Best Cover Songs Of All Time: TOP 15 Hits
It’s not unusual for musicians to make cover songs on others’ music. Sometimes artists just want to put a slightly different spin on someone eles’s song. That in itself can be interesting enough, as we get to hear our favorite bands and singers perform famous hits, which we also might like.
But sometimes we get covers that completely change how the original sounds and feels. In exceptional cases music fans even prefer such covers to the original. Is it fair to say that some covers are better than the originals? It all depends on each specific song.
With time we have seen so many re-imagined versions. Literally thousands. Only a few do really stand out though. And even fewer make history and become iconic. But the ones that do… Oh, these hits are definitely worth checking. This is the reason I created this list. I want to highlight the absolute best music for you.
This is the chart of the Greatest cover songs of All time. Only the best got a spot on the list. How about covers of pop songs by rock bands? Or rock songs performed by pop artists? It’s always interesting to hear the original song played in a totally different genre. By the way, the songs are in no particular order, so just enjoy them as you wish.
1. Daughtry – Separate Ways (ft. Lzzy Hale)
The original is by Journey, a mega popular band from the 80s. The cover is done by Daughtry and Lzzy Hale. These two talented artists did not hold back and made the song heavier and more Rock sounding. The duet is absolutely wonderful. The energy is super high, and they compliment each other so well. They definitely made the original justice and so much more. For some reason when rock bands and singers cover songs from other genres, they often do an amazing job.
2. Johnny Cash – Hurt
The original is written by Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails, and was released on their 1994 album Downward Spiral. Then in 2002 Johnny Cash made the cover and what a cover is was. Not many people even know that his version is not an original song. He made it his masterpiece. He changed the way that music piece is perceived. It is heavy, it is heartbreaking, it is emotional… Together with the official video it is an experience you gotta have.
3. Disturbed – The Sound Of Silence
The Sound of Silence is an original song by the American music-duo Simon & Garfunkel and written by Paul Simon. The duo recorded it in 1964. It became a very popular hit and never lost its charm over the years. Then in 2015 metal band Disturbed made a cover. Needless to say it was a superb re-imagination of the song and became an instant hit. While it does pay a homage to the original the Disturbed rock version is its own masterpiece. The songs has almost 1 Billion views on YouTube.
4. Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah
The original song was written and composed by Leonard Cohen in 1984. Hallelujah is one of the most often covered songs (over 300 times). Even if you are not into music, or you don’t know who Leonard Cohen is, the chances are you have heard this song. Or at least one of its versions. It has been played on so many TV shows, movies, radios etc. But among all the covers, one does stand out in particular. The version by Jeff Buckley. The way he plays and sings it. Jeff brings in something special, something magical. Listen for yourself.
5. Chris Cornell – Billie Jean
The original “Billie Jean” is a song by Michael Jackson, released in 1983. One of his biggest hits, the song has always been popular. Then in 2007 American rock musician Chris Cornell recorded his own version. He changed the composition musically but kept the words. The result is one of the best cover songs you can find. Chris made this a completely different song. It’s rare when the new version so damn good that you don’t think of the original when listening to it. But this is the case with Chris and how he performed it.
6. Creedence Clearwater Revival – I Put a Spell on You
Another song that has became a classic. Many prominent artists covered it, including Annie Lennox, Nina Simone and overs. But Creedence Clearwater Revival were the ones who put it on a different level. Their version is so fluid and groovy, it has so much power. Both John Fogerty vocals and the bands instruments. It is one of the best rock songs period.
7. Seether – Careless Whisper
The original song “Careless Whisper” was recorded by British singer George Michael back in 1984. Since then it has been covered heavily. But the version made by rock band Seether is something else. It preserves the original motive but adds an elegant yet rich rock sound. Shaun Morgan has a perfect voice for this cover. An easy pick for any rock playlist. You just wanna hear it one more time. Each time.
8. HIM – Wicked Game
“Wicked Game” by musician Chris Isaak is often considered one of the most influential love songs of modern times. Mostly because it was covered and used in movies so many times. Yet the best cover was released by Finnish gothic rock band HIM. It is one of the most successful covers of a pop song by a rock band to this day. Right from the start we are blasted (in a good way) by a great guitar sound and then the energy is matched by Ville Valo’s voice. If you never heard the original you wouldn’t think it is not HIM’s original.
9. Alien Ant Farm – Smooth Criminal
Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson is one of his greatest hits. It’s always difficult to cover such a successful song. Unless you do what Alien Ant Farm did in 2001 with their version of the “Smooth Criminal”. The cover became #1 single in Australia, #4 in New Zealand, a #3 single in the UK, and #1 on the US Modern Rock charts. It does not make you think of the original when you listen to it. Which is the biggest sign of a great cover. Instead their version is a wonderful stand alone energetic hit you want to have on repeat.
10. Seether – I’ve Got You Under My Skin
“I’ve Got You Under My Skin” was first performed in 1936. Hundreds of artists released their versions since then. The main popularity of the song came with Frank Sinatra’s take on it. But the cover that simply can’t be ignored is by Seether. And yes, this is the second song by Seether that got a spot on this list. Seems like the South Africa rockers have a special gift for music covers. This time they took the original song and made such an incredible version, that you can’t help but listen to it over and over again.
11. Nonpoint – In The Air Tonight
“In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins is a very well known song. So when a nu metal band Nonpoint covered it in 2004 it did raise an eyebrow among fans of the original. Well it should have raised both eyebrows. From being in awe of how great the cover sounds. Nonpoint did a fantastic job by playing the song in a different genre.
12. You+Me – No Ordinary Love
When you got two amazing solo artists and singers like Alecia Moore (Pink) and Dallas Green (City and Colour) team up, you kinda know that the music is going to be great. And great it is. The debut album by You+Me features a cover of “No Ordinary Love” (originally by Sade). That version of the song turned out to be simply superb. The harmony this two have is something you must hear. One of the most beautiful covers ever.
13. Calum Scott – Dancing On My Own
It’s fascinating how two separate artists can sing the same song and make it so wildly different. Both in how it sound and how it feels. “Dancing On My Own” was originally performed by Robyn in 2010. It was a big hit for the singer and her electro-pop version earned a lot of attention. The way Calum Scott covered that song 5 years later made is sound like a totally new composition. It is a soulful re-imagination that gives a listener a completely different hit to enjoy.
14. Anberlin – Love Song
“Love Song” by The Cure is a very popular song. An iconic band and one of their main hits. So if you are going to cover such a song, you better do a good job. Rock band Anberlin did more than a good job. They did a fantastic job. Their version is amazing. And again we have a a case of a group from a different music genre re imagine a famous hit and make it sound like their own. Well it’s a win win for us music fans as we get to enjoy more versions of a great song.
15. Nirvana – The Man Who Sold The World
David Bowie needs no introduction. Being a singer, a songwriter, an actor he was well known figure. Yet it was the cover of his song by Nirvana that brought the track it’s spike in popularity. When Nirvana played their version of “The Man Who Sold The World” during the MTV Unplugged appearance. it was an insta hit. It feels like Kurt Cobain’s performance perfectly delivered the darker tone of the composition. Nirvana’s version is one of the best covers you will ever listen.