Editors Note: Once again I originally wrote this post many years ago. I don’t know that I would pick these same songs were I to pick my favorite cover songs now. But these are all good choices. I haven’t thought about some of these songs in years, so this was a fun stroll down memory lane.
Top 10 Cover Songs
A few rules. To be a cover song the song could not have been written specifically for that artist. Therefore the Monkees “I’m a Believer” will not work because Neil Diamond wrote it for their TV show. Likewise, Neil Diamond’s version of that song doesn’t count even though many think of it as a cover, because well, he wrote it. To count for my list the cover has to be of an already generally known song. So Jimmy Hendrix’s version of “Hey Joe” doesn’t count. Because there’s a dispute over who actually wrote the song and whoever heard the versions by any of those guys?
1. Satisfaction by Otis Redding.
Original by the Rolling Stones
Many people consider the Devo version to be a much better cover, and I totally dig it too, but Otis just blows it away. He’s got that killer Otis soul, jumping rhythm and even horns! Keith Richards has been quoted as saying the Otis version is how he meant the song to sound.
2. All Along the Watchtower by Jimi Hendrix.
Original by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan himself changed his way of playing this song after he heard Hendrix
3. I Will by Alison Krauss.
Original by the Beatles
We played this song at our wedding. It’s a beautiful McCartney number slowed down, and sung even more beautifully by Ms. Krauss.
4. Sweet Jane by Cowboy Junkies.
Original by the Velvet Underground
I actually prefer Lou Reed’s solo live versions of this song more than the original Velvet Underground’s studio recording. But the Junkies make what is a rowdy, dirty rock and roller into a softer, peaceful lullaby.
5. Not Fade Away by the Grateful Dead.
Original by Buddy Holly
Buddy Holly’s sweet rockabilly tune is turned on its head by the masters of jam. Often the Dead would churn this tune into a grinding 15-minute spectacle.
6. RESPECT by Aretha Franklin
Original by Otis Redding
Aretha gets back at Otis here. Otis does some amazing vocals on his version, but Aretha takes it a step further and nails it on its head.
7. Cold, Cold Heart by Norah Jones
Original by Hank Williams
Norah turns this forlorn country song into a sultry, sexy croon.
8. Stardust by Willie Nelson.
Original by Hoagy Carmichael
Transforming a huge big band tune into its most simplistic melody Willie Nelson makes this song his own.
09. Bizarre Love Triangle by Frente
Original by New Order
The orignal was a big dance hit, but Frente break it down into a beautiful acoustic number.
10. Hurt by Johnny Cash
Original by Nine Inch Nails
The heartbreaking video adds a lot of texture to this version but in the end, it’s Johnny Cash’s voice that brings out more meaning into this song than ever meant by Trent Reznor.
There are certainly many more great covers out there that I thought of and didn’t think of that could have been included. I tried to pick songs that followed my mentioned rules and that broke away from the original. For instance, I think the harmonies on CSN’s version of “Blackbird” elevate it far above the Beatles version, however, they didn’t make it a different song and thus it wasn’t included. Got covers, not on my list? Comment them!
I would add, Turn! Turn! Turn! from The Byrds or perhaps Mr. Tambourine Man. Both, I think, are Bob Dylan’s originally.
Good choices, but I’m just not a huge Byrds fan. I dig their Sweethearts of the Rodeo album and that’s about all. There were lots of Dylan covers to think about.
So, Tina Turner released What’s Love Got to do With It? first, but The Webber Sisters make What Love Got to do With It? their own (spelling purposeful) and blow Tina’s version out of the water. I’d be happy to send you either/both the 7″ and album versions. Positive.
I’d love to hear that if you want to send me a copy.
Mat, Will do, but can’t attach to this address. Give me an email that I can send attachments to. Positive, R
Oops, figured it out. 12″ first, enjoy . . . .Â
What e-mail did you send it to because I’m not seeing it.
Should be good now.
I’m still not seeing it. Can you send it to brewcritic@gmail.com ?
And album. So, top 10 concerts attended, top 20 songs (no more than 2 per artist) if you are making lists.
Van Morrison gets my vote for his cover of Tommy Edwards’ “It’s All in the Game.” And I will send a vote to Janis for her cover of Kris Kristofferson’s “Me & Bobby McGee.” Love your choices!
I always forget that It’s All In the Game isn’t a Van original. Great song.
Didn’t Kris write Bobby McGee specifically for Janis? I thought I read that somewhere.
Your question sent me to Google. Looks like both Roger Miller and Kenny Rogers recorded the song first in 1969. Gordon Lightfoot also recorded it in 1969. Kristofferson recorded it in 1970. He played the song to Joplin– and later Bob Neuwirth taught it to her. Kristofferson did not know she had recorded it until Pearl came out shortly after she had died. All of this was new to me– and I thought it interesting enough to share with you.
That is interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Annie Lennox – A Whiter Shade of Pale