Top 10 Cover Versions of Songs

The cover song is an institution of popular music, as musicians take influence from one another- from time to time they will deem it necessary to perform each other’s work in tribute. Whether it is a direct translation or a completely revamped and hardly recognisable adaptation, a cover may only fall into one of two categories- great or terrible.

10. Solitary Man – HIM

Like several of the songs on this list, ‘Solitary Man’ has been covered by a wide variety of musicians and bands over the years. Originally composed by Neil Diamond in the 1960’s, the hit single was released on 7-inch on April 4^th 1966. Helsinki based rock band ‘HIM’ released their highly praised cover of the classic as one of two bonus tracks on 2004’s ‘And Love Said No: Greatest Hits 1997-2004’.

9. Smooth Criminal – Alien Ant Farm

Released as the lead single from the Californian bands debut album ‘Anthology’ in 2001, ‘Smooth Criminal’ not only announced Alien Ant Farm to the world but turned the metal community onto the work of Michael Jackson. Originally released by Jackson in October 1988, the song soon became a hit as a result of its progressive and intricate synth and bass patterns- attributes which made it perfect to be covered in such a manner.

8. Whiskey in the Jar – Thin Lizzy

This song began its life several centuries ago as part of the rich tapestry that it is native Irish folklore. Having been interpreted many times since the dawn of recorded music by musicians of all calibres and creeds (well, mostly Celtic Irish), this is the version that sits the most comfortably with me. Though the Dubliners version may stay true to the folk themes upon which the song was crafted and Metallica’s forever be a party classic- Thin Lizzy added the character needed to keep the ditty relevant at the time.

7. Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley

Originally released by Leonard Cohen in 1984, Hallelujah has been interpreted by many others since- probably due to its unmistakable beauty. Tragic (yet exceptionally gifted) singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley recorded his monumentally famous cover version of the song as part of his one and only completed full length album ‘Grace’, which was released in 1994. To this day Buckley’s version is often mistaken as the original piece, its fame being aided by the covers inclusion on many prestigious top song lists by the likes of Rolling Stone and Time magazine.

6. Down with the Sickness – Richard Cheese

Garnering much notoriety as a result of its inclusion in Zack Snyder’s 2004 remake of zombie classic ‘Dawn of the Dead’, this quirky lounge style interpretation of the 2000 original by nu-metal giants Disturbed is packed with backhanded satire and musical mastery in equal measure.  Originally released as the lead single on the Chicago band’s debut full length ‘The Sickness’, the song stands to this day as one their most popular. Known for his countless covers of hard rock and metal songs, Richard Cheese released his cover of the song as part of 2002’s ‘Tuxicity’.
 

5. Valerie – Amy Winehouse

One of the late jazz crooners most favoured and remembered releases, Valerie was written originally by Liverpool indie rock group ‘The Zutons’ and released as a single in the summer of 2006. The track did fairly well, charting at number 9 in the UK and playlisting the band at radio stations worldwide. The next year however, riding high on the success of her now seminal debut ‘Back to Black’, Amy Winehouse entered the studio with super producer Mark Ronson to record a cover of the track which has since surpassed the original in most ways possible. Bummer for The Zutons.

4. Hurt – Johnny Cash

We all know that Johnny was far from shy when it came to cover versions- especially towards the end of his career, the country legend would commonly interpret popular rock songs of the time in his own iconic manner. This song, first released by American industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails in 1994, was covered by Cash in 2002 on what was to be his last ever release. Transforming the track from brooding and mystical into a straightforward heartbreak ballad, the accompanying video shows an elderly JC coming to terms with his turbulent life. It’s all very emotional.

3. Jolene – The White Stripes

I am firm believer that most, if not all things graced by the touch of Jack White soon turn to gold. This country and western classic is no exception. Originally released by Dolly Parton as part of the 1974 album to which to song lends its name, Jolene helped cement the Tennessee native as a real player within the scene. Covered many times since the 70’s, this live version released as a single by The White Stripes is a particular favourite of mine. Recorded as part of the duos infamous ‘Under Blackpool Lights’ DVD/CD in 2004- the version went on to breach the UK top 20 singles chart upon its release.

2. Higher Ground – Red Hot Chili Peppers

Funk godfather Stevie Wonder first recorded this song as part of his seminal 1973 album ‘Innervisions’, by way of its undeniable catchiness and raunch the track was a huge success- particularly in the US where it reached number 1 in the soul singles chart. Making the transition into the new school in 1989, the Chili’s powerful interpretation of the classic featured on their fourth (and perhaps most celebrated) album ‘Mothers Milk’. The version has gone on to keep a place in the bands live arsenal to this day, as well as being featured in ridiculous amounts of movies and the like.

1. All Along the Watchtower – Jimi Hendrix

Released as part of the ‘Electric Ladyland’ album by The Jimi Hendrix Experience a mere 6 or so months after Bob Dylan recorded the original version, All Along the Watchtower remains one of Hendrix’s most prominent works. Arguably achieving a lot more success than Dylan’s original, the revamped psychedelic swing given to the track by Jimi and his band helped it go on to chart highly worldwide in the latter half of 1968. Often voted as the greatest cover version of all time, I fear I’m under qualified to claim otherwise.