Ten superb cover songs that could be even better than the original

by

As a music enthusiast who’s spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of covers and originals, I find myself captivated by the transformative power of reinterpretation in popular music. The Futureheads’ take on “Hounds of Love” serves as a testament to their unique style, blending new wave and art rock seamlessly, creating an electrifying version that complements the original beautifully – yet it can never truly rival Kate Bush’s iconic performance.

I don’t particularly enjoy listening to cover versions of songs. Let me make this clear from the start. Frequently, they lack originality or distort the original in a strange way.

The impact of hearing a song is greatly influenced by its context – when, where, and originally from which you heard it. Often, songs stir up cherished memories or evoke strong emotions. Unfortunately, these nostalgic sentiments can be tainted if the reinterpreted version falls short. It might be less jarring to approach a cover as an entirely new piece of music. However, for others, discovering that a beloved tune is actually a remake could come as quite a shock.

Sometimes, a fresh spin on a familiar tune really strikes a chord with me. It often needs to venture off the beaten path and surprise you in some way. If it catches your attention from the get-go without sounding like an immediate clone, I can find myself won over, even if initially skeptical about a cover song.

Ten superb cover songs you need to check out

In some instances, cover songs truly hit the mark, leaving a lasting impression, and in certain cases, equaling or even surpassing the original version. Below, I’ve compiled ten examples (plus a few bonus covers), which at least receive my approval. Take a listen and share your thoughts on them.

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “Born To Run”

Kick off our discussion with Frankie Goes to Hollywood (FGTH) taking on Bruce Springsteen’s classic hit “Born To Run” in 1984. It might seem almost blasphemous to attempt a cover of such an iconic song, but many artists have done it. FGTH was quite rebellious at the time, so they likely wouldn’t have given it a second thought.

As someone who’s dabbled in the FGTH records, there’s a lot of chatter about who was really behind the music. But under Trevor Horn’s brilliant production, rumors swirl that it was musicians from Art Of Noise and The Blockheads doing the heavy lifting. Whoever they were, they did a pretty good job. It’s got a lively, fast-paced, and energetic vibe. Compared to Springsteen’s version, the biggest change is the replacement of the sax solo with an inventive bass guitar section. The original is tough to top, but this band gives it a valiant effort.

Metallica and Thin Lizzy – “Whiskey In The Jar” 

A classic Irish tune, “Whiskey In The Jar,” has been covered twice. The Dubliners were the ones who achieved their first hit with this song in 1968. Interestingly, a group known as the Highwaymen released it as the B-side of a single back in 1962. This was the original band bearing that name, not the later country supergroup.

In 1972, Thin Lizzy reworked the song to fit their raw rock sound, which became their initial chart-topping single. The rendition was fantastic. Subsequently, Metallica took it a step further by intensifying the rock interpretation for their 1998 album of covers titled “Garage Inc.”, showcasing their metal style. This performance is a crowd pleaser for them and won them the Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1999.

Continued on next page

Santana – “Black Magic Woman”

Coming up next is an outstanding track by Santana that you might not know is actually a cover song. It’s unique because it often goes unrecognized as a cover, and many people consider it superior to the original version. “Black Magic Woman” was originally penned by Peter Green while Fleetwood Mac were still a UK-based blues band. They released their version as a single in 1968, but it only achieved moderate success on the charts.

The most commonly recognized rendition is that of Santana. This song served as their first single from the second studio album, “Abraxas,” released in 1970. It seamlessly blended with Santana’s Latin style, and Carlos Santana delivered exceptional guitar playing to make it a massive success. Completing the loop, Green collaborated with Santana for a live performance of the song at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 1998.

Disturbed – “The Sound Of Silence”

Occasionally, the debate isn’t about which version is superior between an original song and its cover; it becomes more about appreciating how creatively the original can be transformed and reimagined with a new style. This is particularly true when a band like Disturbed takes Simon and Garfunkel’s “Sound of Silence” and infuses it with a deep intensity, tension, passion, and controlled power that’s strikingly different from the original.

As a devoted admirer, I must say this darker rendition is unlike any sweet reminiscence of the original. David Draiman’s vocal delivery in this version is surprisingly distinct from what we hear in the Simon and Garfunkel interpretation. This Disturbed adaptation isn’t just a comparison; it’s an entirely new experience that demands to be heard. If you view it as a different song altogether, I believe it stands tall alongside the original.

Continued on next page

Ace Frehley/KISS – “New York Groove”

Originally penned by Russ Ballard of Argent, who is renowned for many other popular tunes, “New York Groove” gained popularity in the UK in 1975 through Hello as an energetic glam rock track. In the United States, however, it’s most commonly associated with Ace Frehley or KISS.

In 1978, Frehley, among other KISS band members, were engrossed in creating a solo album. From this album, he selected “New York Groove” as a single, which garnered him chart success. Later on, KISS incorporated it into their concert routine and frequently played it live. While the original was quite popular at the time, it never reached the fame or electric atmosphere that came with being performed by KISS live, making their version superior to the original.

The Tourists – “I Only Want To Be With You”

Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart first gained prominence with The Tourists, setting the stage for their later successful solo careers as part of the Eurythmics. However, it was 1960s icon Dusty Springfield who initially scored a hit with “I Only Want to Be With You” in 1964. Later, in 1976, Scottish group Bay City Rollers achieved popularity in the UK with that same song.

It takes a lot of courage to cover a popular song, especially when that song is as iconic as it was in 1979 for The Tourists. While Springfield’s original had a classic ’60s vibe, the Bay City Rollers reintroduced it as a catchy pop tune. However, The Tourists chose to give it a new wave and rockier twist, setting their version apart with the addition of guitars and keyboards that gave it depth and made it truly exceptional, perhaps even the best cover of the song.

Continued on next page

The Futureheads – ‘Hounds of Love”

As a devoted admirer, I must confess that covering a Kate Bush masterpiece like “Hounds of Love” isn’t a walk in the park. This song, released as a single and title track for her fifth studio album in 1986, left an indelible mark on the singer’s career. Fast forward to 2004, when the UK post-punk band The Futureheads infused their unique style into this iconic tune, including it in their self-titled debut album.

The Futureheads blended new wave and art rock, delivering catchy, energetic tunes. They infused an appealing energy into the original track, making “Hounds of Love” a standout on the album. It’s an excellent rendition of a timeless classic, well executed. While it’s tough to surpass the original by Kate Bush, this version offers a delightful complement with its unique interpretation.

Muse – “Feeling Good”

Originally penned by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for a ’60s stage musical, this song has been given numerous unique interpretations over the years. Notably, Nina Simone offered a sensual rendition in the past, while artists like Michael Buble, The Pussycat Dolls, and George Michael have also recorded their versions of it.

In 2001, Muse presented a unique twist on this song. It masterfully transitions from soft passages to thunderous rock guitar and percussion. Matt Bellamy’s captivating vocals are consistently impressive throughout. They infused their strength and energy into the song while also demonstrating the finesse required. This rendition is exceptional and ranks among the best cover songs available.

Continued on next page

Mark Ronson & Amy Winehouse – “Valerie” 

As a gamer, I’d say, “Among all the renditions of ‘Valerie’, the one that truly left an indelible impression on me is the 2007 version. Mark Ronson, the brilliant producer and arranger, teamed up with the unparalleled vocals of Amy Winehouse to create this iconic tune. This version was the game-changer, making waves across Europe and beyond.

On his second studio album, titled “Versions“, Ronson featured several cover songs, one of which was this track. The rendition by The Zutons is lively and energetic. Ronson and Winehouse, however, elevated the production with a jazzy twist and her extraordinary vocals. Released as a single, it garnered global success and charted in numerous regions, serving as another poignant tribute to Winehouse’s talent.

Humble Pie – “I Don’t Need No Doctor”

“One of the outstanding supergroups that emerged during the 1960s was Humble Pie. Featuring musicians like Steve Marriott and Peter Frampton, they produced some fantastic rock tunes. One of their most well-recognized songs, “I Don’t Need No Doctor,” was a staple in their performances back then and continues to be played as an encore by Frampton today.

The song was first released by Ray Charles back in 1966, and later covered by Humble Pie in 1971, managing to appear on the lower part of the US Hot 100 singles chart. This rendition originated from Humble Pie’s exceptional live album titled “Performance: Rockin’ The Fillmore” and serves as its closing track. It’s an electrifying piece packed with powerful guitar riffs that deserves a spot in your music collection.

Read More

2024-10-10 13:01