I know there are literally thousands of awesome cover songs out there, but these are a few that really stick out in my mind. This guide will remind you of your favorites or possibly show you a couple of new covers. I'll update when I come across a new one or remember an old favorite. What's your favorite cover song? Wait for the guide of Worst Cover Songs coming soon. Mix tape anyone?
Cinnamon Girl
The original, by the godly Neil Young, was released in 1969. Then, in 1996, the Replicants released a complete album of cover songs that I will vote as the best cover album ever. Their cover of Cinnamon Girl totally rocks. But check out the entire album.
Superstar
Sonic Youth’s version, from 2004, was heard the world over on the soundtrack for Juno, but the Carpenters really are the only ones who can do the song the justice it deserves, when they first released it in 1971. Sonic Youth gets mad props for their version.
The Carpenters.
I Will Survive
The ultimate Karaoke song, right? Gloria Gaynor made this a disco favorite in 1978, and then Cake made it the 20th century favorite in 1996. I love Cake. It’s also delicious.
I Fought the Law
And the law won. Way before I was ever born, the Crickets sang this song in 1961. Then, The Clash made it their own in 1978. I think the clash pretty much owns it.
Jolene
Don’t ge me wrong, I don’t think anyone can sing Jolene the way Ms. Dolly Parton does, but when the White Stripes covered it in 2004, after the original was recorded in 1974, you just have to give credit where credit is due. The originality of their cover is awesome.
Leonard Cohen…genius and wearer of short shorts.
Sea of Love
The true original, released in 1959 and written by Phil Phillips, has been covered numerous times, but my favorite is the most recent by Cat Power (2007). This is from another one of her cover albums….she’s pretty awesome.
Seriously, I don’t think everyone knew Prince(1984) even wrote this when Sinead O’Connor came out with her version in 1990. I cried and cried and it was the best break-up song ever.
Wonderwall
I actually get a little annoyed each time I hear Oasis’ original from 1995. It’s a bit whiney. But let Mr. Ryan Adams have a stab at it(2004), and I am in love.
1485 South Colorado Boulevard Suite 210, Denver, CO 80222
Just Like Heaven
Is this one of the best songs ever? When the Cure released it in ,gasp, 1987, it became their most popular single to date. Then, Dinosaur Jr. covered it in 1989 and this version is so amazing and different than the original, it’s a must hear.
One of my favorite soundtracks….great artists, and of course Sonic Youth covering the Carpenters.
Higher Ground
I think I heard the Red Hot Chili Pepper’s version in 1989 before I even heard the original by Stevie Wonder (I love you Stevie) from 1973. I am a strong supporter of the original now, but the Chili Peppers did a great job, and they deserve their kudos.
Hazy Shade of Winter
This brings me back to middle school gym class because we had to do a group dance, and we chose this song by the Bangles, from 1987. Come one….it was awesome and you know it. Simon and Garfunkel made it a favorite in 1968.
The Clash
Hallelujah
Not only was the original(1985) sung by one of my favorite artists of all time, Leonard Cohen, but my boyfriend Jeff Buckley covered it in 1994 and I still get teary when I listen. Jeff Buckley’s version is angelic.
Jeff Buckley
Me and Bobby McGee
Kris Kristoferson may have done the original(1970), but Janis Joplin pretty much made it her own in 1971, and I think people are ok with that.
Tainted Love
So, I didn’t know this song first came out in 1964 and was sung by a woman named Gloria Jones. I think Soft Cell’s 1981 version was an 80’s icon and still is one of those songs that puts you back a few decades. Love it.
Crazy
It was possibly a couple of months between Gnarls Barkley’s 2007 release and the Kooks 2007 cover, but I love the Kooks version (because a British accent is so sexy.)
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