version dreary. The Cures ‘Just like Heaven’ being an incredible pop song became something else when Dinosaur Jr covered it, not only my favourite cover but possibly my favourite song ever.
61. chershey - November 17th, 2008 at 7:02 am
OMG the Gary Jules version of Mad World blows; it’s all about Tears for Fears!!
62. Freeze - November 17th, 2008 at 7:10 am
someone told me that hurt was originally from nine inch nails
63. ajaxkid - November 17th, 2008 at 7:11 am
TMBG!!!!!
Probably one of the most amusing and entertaining bands EVER!!
Happy Mondays, I did love their cover of “Step On” and I still love to hear it as it reminds me of being young, beautiful and free!
As for Gary Jules… bah! It’s sooo slow, I feel I’m going backwards! I drift off into a dream when I hear Tears for Fears do it and I “feel” it… I love it so.
Covers are not bad things, as some will argue. Songs were meant to be sung and enjoyed.
Different things for different people and “yay!” for that!
64. Jubyduk - November 17th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Higher Ground by the Red Hot Chilli Perppers (Stevie Wonder)
Blinded by the Light by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (Bruce Springsteen)
Mr Tambourine Man by the Byrds (Bob Dylan)
Ball of Confusion by Love and Rockets (The Temptations)
I’m a believer by Smash Mouth (Neil Diamond and then The Monkeys)
Big Yellow Taxi by the Counting Crows (Joni Mitchell)
I Heard it Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye (Smokey Robinson)
Tainted Love by Soft Cell (Gloria Jones)
Take me to the River by the Talking Heads (Al Green)
This could go on for dozens more. Suprisingly, I was only familiar with 3 of those on the list… I’ve included some Motown hits but it seems unfair since the label was a hit machine that would record their catalog though multiple talent hoping one or another would stick.
65. robneiderman - November 17th, 2008 at 7:26 am
I might get crucified for these, but:
Dancin’ Days, by Led Zeppelin, covered by Stone Temple Pilots,
Love Song, by the Cure, covered by (I think) 311,
Sympathy for the Devil, by the Rolling Stones, covered by Guns ‘n’ Roses.
For the record, anything by Otis Redding is better when he does it than when it’s covered.
66. Kreachure - November 17th, 2008 at 7:35 am
Very nice choices, but it can’t be helped being subjective when it comes to music tastes.
And many lists like this probably completely overlook some great covers, because they were so great and popular, you didn’t even know they were covers!!!
- “Respect” by Aretha Franklin (original by Otis Redding)
- “Twist and shout” by The Beatles (original by Isley Brothers)
- “La Bamba” by Los Lobos (original by Richie Valens)
- “Blue Suede Shoes” by Elvis Presley (original by Carl Perkins)
Now that’s outshining!I’m pretty sure these (and other songs I don’t know are covers) would get the top honors if more people knew they were covers.
67. ringtailroxy - November 17th, 2008 at 7:40 am
oh robneiderman… you poor, deluded youth… although those versions are good, the originals cannot be compared to! (or it can just be that the originals heavily influenced my musical tastes and I was so into the Cure in the 80’s)
great great great list that begs a sequel! also, kudos to using the Tiny Tunes version of Istanbul… I can distinctly remember the first time I saw that when I was a sophomore in high school…
rtr
68. ligeia - November 17th, 2008 at 8:01 am
Yay TMBG!! Love those guys
One of my favourite covers is the Phish version of Gin and Juice, hehe.
69. jake ryder - November 17th, 2008 at 8:03 am
Not a bad list but #10. Nowhere near the power of the Bob Marley original.
70. Skydiver - November 17th, 2008 at 8:07 am
kiwiboi, “Money (That’s What I Want” wasn’t originally recorded by The Beatles. It was written by Barry Gordy and originally recorded by Barrett Strong. It was the first major hit for Gordy’s Mowtown.
It’s certainly one of the most covered songs ever.
These types of lists are always subjective so there’s no right or wrong. Any “glaring omissions” from this list, likely fell victim to subjective decision making and not because they weren’t good enough to make the cut. Many of these songs are all, at the very least; top 40 hits by these artists. There are probably hundreds of other “B” side recordings that never saw airplay once, and remain an obscure bit of trivia for music nuts like myself. Here’s a few that I feel are better than the original or at least add a dimension that the original artist missed. I’ll bet many of you will be surprised some of these even exist.
Bad Side of the Moon - April Wine. Written by Bernie Taupin and originally performed by Elton John. The song doesn’t appear on any commercially released John album, other than the B side collection, “Past Masters” and a very obscure album of very early John songs & covers called “Reg Dwight’s Piano Goes ‘Pop’”. In the mid to late 60’s, fledgling record companies were hiring studio musicians to record the hits of the day, and would compile them on albums so people who didn’t want to buy multiple albums to get multiple hits, could buy one album with all the hits. They weren’t the original artists but for a short, profitable time, this didn’t matter. Many artists in their early careers recorded these songs as way to pay the bills; Elton John (Reg Dwight) was one of them.
Hey Joe - Jimi Hendrix. Many people are unaware that this is indeed a cover because Hendrix’s version is so well-known. The earliest recording of it was by an American band called The Leaves. There is much debate over who the author of this song is as it was once thought to be an American “traditional” song (ironic if you listen to the lyrics) but the copyright was bought and authorship was claimed by the purchaser whose name escapes me.
Blinded By The Light - Manfred Mann. Originally by Bruce Springsteen. Already mentioned above, but a far better rendition and surprisingly many people think THIS is the original and Springsteen did a less than average cover!
Feels Like Home - Chantal Kreviazuk. Originally by Randy Newman. Chantal sings this song with more emotion than Randy Newman could muster up if he was on fire.
Time After Time - Eva Cassidy. I love the Cyndi Lauper version of this song, but this version is so simple and beautiful, you can’t help but love it just as much.
Cry Me A River - Aerosmith. I would never take anything away from Miss Ella Fitzgerald but Steven Tyler’s torn vocals and painful angst and the fact that this song was written for a woman and is sang by a man makes the irony so sweet, it makes me smile every time I hear it.
Something to Talk About - Bonnie Raitt. Canadian singer/songwriter Shirley Eikhard does a great version of this song, but Bonnie gave it a life that surpassed Shirley by a country mile.
Red Red Wine - UB40. Neil Diamond’s version is a bit dry. UB40 added a Reggae zip to it that takes it so far from Diamond’s version, it’s almost a different song.
Layla - Eric Clapton (Unplugged). I know this isn’t truly a cover because Eric was part of Derek and The Dominoes who did it originally, but the live version is so well done you can’t help but love it a little bit more. The original still has that haunting piano at the end that makes it so timeless.
I Write The Songs - Barry Manilow. I’m splitting hairs here because David Cassidy (Yes, Keith Partridge!) was the original artist of this song (written by Beach Boy, Bruce Johnson) but recorded it the same year as Manilow. It became one of Manilow’s signature songs and ironically, one of the very few songs he’s know for that he didn’t actually write.
She Thinks I Still Care - James Taylor. Taylor does a live version of this George Jones classic that takes the song to a whole new level. John Fogerty also did a version of this song but it’s not very good.
A Groovy Kind of Love - Phil Collins. Originally done by Diane & Annita in 1965, Collins turned a poppy bubblegum song into a nice love song.
Hit Me Baby One More Time - Travis. This version of the Britney Spears mega-hit is so good, it just has to be fattening!
I think an interesting spin-off of this list would be one that lists songs re-done by the original artist that is better than their original!
A couple of suggestions…
I’m Ready - Bryan Adams. The popular version is a live ‘Unplugged’ track played as a ballad. The original is a guitar driven rock song. I think the ballad is 100 times better.
About A Girl - Nirvana. The Unplugged version is mystical; Cobain at his very best. It makes the original sound weak and empty.
Everlong - Foo Fighters. Dave Grohl does an acoustic version of this spectacular song that is even better than his original. The same can be said of an acoustic version Times Like These.
Nice list… thanks!
71. miki - November 17th, 2008 at 8:22 am
the only thing that bugs me is #10. bob marley’s version is much better.
72. Benmark - November 17th, 2008 at 8:26 am
I prefer Shinedown’s version of “Simple Man” over the Lynyrd Skynryd version.
73. the_cloaked schemer - November 17th, 2008 at 8:42 am
What about “tainted love” by soft cell? though the video was absolutely ridiculous, the 80’s version was so much catchier than the original for some reason.
74. Jayme - November 17th, 2008 at 9:07 am
“Zombie”- Miser (The Cranberries) I love both but their both very different
75. djl - November 17th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Biggest omission: Mannfred Mann’s Earth Band’s cover of Bruce Springsteen’s Blinded by the Light. Granted The Boss’s version IS better, but was greatly outshined by the cover on the charts.
76. Robo - November 17th, 2008 at 9:44 am
I’ve never disagreed with something on this website more than #10 on this list. Wow, what a joke.
77. guy - November 17th, 2008 at 9:52 am
like about twenty people said before me…….. jimmy hendrix’s all along the watchtower. als isnt dazed and confused by zeppelin a cover? idk
78. guy - November 17th, 2008 at 9:53 am
jimi*
79. smurff - November 17th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Well selected list # 1 I like the most.
Thanks Spart.
80. Zack - November 17th, 2008 at 9:56 am
I haven’t read all of these so it might be redundant.
What about Aretha Franklin’s cover of Otis Redding’s “Respect”? Pretty much one of the biggest anthems of the Motown era. Does it not count because she changed a few words?
81. G Fresh - November 17th, 2008 at 9:57 am
I’d say pretty much anything Eva Cassidy touched should be on here, but most notably her covers of “Fields of Gold” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. Purportedly, Sting was moved to tears after he heard her version of his song.
82. Tngolferguy - November 17th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Two come to my mind
1)Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World by Isreal Kamakawiwo´le.
2)Hank William, Jr.’s “The Blues Man” redone by George Jones and Dolly Parton. Fantastic.
83. Freshies - November 17th, 2008 at 10:02 am
I don’t see how you can say that a cover is better than the original, for any song. This is wrong, I hate bands that cover songs and act like they should be praised for it. Johny Cash is awesome, he deserved to do what ever he wanted.
I believe a better title would have been “Songs that where stolen from the original writer and then made more money than the original”.
84. xXTurkinatorXx - November 17th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Wheres Disturbed with Land of Confusion??
I don’t know who made the original but I know it wasn’t them. . .
85. BishopWhiteT - November 17th, 2008 at 10:06 am
I’m surpised no one has mentioned Run D.M.C., Walk this way (Aerosmith).
It may not be any better than (or even as good as) the original, but it’s the song that launched a thousand grillz.
86. holycanoli - November 17th, 2008 at 10:13 am
“Respect” pretty much made Aretha Franklin. It’s an Otis Redding tune.
87. Brickhouse - November 17th, 2008 at 10:14 am
I thought I’d see Pearl Jam’s “Last Kiss” here… but it could be because I was talking about it last week. And I recall arguing with a die-hard PJ fan who insisted it was an original when it came out. I love PJ and this version is great, very similar to the original, though…
When I first heard Johnny Cash sing Hurt - I think my heart stopped. I’d say his version and the NIN original are equals because they are so vastly different. I am an NIN fan, so it was an experience to hear Cash sing “my empire of dirt.” Sounded very alien to me.
88. Brickhouse - November 17th, 2008 at 10:16 am
“Last Kiss” was originally by Wayne Cochrane and the CC Riders.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_Kiss
89. Phillies - November 17th, 2008 at 10:18 am
How about Quiet Riot’s “Cum On Feel The Noize?” That’s a great song
Also, Metallica’s “Turn the Page” cover, though both that and the Bob Marley version are great in their own ways
90. Brickhouse - November 17th, 2008 at 10:18 am
BishopWhiteT: Walk This Way was preformed by Run DMC with Steven Tyler and Joe Perry as gues vocals/guitar. I wouldn’t consider that a true cover (great song & video, though!).
91. BB - November 17th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Just for the reference of others, the original ‘I Fought The Law’ was by the Bobby Fuller Four.
My own nominations are Paul Anka lovely swing version of ‘Wonderwall’ (terrible original), Silver Sun’s ‘Too Much, Too Little, Too Late’ and Underworld’s much tighter version of ‘Baker Street’ - I never could stand the sprawling Gerry Rafferty original. There was a terrific cover of ‘Band On The Run’ by the Foo Fighters recently, too.
92. G C - November 17th, 2008 at 10:20 am
No “All Along the Watchtower?” That’d be my choice for no. 1.
93. Blogball - November 17th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Hey what about that disco song “The Fifth of Beethoven” by Walter Murphy and the Big Apple Band.
Originally Beethoven’s 5th by Beethoven?
Just kidding everybody
Good list by the way.
94. newmedia001 - November 17th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Adding one previously not commented, “The Phantom of the Opera” by Nightwish (music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics written by Charles Hart, Richard Stilgoe, Mike Batt). The original Version (with Sarah Brightman) was beautiful, but this one, on a hard/progressive metal tempo, is very, very epic. The amazing soprano voice of Tarja Turunen put this cover on another level.
95. Papavitch - November 17th, 2008 at 10:37 am
All great choice, Nirvana is my personal fav. Think of the things they could have done…
One big gap here though is Marilyn Manson, he’s done so many noteworthy covers, The Beautiful People comes to mind. Nobody sings that song better.
Otherwise, great list.
96. Connor - November 17th, 2008 at 10:39 am
really? joe strummer’s redemption song is better than bob marley? one of the first times an opinion has ever been straight wrong. not to mention that bob wrote that when he knew he was going to die. this song was a closure for him, in which he poured his feelings and beliefs into.
and no ‘all along the watchtower’?
i know these kinds of lists are hard to write due to the vast differences in opinions, but i think you could have done a better job
97. BishopWhiteT - November 17th, 2008 at 10:41 am
A few others you may not be as aware of, but worth checking out nonetheless…
Jolene - White Stipes (Dolly Parton)
Army of Me - Helmet (Bjork)
Ghost of Tom Joad - Rage Against The Machine (Bruce Springsteen)
I Got A Feeling - Pearl Jam (the Beatles)
L.M.L.Y.P - Ween (Prince)
Black Hole Sun - Cibo Matto (Soundgarden)
Elanor Rigby - Stanley Jordan (the Beatles)
Street Spirit (Fade out) - The Darkness (Radiohead)
Astronomy Domine - Voivod (Pink Floyd)
Earache My Eye - Soundgarden (Alice Bowie)
And a couple that should have been considered…
(Oh) Pretty Woman - Van Halen (Roy Orbison)
You Really Got Me - Van Halen (the Kinks)
Anthrax and Public Enemy - Bring The Noise (Public Enemy)
Pretty much the whole $5.98 ep/$7.98 cd by Metallica, plus countless other covers they did.
98. YogiBarrister - November 17th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Check out Cyndi Lauper singing the hell out of this old Gene Pitney chestnut. A friend of mine was the drummer for Blue Angel. It was a crying shame that some hot shot record mogul made her drop them before he would sign her. Seeing her do this song live in a club in New York might just be the highlight of my music watching career.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdzWz0B2j50
99. ABrutalKind - November 17th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Iron and Wine - Such Great Heights (The Postal Service)
while not necessarily better they are both equally amazing in their own ways.
100. Panthea - November 17th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Rasputina does kick-ass covers, and I think their “Bad Moon Rising” is the best, for sheer transformative value if nothing else. I love the original, but Rasputina makes it just as eerie and chilling as it should be.
Their version of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” is pretty awesome too, mainly because the music’s perfect on cellos instead of guitars.
Also, The Killing Moon’s “You Oughta Know.” Seriously, seriously rocks.
101. Lucky - November 17th, 2008 at 10:46 am
The man who sold the world by Nirvana is one of my favorite songs of all time, so kudos on that one - but the Redemption Song cover? You’ve got to be out of your mind.
102. YogiBarrister - November 17th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Your parents thought this was the greatest cover song ever.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_59n86U3Dvs
But if you listen to the Isley Brothers’ version of Twist n Shout, you’ll soon realize it has no place on this list.
103. infallibleangel - November 17th, 2008 at 10:53 am
2. thunderchicken - November 17th, 2008 at 1:31 am
“As far as Hallelujah goes, I think that Rufus Wainwright does a noteworthy job”
Definitely. Rufus Wainwright’s cover is my favorite, hands down.
104. YogiBarrister - November 17th, 2008 at 10:59 am
This one is a rather glaring omission don’t you think? It should be number one seeing how nothing Sinead O’Connor has ever done compares to this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCwCBh0z3Hs
105. Niels - November 17th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Hurt, The Man Who Sold The World & Mad World are my 3 favourite covers of all time.
106. SlickWilly - November 17th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Just got to toss my two cents in.
“Redemption Song” was a poor choice, I thought. Bob’s voice is better and I feel like he puts way more pathos into the song.
I agree with the rest, but I also think “With a Little Help From My Friends” by Joe Cocker should have been on here. Maybe replaced Redemption Song with it. Overall, good list, though. I love that Tears for Fears song, I could listen to it all day.
107. warrrreagl - November 17th, 2008 at 11:06 am
skydiver, it looks like you’ve got another list ready to submit. Do it!
(but add The Pointer Sisters cover of Springsteen’s “Fire”)
108. YogiBarrister - November 17th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Next year will be the 40th anniversary of Woodstock. Is that all? It seems like it happened about a hundred years ago. You gotta believe this classic rendition of a song The Beatles thought so little of, they had Ringo sing it should be on the list.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FMq0iDX1yE
109. MiSaNtHrOpE - November 17th, 2008 at 11:18 am
There are a few awesome covers missing, I think:
-Orgy’s cover of New Order’s Blue Monday. Industrial metal intro and Jay Gordon’s dark, pre-emo, masculine voice. ‘Nuff said
-Amy Lee’s cover of Korn’s Thoughtless. Her voice is more fitting than Jon’s screaming.
110. kiwiboi - November 17th, 2008 at 11:21 am
kiwiboi, Money (That’s What I Want wasn’t originally recorded by The Beatles. It was written by Barry Gordy and originally recorded by Barrett Strong. It was the first major hit for Gordy’s Mowtown.
Skydiver - interesting; I never knew that. You learn something new every day! And thanks for all the other interesting information.
111. kiwiboi - November 17th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Just for the reference of others, the original ‘I Fought The Law’ was by the Bobby Fuller Four.
BB - you sure about that? The Crickets recorded it first, I think.
112. YogiBarrister - November 17th, 2008 at 11:36 am
There is an entire generation of rock music lovers who don’t know that Ten Years After was the best live band of the 60’s. I couldn’t find Sonny Boy Williamson’s version of Good Morning Little School Girl, so I can’t say it wasn’t better than Alvin Lee’s.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
113. courtney - November 17th, 2008 at 11:36 am
What about “I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton, but became a bigger hit with Whitney Houston covering it?
114. jes - November 17th, 2008 at 11:38 am
rufus wainwright’s hallelujah is the most moving version, in my opinion. i’d at the very least give it an honorable mention.
also, though i expect this to cause a stir, metallica’s turn the page rocked bob seger’s version. it’s more passionate and the instrumental just doesn’t even compare.
115. Jackie - November 17th, 2008 at 11:42 am
NIN’s hurt seems to be more angry than anything else but Johnny Cash’s version is just pure sorrow. I can’t decide which one I like better. Also, in an interview with Lou Reed he said Duran Duran did “Perfect Day” the way he had imagined it but was unable to do. Led Zeppelin did an amazing “When the levee breaks”.
116. Eric - November 17th, 2008 at 11:51 am
JOE COCKER!!! With a Little Help from Me’ Friends!!!
117. YogiBarrister - November 17th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
According to Rankopedia, the top 25 cover songs.For the record, #13, #14, and #24, “Don’t be ridiculous!”
1. All Along The Watchtower Jimi Hendrix
2. Twist and Shout The Beatles
3. Knockin’ On Heavens Door Guns N Roses
4. Hurt Johnny Cash
5. Somwhere Over the Rainbow Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
6. Live And Let Die Guns N Roses
7. Babe I’m Gonna Leave You Led Zeppelin
8. The Man Who Sold The World Nirvana
9. Hound Dog Elvis Presley
10. Mad World Michael Andrews & Gary Jules
11. RESPECT Aretha Franklin
12. I Shot the Sheriff Eric Clapton
13. You really got me Van Halen
14. (Oh) Pretty Woman Van Halen
15. Hey Joe The Jimi Hendrix Experience
16. While My Guitar Gently Weeps Jeff Healey Band
17. My Favorite Things John Coltrane
18. America Yes
19. In My Life Johnny Cash
20. Higher Ground Red Hot Chili Peppers
21. Where Did You Sleep Last Night Nirvana
22. Love Hurts Nazareth
23. Last Kiss Pearl Jam
24. Downtown Train Rod Stewart
25. Take Me To The River Talking Heads
Sorry if this is a duplicate
118. Mr. Plow - November 17th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Everyone knows the greatest cover of Nothing Compares to You is by Me First and the Gimme Gimmies. j/k
What about Weezer covering My Veloria by the Pixies?
119. JSchaps - November 17th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Why isn’t Cum on Feel the Noize on here? It wasnt originally by Quiet Riot.
120. chelsean fan - November 17th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Not a bad list. Personally I would never say that Joe Strummer’s cover of redemption song is better, that may have been Marley’s greatest song he ever wrote. I love the 99 Red Balloons cover by Goldfinger more than Nena’s, and I love HIM’s version of Wicked Game much more than Chris Isaac’s. Also Life is a Highway, I think the Rascal Flatts version is better. Here’s another Best of You by Foo Fighters, better than Prince’s original. Plus Dazed and confused by Led Zeppelin is also a cover
121. caStroY - November 17th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
When I read the title of the list, I immediately thought Hurt by Johnny Cash.
I’m surprised to not see any Led Zeppelin on this list. Although they often changed the songs so much, they weren’t like the originals at all, they still had to pay royalties to the original artists. Pretty much anything from their first album and some from their second comes to mind…
Communication Breakdown, You Shook Me, Babe I’m Gonna Leave You come to mind…
Also Cocaine or After Midnight, originally by JJ Cale, covered by Eric Clapton and Crossroads which was a cover by Cream.
Lol, I guess I could make a whole blues list, although Zeppelin would hold a few of the spots on it, so it really would be biased…
And Black Magic Women covered by Santana
Blue Suede Shoes and Hound Dog covered by Elvis
I also see other people have mentioned All Along the Watchtower…
I better stop now, otherwise I could go on quite a bit, I see how narrowing stuff down to a list of ten really becomes quite difficult…
122. DK - November 17th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Kiwiboi: Funny you mentioned UB40 with Red Red Wine (which I didn’t know was a cover too!), as I was going to mention their cover of Elvis Pressley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” which is one of my very favorite songs ever!
For those mentioning “I will always love you” I think that though it became a bigger hit when Houston covered it, the original is just as good.
And BishopWhiteT: I was almost irritated teh first time I heard someone say “you have to listen to this cover of Jolene, done by The White Stripes, it’s way better than Dolly!” But then I listened to it, and I agree, it’s flippin amazing!
123. JayArr - November 17th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
I sure would have liked the list to include BOTH the original and the proffered improvement. This helps in making a more intelligible comparison without having to hunt down the original elsewhere.
I listened to 5 of the above, and really can’t say I’m impressed in any event. Oh well… maybe next list…
124. Ren - November 17th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
My favorite cover song is probably either This Is Halloween by Marilyn Manson which was originally from the Nightmare Before Christmas, or I Fought The Law by Green Day.
125. Gimbul - November 17th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Black Steel Is great! I need to go diggin’ through the old CDs again.
Anyway, a few of my favs…
“Dancing Days” by STP (originally Led Zepelin)
“Never Let Me Down Again” by Smashing Pumpkins (originally Depeche Mode)
“Little Wing” by Stevie Ray Vaughan (originally Jimi Hendrix)
By the way, Reznor’s version of Hurt was better.
126. Buster - November 17th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Metallica - Sabbra Cadabbra
Metallica - Helpless
Metallica - The Wait
Metallica - The Prince
Metallica - Breadfan
Surprised that Watchtower wasn’t in this list. Even U2’s version is better than Dylans. Although I don’t think anyone can touch NIN’s original version of Hurt even though JC was dying as he sang it.
My version of Go with the flow should be in this list
http://myspace.com/deltidsharmonisk
127. BooRadley - November 17th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
“Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” is my FAVORITE They Might Be Giants song. I never knew it was a cover!
My very favorite cover of all time is the George Harrison/Paul Simon version of “Here Comes the Sun” done live on Saturday Night Live. I wish I had a recording of it. It is exquisite!
128. brittney - November 17th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Funny, something happened today and it made me think of Mad World and so it’s been stuck in my head for a while now. And I didn’t feel like searching it on youtube OR watching Donnie Darko (greattt movie)…and so here it is for me to listen to. YAY.
129. Realist - November 17th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Dear Listverse,
Please dig a little deeper. Music goes beyond the Billboard Charts.
Love,
Anyone Who Knows Anything About Music
130. BooRadley - November 17th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Ooooh! I just found it on You Tube.
George Harrison/Paul Simon “Here Comes the Sun”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAOclgppEXc
Beautiful.
131. tami - November 17th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
i’m sure nobody else has heard of it, but thrice did a cover of “send me an angel” which was much, much better than the original. (at least i think so)
132. bigski - November 17th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I very much agree with 1-2-4 and 6 the rest i dont disagree with its subjective. If Spart likes them, more power to him/her. Im in love with the Bass player from Tricky though!
133. John - November 17th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
How about Kill switch engage cover of dio’s Holy diver.
134. imager - November 17th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Love Train by Keb Mo far outshines the O’Jays version!
135. krustopia1 - November 17th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
A Perfect Circle’s cover of Imagine.
The major to minor shift is very effective.
And the kit.
It almost makes it sound like a completely different piece.
136. Turd Ferguson - November 17th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I think Rufus Wainwright’s Hallelujah is more recognized by the mainstream public, mostly due to the fact that it was used on the Shrek soundtrack
137. puddingpuppet - November 17th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
RIP Joe Strummer. Such a tragic and early death of an extremely talented and influential figure. He still had so much more to give the world…
138. jccasey - November 17th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Last Kiss- Pearl Jam
139. ohiojeannie - November 17th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
#10 are you kidding?! Bob Marley was the greatest. Anyone else that has ever TRIED to sing this song has never captured the feeling Marley had put into the song.
140. The_Patient - November 17th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
YES to Buckley.
No. 10, noone beats Bob Marley Id say. What a legend!!
141. Saruhhh - November 17th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
A really good one that is only recorded from a live show is Round Here by counting crows but covered by panic at the disco. I think they put more emotion into it. There’s two versions of it. One is with just piano. The piano one makes it really sad, even though it’s a sad song to begin with.
:]
142. glebarr - November 17th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
1.Stanley Snail (ex-zappa guitarist Mike Keneally) doing the Yes song Siberian Khatru and doing it better than Yes.
2. John Goodsall (Brand x) doing Genesis’ Carpet Crawlers-a killer guitar sole
3.Bela Fleck and the Flecktones doing the Beatles Oh! Darling with an amazing vocal performance from guest John Cowen
4.Aynsley Lister’s version of Little Wing…I like this better than SRV’s version only because the lyrics are as important as the guitar itself and Aynsley delivers on both fronts.
5.Roy Buchanan doing Neil Young’s Down by the River
6.Gov’t Mule doing the Humble Pie tune 30 days in the Hole
7.Rory Gallagher doing As the Crow Flies by tony Joe White
8.California guitar Trio doing Bohemian Rhapsody on their live album…totally amazing musicianship
9.Jimi Hendrix’s version of All along the Watchtower
10. ….and yes, definately Jeff Buckley’s version of Hallelujah; this song will bring you to tears with it’s stunning beauty and passion.
143. Jessnz - November 17th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Jose Gonzalez’s cover of The Knife’s Heartbeats is the best cover I’ve heard in a long time
144. Katie - November 17th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
OK, I disagree with the Redeption Song cover, and many people have said that no one tops Bob Marley.. but what about Sublime covering Trenchtown Rock (a Marley song)? I love the song, and i LOVE and respect marley, but I have to admit the Sublime version really captures the desire for music that the song is describing. Bradley Knowls voice on that one just echoes in my soul. Anyone out there know what I’m talking about??
http://www.imeem.com/tag/trenchtown%20rock/
Check it out for yourself.
145. Csimmons - November 17th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Very good list, I would have out in Rage Against The Machine’s cover of Renegades of Funk or Born Of A Broken Man, but very good otherwise
146. Moonbeam - November 17th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
I hate the Bee Gees’ disco stuff, but Eagle Eye Cherry does a version of “To Love Somebody” that is beautiful. It’s from the soundtrack to “Y Tu Mamà Tambièn” Talk about outshining the original.
147. Csimmons - November 17th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
my last post edit: sorry about Born Of A Broken Man, had a brain fart thinking it was a cover.
148. stw - November 17th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
pretty much anything Me First and The Gimme Gimmes does
149. Tim - November 17th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Siouxsie & The Banshees’ cover of Dear Prudence. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_Qe8d95vCc Rasputinas’ cover of wish you were here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUxCYgTlBU4
150. elartistamadridista - November 17th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Some well-known covers I like:
Hurricane…Ani Difranco (Dylan)
I will survive…Cake (Gloria Gaynor)
Personal Jesus…Marilyn Manson (Depeche Mode)
Johny and Mary…Placebo (?)
Mrs. Robinson…Lemonheads
Across the universe…Fiona Apple (Lennon?)
151. aussie pride - November 17th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
jeff buckleys version is by far the best its like when you eat 2 pounds of peanuts take a hard rock molton shit that loooks like a giant cracked easter eggg then you spray it with hairspray n light it on fire. halleujuh
152. Yun - November 17th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Pretty much the only thing I disagree with here is Willie Nelson, not the Pet Shop Boys, should be credited with the best version of #7.
153. matt - November 17th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Worst List ever.
154. Gravy - November 17th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
i still like the bob marley version of redemption song better, as well as leonard cohen’s version of hallelujah.
155. Alicia - November 17th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
When I saw this list, I though “All along the watchtower”
156. DK - November 17th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
@Matt (151): We tend to discourage those types of comments here. If it’s a list you are simply uninterested in, you can skip it & read another. Not every list will be for every reader. If you think it’s the “worst ever” because you disagree with it…well…the intro to the list encouraged people to add their own suggestions in the comments. A comment like yours just looks rude.
157. arkz - November 17th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
personally i prefer bowies version of man who sold the world its a bit more hypnotic
158. santiago - November 17th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Great list, I would include Over the Rainbow by Eva Cassidy. I think it is one of the most beautiful songs ever!
159. DK - November 17th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
oops! i wanna correct my previous commment, Matt’s comment was 153, not 151…Sorry aussie pride!
160. Stella08 - November 17th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
I have to disagree with Redemption Song. There’s no way anyone’s cover could possibly be better than Marley’s. His version is haunting.
161. Lynn - November 17th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
I completely disagree about Redemption Song. Nothing is better than the original.
162. j_teether - November 17th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
I agree with a lot of the other people here that NIN’s Hurt is better. I feel that the original is much more powerful and moving, whereas the Cash version is just very depressing.
163. Antoin - November 17th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Bitches Aint Shit by Ben Folds was pretty good was a pretty god cover
164. Mom424 - November 17th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Great list; all worthy inclusions. My favorite cover has been mentioned - Jolene by Jack White/White Stripes - much preferred to Dolly’s original.
Another tune, not really a cover, but could be is Bare Naked Ladies/Sarah Maclachlan version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/
We Three Kings. Too bad it only gets airplay around Christmas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
165. Taylor - November 17th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
How could you forget Jimi Hendrix’s all along the watch tower
Orignal Bob Dylan
SEROUSLY?????
166. mark - November 17th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
headstones cover of tweeter and the monkey man
167. manicd - November 17th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
‘How about Kill switch engage cover of dio’s Holy diver.’
Granted the cover was alright, it doesn’t even come close to the raw power and feeling in Dio’s voice. You can’t compare it to something down by possibly the best metal voacalist ever.
168. sanasunshine. - November 17th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
the band a day to remember did a really good cover of kelly clarkson’s song since you’ve been gone.
i’m not very fond of her, but the cover really does outshine the orginal.
169. sakurakiss - November 17th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
I really enjoyed this list - I thought it was a really cool idea. I’m not sure this song should be on here, because I’m not sure it really outshines the original and I think a lot of people have never heard it, but I actually prefer The Used/My Chemical Romance cover of “Under Pressure” to the original. Just my opinion though.
170. anon543 - November 17th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
@84. xXTurkinatorXx
Land of Confusion was originally done by Phil Collins…and I agree the Disturbed version is far superior.
@133. John
As a Killswitch & Dio fan I must disagree with you Killswitch’s was so awful Dio probably wished he would die just so he could turn in his grave
171. Precision - November 17th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
A very high quality list, and I’m sure a very tough one to write considering the number of excellent cover songs out there. The task would have been made even more difficult as the question of what defines a good song is incredibily subjective.
Personally my favourite song on the list is Hurt, followed closely by The Man Who Sold the World and Mad World.
Other favourites of mine that aren’t included are All Along the Watchtower by Hendrix (as mentioned by many others), and Frank Sinatra’s cover of The Impossible Dream.
Well done Spart!
172. jogiff - November 17th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
DEVO’s cover of “I Can’t Get No (Satisfaction)?”
Or their cover of Secret Agent Man?
Or just about any of their covers.
173. anon543 - November 17th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Re: Land of Confusion was Genesis which Phil collins was in not him solo…Sorry!!
174. fauxhaux - November 17th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
To: luna1580
if you could hear the song on a video called “lucky 3″ on youtube
also www.elliottsmithbsides.com
175. luke - November 17th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
I personally think Jeffs hallelujah was more moving it’s definately more haunting. Also where is Whitneys I will always love you in my opinion that definately outshines dolly partons original.
176. Kealey - November 17th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
This cover of Outkasts-Hey ya is pretty effin’ sweet. It gives the song a bit more substance and makes it worth listening to, have a listen and tell me what you think
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-8nkkOA_AM
And my bet is all of us could probably sound this good if we all grew beards like this guys.
177. segue - November 17th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
My good God, Spart! What a fabulous list!
I don’t agree with every choice, I’m sure it’s a generational thing, but I truly love the list.
So. Here are my comments, for good or for ill:
10 - Bob Marley’s rendition of Redemption Man is far superior to Joe Strummer. Marley had a visceral connection with the song which was missing in the Joe Strummer version. Strummer’s was okay, and would have done if one had never heard Marley’s original. Not good enough.
9 - Gary Jules version of Mad World is far better than Tears for Fears! Great choice!
7 - Pet Shop Boys v. Brenda Lee.
This is like comparing Tulips to Elephants. It can’t be done.
No, really. I mean it. It’s not even close.
Pet Shop Boys do a fine job on a song called Always On My Mind.
Brenda Lee did a great job on a song called (amazingly enough!) Always On My Mind!
I prefer the song Brenda Lee sang, but I like the song by Pet Shop Boys, too.
5 - They Might Be Giants version of (absolutely anything, but in this case) Istanbul (Not Constantinople)is fabulous! I’ve been a major fan of this group since they got together.
4 - Johnny Cash’s version of Hurt is so much better than Trent Reznor’s I feel bad for Reznor.
3 - Youth Group does the best version of Forever Young, bar none.
2 - Bowie does the definitive version of The Man Who Sold The World. Bowie. Not Nirvana. There were some Nirvana songs I liked, but please, Bowie? Nuh huh.
1 - Yup, Sinead O’Connor can sing anything, anything, better than whoever sang it first. Nothing Compares To You is a tissue fest when she sings it, I saw Prince sing it live and it was ho-hum.
BONUS - This is a toughy. I like Jeff Buckley’s version better than Leonard Cohen’s, but there are other covers that are nearly as good. All in all, though, I think you chose wisely here.
178. segue - November 17th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Redemption Song, *NOT* man
179. Lister-Ian - November 17th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
WOW what a great list of comments!
I’ll be searching for some songs today!
The first song I thought of has not been mentioned yet
(I think)
Video Killed The Radio Star
The Buggles covered a band called The Cameras
Their original is nowhere near The Buggles great version!
180. Cubone - November 17th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
I would suggest “Love Hurts” by Nazareth.
181. sam - November 17th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
Pearl Jam - Last Kiss
182. berto - November 17th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
The White Stripes “Jolene” (original Dolly Parton)
and Faith No More “War Pigs (original Black Sabbath) are two notable omissions in my mind
183. Profeh - November 17th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Jimi Hendrix’s “All Along the Watchtower.” Led Zeppelin, “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You.” Mötley Crüe, “Smoking in the Boys? Room.”
This list is ludicrous. Clearly created by an age-challenged enemy of Rock and Roll.
184. Profeh - November 17th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
…and Metallica has never EVER topped any song they’ve covered. They pick damned good songs, that’s the problem. Also, whoever said Watchtower isn’t a good song, I can’t stand still for that. I’d understand if you’d said you didn’t like it, or you thought it wasn’t that good, in other words if you’re going to state an opinion, don’t do it in an offensive flat assertion as though it were proven fact. Many of us consider it a great song, and we have strong reasons for it. Good day, sir.
185. highslime - November 17th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
I agree that Willie Nelson should’ve gotten credit for “Always On My Mind”. And I prefer NIN’s “Hurt” over Mr. Cash’s.
My favorite cover on this list is “Man Who Sold The World”. I’ll admit I’ve never heard the original though.
And in my opinion, a notable omission would have to be Metallica’s version of “Turn the Page” or “Whiskey in the Jar”.
But as many have said, it’s really a subjective list. For example, I abhor any Marilyn Manson cover ever done. He should have left them alone.
186. highslime - November 17th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Oh, and Nirvana did an excellent rendition of “Jesus Don’t Want Me For A Sunbeam”.
187. heatherrr. - November 17th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
pennywise - land down under !!!!
i just like how they make a fun song even more fun
and i’m going to australia in january to study abroad so….anything aussie is especially exciting
188. heatherrr. - November 17th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
we need a part 2 to this list..for sure
189. Spart - November 17th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
183 Profeh
129 Realist
Not that age challenged - just, as stated earlier, my own choices.
Not a big fan of metal, and not mad about hip hop, have always been a more attuned to English music, madchester, brixton beats, and trip hop. Having said that, anyone growing up in the 80’s and 90’s had to be aware of Sinead and Nirvana.
I apologise to the Joe Cocker fans as well, I should have probably taken the list out to 15. His cover of the Beatles is the definative version.
190. KenManiac - November 17th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
my votes:
“Satisfaction” by Devo
“Downtown” by B-52s
“My Way” by Sid Vicious
“Jump” by Aztec Camera (yes, the VH song)
“Ice Dancer” by Flaming Lips (originally by Suicide)
“Just Can’t Get Enough” and “Too Drunk to Fuck” by Nouvelle Vague
“Sweet Child Of Mine” by Taken by Trees (on somafm right now!
there’s many others, not coming to me right now. agree with Johnny Cash’s “Hurt” being superior, which is hard to do as NIN does it so well.
191. Jenna_Bug - November 17th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Ok, Mad World by Gary Jules is one of my favorite songs, Donnie Darko is one of my all time favorite movies.
IMO I think “Turn The Page” was done better as a remake by Metallica than the original by Bob Seger. The original is great, but James Hetfield’s voice is oh so amazing. My favorite band of all time, gotta love Metallica.
192. ViewARandomList… - November 17th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
i think HURT by JC is on every music list on this site
193. The Tantalizer - November 17th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
umm… what about Whiskey in the Jar From Metallica, Turn The Page from Metallica, Machine Heads cover’s of Hallowed Be Thy Name and Battery is as good as Iron Maidens and Metallicas… Atreyu’s cover of Bon Jovi’s You Give Love A Bad Name
194. YogiBarrister - November 17th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Another glaring oversight: Me and Bobby McGee by Janis Joplin. Another great Kris Kristofferson cover is Sunday Morning Coming Down, a better down in the dumps song than Hurt, IMO.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
195. duuude - November 17th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
uhhh
hey joe by jimi hendrix?
original by the leaves?
one of the biggest songs of the 60s and 70s come on guys
also the redemption song is wayyyyy better by marley
196. Brian Moo - November 17th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
You definitively need All Along the Watchtower! It’s THE eclipsing cover all other covers are compared to!
197. Heroajax - November 17th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Interesting list, but I have to agree with many of the previous comments.
Bob’s Redemption Song far outshines the version you selected. So much more passionate and moving than this one.
Jimi’s version of All All Along the Watchtower is a very notable omission on this list.
Arguable the greatest cover of all time would have to be Soft Cell’s Tainted Love. It’s consistently ranked in the top 5 of the “one hit wonder” lists. Any cover list should definitly have this song on the list. Whether you like it or not, the impact of this