My recent post on Glee covers got me to thinking about music covers in general. I’m pretty brutal about covers; I hate it when someone covers a song and it’s horrible. But, there are a lot of cool song covers out there, too. Some of them are crazy good – and some fans claim that a few of them are even better than the original versions. I don’t know if I’d go that far … although some of these are pretty good.
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“Hallelujah,” by Jeff Buckley
As a matter of fact, Jeff Buckley’s take on Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is not just a cool song cover, it’s not just my favorite, I think it may also be one of the best covers done of any song, ever. I still mourn the death of Jeff Buckley, and consider Grace one of the best albums ever. His plaintive, passionate voice on this song, especially, gets me through any number of feelings and situations.
Jeff Buckley's version of "Hallelujah" is widely considered one of the best covers of any song ever. His rendition of the Leonard Cohen classic was recorded for his 1994 album, Grace, and has since been covered by numerous artists. Buckley's passionate and emotive voice has made the song an enduring favorite among fans of his work, and it continues to be a source of comfort and solace for many. Jeff Buckley tragically died in 1997, but his legacy lives on through his music. His version of "Hallelujah" is a testament to his talent and artistry, and it will continue to be cherished for years to come.
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“Wonderwall,” by Ryan Adams
Okay. During some of my most formative years, Oasis was crazy popular and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? was constantly on repeat. Constantly. It’s kind of a shame those were my formative years, because although I love Oasis, they will infect you with penchants for melodrama if you listen to them when you’re fourteen. Anyway, I’m thus picky about Oasis covers, but Ryan Adams hit this beautifully and made it totally his own.
"Wonderwall" is a classic song by the British rock band Oasis. Ryan Adams' cover of the song is a beautiful rendition that captures the emotion of the original while making it his own. Adams' version is a slower, more melancholic version of the song, with a piano accompaniment that adds to the atmosphere. This cover has become a fan favorite and has been featured in various films and TV shows. It has also been covered by other artists, including Ed Sheeran and Paramore. Adams' version of "Wonderwall" is a great example of how to successfully cover a classic song and make it your own.
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“with a Little Help from My Friends,” by Joe Cocker
I love the Beatles, right? It’s well-nigh impossible, in my opinion, to improve on one of their originals – but Joe Crocker did it. His version of this song is hands down way better – but look. I admit that my opinion could be skewed and biased, since I first heard this song on The Wonder Years and was hopelessly in love with Fred Savage.
Joe Cocker's version of the Beatles' classic "With a Little Help from My Friends" is a timeless cover that has become a fan favorite. Released in 1968, it quickly became a hit and is often cited as one of the best cover songs of all time. Cocker's soulful vocals and unique interpretation of the song have made it a classic, and it has been featured in numerous films and television shows, such as The Wonder Years. The song has also been covered by a variety of other artists, including Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and even the Muppets.
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“All along the Watchtower,” by Jimi Hendrix
It’s hard to get better than Bob Dylan, though, especially if you’re a hardcore fan. So you guys will have to forgive me, because I love Jimi’s version so much better. It’s so iconic you can forget to listen for the subtle nuances and feelings in his voice, but if you take the time to reacquaint yourself, you definitely won’t be disappointed.
Jimi Hendrix's version of "All Along the Watchtower" is one of the most iconic covers of Bob Dylan's original. His unique style and sound make it stand out from the original. Hendrix's version adds a bluesy, psychedelic feel to the song, with heavy guitar riffs and wailing vocals. The song was released in 1968 on the album Electric Ladyland, and has since been covered by countless other artists. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, and Rolling Stone magazine ranked it number 47 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Hendrix's version of "All Along the Watchtower" is a timeless classic, and a must-listen for any fan of classic rock.
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“Bad Romance,” by 30 Seconds to Mars
I like Lady Gaga a lot. I don’t love her unabashedly, but I like her – and “Bad Romance” is one of the reasons I love her. So, little monsters, believe me when I say that it’s a big deal that I think this is a cool song cover. You have to be good to do Gaga – and Jared Leto is good. I love his acting, but I hope he stays in this band forever. 30 Seconds to Mars has great original material, no question, but Leto’s voice on this song is just really delicious.
30 Seconds to Mars, a rock band led by Jared Leto, has released a cover of Lady Gaga's hit single "Bad Romance." Leto's vocal performance has been praised for its depth and emotion, and the cover has been met with enthusiasm from both Lady Gaga's fanbase and 30 Seconds to Mars' fans. The band has released four studio albums over the years, and they have achieved success both commercially and critically. Leto is also an accomplished actor, having won an Academy Award for his performance in Dallas Buyers Club. He has starred in a variety of films, including Blade Runner 2049 and Suicide Squad. With their cover of "Bad Romance," 30 Seconds to Mars has demonstrated their versatility and skill as musicians.
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Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
“Last Kiss,” by Pearl Jam
I’ve loved this cover since the first time I heard it. It takes talented musicians and singers to improve on classic oldies, and Eddie Vedder did so. This song has been covered numerous times, but this version is my favorite – and the true story behind the song is still heartbreaking.
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“Strawberry Fields Forever,” by Ben Harper
Like say, it takes a lot to live up to the Beatles. There are some folks who say Ben Harper even improved on the original. I don’t know about that, because I loved the OG version, but this one does get to me. I had to listen to it a few times to really start liking it, but once I did, I was hooked. It’s also interesting to hear this psychedelic song in a modern voice.
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“Smooth Criminal,” by Alien Ant Farm
Yeah, okay. This is more than just a cool cover song. It’s the coolest cover song ever. I love this version, and it’s weird, but I can’t help it. I especially love that chorus, and the video always cracks me up. Sorry, MJ.
These are by no means the only cool song covers out there, though. There are tons more, these are just the ones I like. I actually couldn’t pick a favorite for often-covered songs like “Time after Time,” by Cyndi Lauper, and “Paint It Black,” by the Stones. What are some of your favorite song covers?
Top Photo Credit: www.AllisonNewbold.com
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