For as long there has been music, there have been cover
versions. Various orchestras have played music by various composers, and popular
music is no different. In fact playing other people’s song seems to be part of
the business; be it a recorded version or just something spontaneous done
during a live performance. If it’s a well song, there is usually a bit of
pressure to get the song right as more people are likely to know it. Done badly
and the result is usually horrific (I won’t name any, but quite a few spring to
mind). Done well however and you find yourself giving a small clap and an
appreciative nod to the artist knowing they’ve done a good job. Usually you
find yourself liking a song you hated before because an artist has done the
song justice by performing it in a totally different way.
Below you’ll find 20 odd of my personal favourite cover
songs. Some you might know, some you won’t. They’re not all songs that have
been released, some are just videos I have found on the internet and been
impressed by. I could have included a lot more but decided to keep it concise,
so sit back and enjoy JAmy Winehouse/Mark Ronson- Valerie: Appearing on Mark Ronson’s second studio album in 2007, the single peaked at number 2 in the UK, and spent 36 consecutive weeks in the Singles Chart between 2007 and May 2008. Performed originally by indie band The Zutons, it’s totally different to their version. Instead of indie rock, there is more of an R&B/Jazz vibe to it, something I personally prefer. Amy Winehouse does a great job making the song her own and was an inspired choice by Mark Ronson.
Original/Most Famous Version: The Zutons
Amy MacDonald- Dancing In The Dark: Question- How do you cover a song by an artist as big as Bruce Springsteen and not mess it up? Answer- You strip it back so people concentrate on you, not the song. May sound silly, but that’s exactly what Amy MacDonald has done here. By stripping the song back and slowing it down she’s created something quite wonderful. By letting her talent as a singer shine through, she really stamps her authority on it. Having seen her perform the song live, with just her and an acoustic guitar, the song is taken from a big anthem/ballad to a beautiful, heartfelt show stopper. The song can be found as a “hidden track” on the end of the second album, ‘A Curious Thing’. It means listening to whole album but it’s worth it. In both senses.
Original/Most Famous Version: Bruce Springsteen
Brandon Flowers- Bette Davies Eyes: Recorded during an Abbey Road session whilst promoting his solo album ‘Flamingo’, Flowers covered this old classic. Luckily I discovered it on YouTube as it doesn’t appear on the album. It's a real shame because it’s a fantastic cover. As always, he manages to weave his own style into the song. There is always a touch of class with The Killers, and it’s no different here, even though Flowers is solo. It’s different from the original but then that’s not a bad thing. It’s a modern take on an old song, and it’s done fantastically.
Original/Most Famous Version: Kim Carnes
Eliza Doolittle- Fuck You, Yellow: Two songs here performed by British singer-songwriter Eliza Doolittle. You may be familiar with songs such as ‘Skinny Genes’ and ‘Pack Up’, but dig a little deeper on YouTube and you’ll trip across a couple of great covers that show Eliza as the genuine article. The first is a cover of Cee Lo Green’s huge hit ‘Fuck You’, performed live with just herself, a double bass and two backing singers her dressing room by the looks of it. The second is a cover of the Coldplay song ‘Yellow’. Again it’s recorded live, but this time is accompanied solely by an acoustic guitar while her and band are on the tour bus driving through LA. What I like about these covers is the pure rawness of them. It’s just her voice as she sings, nothing else, and it sounds just as good as it does on her album. They really are a couple of gems worth listening to.
Original/Most Famous Version: Cee Lo Green/Coldplay
Foo Fighters- Tie Your Mother Down: Foo Fighters are probably one the biggest bands of the last 20 years. Actually there’s no probably about it. And they are one of the best live acts around (something I have sadly not yet experienced). So when they perform a live cover version you know it’s going to be, at the very least, good. Now ‘Tie Your Mother Down’ might not be the best known Queen song, but after listening to this it’s likely to be one of your favourites. With Brian May on guitar and Roger Taylor on drums, it was up to Taylor Hawkins to take role of vocals. I didn’t realise he had such a good voice. There’s a real similarity between him and fellow Foo’s bandmate Dave Grohl in that leaving the drum kit behind, they both have the talent, voice and stage presence to make fantastic frontmen. Don’t believe me? Just watch this.
Original/Most Famous Version: Queen
Goldfinger- 99 Red Balloons: Recorded for their 2000 album ‘Stomping Ground’, Goldfinger created a pop punk version of Nena’s 80s classic. And to be fair, they did a really good job. Adding the rock element to it gives it extra attitude and a sense of angst. Which is all relevant considering the original was a protest song. Talking of the original, it was performed in German before an English version was released, and Goldfinger pay homage to that by performing half the song in English and the other in German. This is a nice touch and it works really well. The song proved to be popular appearing in films such as ‘Not Another Teen Movie’ and ‘Eurotrip’ as well as appearing on the soundtrack for the video game ‘Gran Turismo 3’.
Original/Most Famous Version: Nena
Halestorm- Empire State of Mind: I’ve written quite a bit about Halestorm, I’m a big fan and deserve a wider recognition. Their last album ‘The Strange Case Of…’ was my favourite album of 2012. However it’s not just their own material that impresses. The cover versions that they perform are general stunning. If anyone is in doubt about the talent within the band, need to them a listen. With Lzzy Hale’s voice they really do make songs their own. Lady Gaga’s ‘Bad Romance’, Heart’s ‘All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You’ and Guns ‘n’ Roses’ ‘Outta Get Me’ are all mightily impressive. However it’s their cover of ‘Empire State of Mind’ that is my favourite. Recorded live and acoustically it shows a band at the top of their game. The raw power and range in Lzzy’s voice is bewitching and it sends shivers down my spine every time hear this song. You’ll know exactly what I’m talking about when you give this a listen. They are a band that is really going places.
Original/Most Famous Version: Jay Z & Alicia Keys
Imelda May- Tainted Love: Spoiler alert! This is not the only time this song is appearing on this list. However this version could not be any different from either the original or the other version which you will find below. I’ve included it twice because I love both versions (3 including the original) plus you should know about Imelda May if you don’t already. She is a real talent. Singing a mixture of rockabilly and jazz she has a sound that is very refreshing and different to other music around at the moment. The possible exception is Caro Emerald, but she’s got a slightly different style. Anyway, if you wanted to know what an 80s classic sounded like rockabilly style, give this a listen. It will at the very least get your foot tapping.
Original/Most Famous Version: Soft Cell
Jose Gonzalez-Heartbeats: One of my favourite ever songs, this is another one that is totally different and unrecognisable from the original. It is one of those songs as soon as it comes on I have to turn the volume up. Originally by The Knife, the song appears on Gonzalez’s 2003 album ‘Veneer’. It wasn’t until 2006 that it was released as a single however, and hit the number 9 spot in the UK. It is totally different from the original, with Gonzalez performing his version acoustically compared to the electro version by The Knife. The gentleness of the guitar and vocals is soothing if nothing else, which makes it a great song to chill out to. Of course it helps that gained popularity through the use in Sony TV advert, which is where I first it. I’m glad though because it exposed me to this near perfect piece of music.
Keane- Under Pressure: This song is actually a B-Side to Keane’s 2007 single ‘The Night Sky’. However it proved to be so successful, it was a released a single in its own right. Deciding to cover a song by two of Britain’s best known and best loved artists of all time is a brave move. If there’s one thing Keane have though, its talent and they pull it off brilliantly. Tom Chaplin is one of the most underrated front men around, and having seen Keane live myself, he puts everything into his performances. That can clearly be heard on this track as he’s got a couple of big names to live up to, but if anything he thrives on it. It’s a great cover that would make Freddie Mercury proud.
Lacuna Coil- Enjoy the Silence: A cover of a Depeche Mode classic, Italian rockers Lacuna Coil change the song from 80s New Wave/Synthpop to Gothic rock. Rather surprisingly, the change of sound does the song justice. Rather like Marilyn Manson’s cover of ‘Personal Jesus’, the song seems geared up to have a heavier edge to it. The dark, Evanescence-esaue style actually suits the song really well. It gives the song a moody atmosphere before kicking up a gear during the chorus. Even though there are two vocalists, it is the voice of Cristina Scabbia that dominates the song. This isn’t a bad thing though as she has a fantastic voice. The original might an 80s classic, but it sounds just as good a pounding rock anthem.
Original/Most Famous Version: Depeche Mode
Manic Street Preachers- Umbrella: Covering pop songs is not uncommon, with the likes of Lady Gaga and Adele having their songs covered by an array of rock artists. And it’s not different here, with Welsh veterans Manic Street Preachers cover of Rihanna’s smash hit ‘Umbrella’. Not intended to be a single, the song was released in 2008 and in my opinion it’s a fantastic cover. Where the original is a well-polished pop song, this version a raw and has more a punch to it. James Dean Bradfield’s voice surprisingly suits the song really well and does the song justice. It also helps that the riff at the beginning instantly grabs your attention and makes you want to listen to the rest of the song. I prefer this to the original, but then that’s just me.
Original/Most Famous Version: Rihanna
Marilyn Manson- Tainted Love: Some of you may not be surprised at the inclusion of this given what I said a few songs back. Now I’m not a huge Marilyn Manson fan, but I love this song. Like Imelda May, he’s taken the song, and totally made it his own. It’s totally different from the original, but that angst and attitude that he puts into the song gives a real presence and adds a different dimension to it. Having also covered ‘Personal Jesus’ and ‘Sweet Dreams’, Manson seems to have a thing for the 80s, but he’s done each one justice. The video is also good, but that’s mostly down to Chyler Leigh being in it.
Original/Most Famous Version: Soft Cell
Metallica- Whisky In The Jar: This song is actually a traditional Irish song with its exact origins unknown. It has been covered by many artists since the 1950s. Arguably the most famous is the one by Irish rock band Thin Lizzy released in 1972. However the version I’m concentrating on here, is the version by American metal goliaths Metallica. Appearing on their 1999 album ‘Garage Inc.’, the song won them a Grammy for ‘Best Hard Rock Performance’ in 2000. The song is close to the Thin Lizzy version, but is much heavier and has a distinct “Metallica” element to it. By that I mean you’re in no doubt it’s done by Metallica. James Hetfield’s snarling vocals make sure of that. I’m a big fan of both versions, but when I’m in the mood for something heavy, this wins hands down.
Original/Most Famous Version: Thin Lizzy
Muse- Feeling Good: Earlier I said that Foo Fighters are one of the biggest bands in the world at the moment, well Muse are arguably Britain’s equivalent, although they are far more flamboyant and experimental than their American counterparts. On their 2001 album ‘Origin Of Symmetry’, they included a song that was originally written for the 1964 musical ‘The Roar of the Greasepaint- The Smell of the Crowd’ and later made famous by Nina Simone. The song is of course ‘Feeling Good’ and is one of the most popular Muse and is a massive fan favourite. It’s a bit different from the Nina Simone version, but then you wouldn’t want it sounding exactly the same would you? Yes it’s big and over the top but that’s just typical Muse, and the sense of occasion that it brings to their music is a reason why they’re so popular. In 2010 it was voted the best cover ever on an NME poll ahead of ‘Twist and Shout’ by The Beatles and ‘Hurt’ by Johnny Cash. I don’t think anyone can have any complaints about that.
Original/Most Famous Version: Nina Simone
Pet Shop Boys- Always On My Mind: First recorded in 1972 by Brenda Lee, ‘Always On My Mind’ is originally a country that has since been covered by the likes of Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson and Pet Shop Boys, which is the version I’m going to concentrate on. I’m a big fan of the Pet Shop Boys version; I think it’s a fantastic song. They first performed the song on a show on British TV commemorating the tenth anniversary of Elvis’ death in 1987. The performance was so well received that the duo decided to go ahead and record the song and release it as a single. It went on to spend four weeks at the top of the charts in the UK, and was Christmas number one for that year. It also went to number one in Canada, Germany and Sweden amongst other places, although it only reached number 4 in the US. I can totally understand its popularity as it’s a classic 80s track that has stood the test of time and still sound as good today as would have done back then.
Original/Most Famous Version: Elvis Presley
The Baseballs: ‘Umbrella’ by Rihanna. ‘Hey There Delilah’ by Plain White T’s. ‘Hot n Cold’ by Katy Perry. ‘I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’’ by Scissor Sisters. ‘Angels’ by Robbie Williams. ‘Chasing Cars’ by Snow Patrol. ‘Torn’ by Natalie Imbruglia. Just a small selection of songs that have been given “The Baseballs treatment”. If you are unfamiliar with The Baseballs, basically what they do is take a song and perform it as if Elvis had sung it in the late 50s. It is quite brilliant what they do and the songs sound fantastic with the injection of a rock n roll vibe. Not only is it captivating, but it puts a huge smile on your face. They are a huge amount of fun and an group you should certainly check out.
The Killers- Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town/Moon River: The Killers have performed a lot of cover versions. ‘Shadowplay’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet’ instantly spring to mind. However it’s another song off their album of rarities and B-Sides ,‘Sawdust’, that gets included here. ‘Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town’ is a cover of an old country song and shows perfectly The Killers versatility. Having gone with an 80s sound on both Hot Fuss and Day and Age, and a “Stadium Rock” sound on ‘Sam’s Town’ picking a country song seems a bit out of character. However they nail it, and I love it (I say that about all their songs though to be fair). They really do make it their own, and shows why they are one of the best bands around at the moment. The second song is a cover of the classic ‘Moon River’. Performed live at Hard Rock Calling at Hyde Park in 2011 (I was lucky enough to be there), it is a beautiful cover that was a real surprise in the middle of their set.
Original/Most Famous Version: Kenny Rogers/ Audrey Hepburn
The Lemonheads- Mrs Robinson: This is a little gem. A great song from the 90s, I’ve never heard The Lemonheads do much else, all though they are still touring. Or at least were until recently. Anyway I digress. This a cover of the Simon and Garfunkel classic putting a very Brit Poppy take their song. To be honest, and this might not be popular, I prefer this to the original. Maybe it’s because I’ve listening to this version more, but I think the sound The Lemonheads bring to it suits the song better. Suppose it’s easy to do a good cover when the song is already brilliant in the first place. The hard part is making it your own though, and that’s exactly what they’ve done.
Original/Most Famous Version: Simon and Garfunkel
Volbeat- I Only Want To Be With You/My Body: A heavy metal version of a Dusty Springfield classic? How on earth can that work? Well let me explain; Volbeat covered it. If you are unfamiliar with the Danish metal act, they play, according to their Wiki page, “a fusion of rock n roll, heavy metal, schlager (Google it, I had to) and rockabilly inspired by artists such as Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley.” This is certainly evident as soon as vocalist Michael Poulsen starts singing. They could not have made it any more different from the original, but in doing so they’ve created something really special. Yes it’s loud, but it’s metal it’s meant to be. Metal is a synonym for screamo either. If you can get past the guitars at the beginning, you’ll realise Poulsen has a very strong voice. Still sceptical? Try the second song. Being a cover of Young The Giant’s ‘My Body’ it’s a bit more recent, but equally as good. I’m a big fan of the original, so was interested to here Volbeat’s version. I wasn’t disappointed. They’ve essentially taken it and filled it out slightly giving it a bolder, heavier sound. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it fits their style very well. It can be found on their new album and is likely to win them quite a few new fans.
Original/Most Famous Version: Dusty Springfield/ Young The Giant
Wayward Daughter: I’ve mentioned Wayward Daughter before in a previous blog, and as they first caught my attention performing covers, I thought they deserved another mention. That and they’re a talented duo who I really think you should check out. From Wheatus to Paramore, from Ed Sheeran to The Cranberries and Stereophonics to Jessie J they have covered all sorts and by using YouTube and other social media, they’ve built up a strong fan base already. As I’ve followed them for a while, I’m definitely one of them. Singer Lydia McAllister has a brilliant voice while guitarist Becky east provides a great accompaniment. There’s a real chemistry between the two of them, just two musicians enjoying making music. Their own material is very impressive but check out their cover versions because I think you might just be impressed.
Original/Most Famous Version: Stereophonics/Wheatus/Ed Sheeran
Mariah Carey, one of the greatest RnB artists of all time, co-produced her cover of this melody with Randy Jackson for her ninth studio collection, Charmbracelet. "Bringin' on the Heartbreak" is a pop RnB pop song initially recorded by British rock band Def Leppard. website
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