Can covers be better than the original? Whilst it may seem a rare phenomenon, some covers have risen and proven to outshine the inspiration. Kira O'Boyle explores ten covers that have done just this and arguably beaten their originals...
Hounds of Love - The Futureheads
Who knew that a post- punk take on Kate Bush’s baroque pop hit Hounds of Love would be a
crossover we didn't know we needed? The 2005 release of The Futureheads spin on the classic
truly reflects how a cover should be; innovative and unexpected. The single is rich with
harmony, charged rhythms and punk inspired guitars, a song to never go amiss on your indie
playlist, or any playlist for that matter.
The Man Who Sold the World - Nirvana
In 1993, Nirvana took David Bowie’s The Man Who Sold the World and in my opinion, turned it
into one of the best covers to date. The cover performed at their MTV Unplugged in New York
session saw Kurt Cobain perform the powerful lyrics of Bowie’s story with the raw and
emotional force it needed. The stripped down acoustics and percussion saw Nirvana truly
make this song their own grunge masterpiece. Now when this song is mentioned, Nirvana is the
first to come to mind. An iconic cover that has truly left its mark.
Hallelujah - Jeff Buckley
Jeff Buckley’s cover of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah is not only arguably the better version, but is also one of the greatest songs ever. It even placed number 264 in Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Songs
Ever in 2011. Jeff Buckley showcases his extraordinary vocal range, with echoes of his softer
tones transforming into powerful crescendos, his cover is an intimate and haunting experience.
Three years later, Jeff Buckley’s sudden death took the cover to a whole new level of emotion
and became a timepiece for how vulnerable and raw Buckley was within his music.
Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O’Connor
Whilst we are on the lines of covers that we can cry ourselves to sleep to, Sinead O’Connor's
Nothing Compares 2 U proves a far more emotionally chilling song than Prince’s original. Her
performance is nothing short of perfect, and takes us through a journey of deep heartbreak with her achingly beautiful delivery. The cover became a No.1 single in 1990, and has been in and out of the charts since, proving that nothing really does compare to O’Connor's version.
Knockin' On Heavens Door - Gun n' roses
In both Guns n' Roses' live shows and in their 1991 album Use Your Illusion
II, the band prove able to take Bob Dylan's classic track Knockin' on Heaven's Door to a whole new level. The band elevated the song through powerful guitar solos and the raspiness of
Axl Rose’s voice. The song has the chilling power of a stadium filler and indicates the influence
of Guns n' Roses' musical legacy.
All along the watchtower - Jimmy Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix takes Bob Dylan's All Along The Watchtower to a whole different realm.
Instrumentally, Hendrix’s superpowers on the guitar and his electrifying guitar solos infiltrated and dominated rock culture of the 1960s. When you think of Hendrix, you instantly think of this song.
Smooth criminal - Alien Ant Farm
Most may not be in favour of this version over its original, but Alien Ant Farm’s 2001 rendition of
Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal deserves a whole lot of recognition. The cover doesn't take
itself too seriously, however it still remained a respectful homage to the work and craft of Mr
Jackson himself. The band managed to transform the song into a unique rock classic, utilising
elements of the original and giving it a more energetic and heavier feel. The music video
captured iconic snippets of Michael Jackson's legacy and was a catalyst for Alien Ant Farm's
success. The cover apparently even got the nod of approval from Jackson himself, and their
brilliantly thought-out cover still remains their most listened song on Spotify.
I will always love you - Whitney Houston
Now this is a cover that I didn't even realise was a cover until very late on in my life. Houston's version of Dolly Parton’s I Will Always Love You for the hit 1992 film The Bodyguard
has surpassed the original completely. Houston delivers the song with unbelievable vocal range
and has become the forefront for all break up, heartbreak and karaoke needs. Anyone can see
why the cover has become one of the best pop singles in history.
Tainted Love - Soft Cell
Soft Cell’s Tainted Love is another timeless track that is hard to comprehend is not an original.
Originally by Gloria Jones in 1965, Soft Cell infused their 1985 version with synthesisers,
electronic pop and evocative storytelling through the vocals of Marc Almond, which projected
the song into global success. The song may not be theirs, but they truly made it what it is today.
Torn - Natalie Imbruglia
Pop covers often get a bad reputation for being too cheesy, however Natalie Imbruglia’s
cover of Torn, released in 1997, truly captures the nostalgia of 90s pop music. Imbruglia’s
version brought the song rose to fame, rocketing to number two in the UK single charts upon its release. The track proves that covers do not always need to be dramatic and innovative and that a simple pop version is sometimes all that is required to make a song work.
Kira O'Boyle
Edited by Alice Beard
Cover Image courtesy of Jeff Buckley on Facebook, All Videos via respective artists from their official Youtube channels
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