In the Mood: Take Cover
Image from unsplash by Anthony Delanoix
When it’s done right, a cover song can be better than the original.
I I like to believe that when musicians cover other musicians’ songs, it’s because they are, in some ways, paying homage to the original. There are a ton of covers out there that are less than stellar, some that are exact replicas, and others that take a completely different approach. It was hard to whittle down my list of lovable covers to just ten, but here are some notable songs that stand out.
1. “Landslide”
Smashing Pumpkins
I prefer this version of the song, as opposed to Fleetwood Mac’s original. This is not to say that the original is trash, it’s just that I heard the Smashing Pumpkins version on their album Pisces Iscariot as a teen and instantly fell in love with it. I feel like Billy Corgan brings a more mournful tone to the song than Stevie Nicks, and it makes the lyrics that much more powerful.
2. “Shadowplay”
The Killers
I didn’t grow up listening to Joy Division, so I had no idea that their version of “Shadowplay” even existed. It wasn’t until I was in my late 20s when I heard the OG version. The Killers version doesn’t sound as dark and gloomy, and has more of a pop rock feel to it. Depending on your mood, either version could be fitting.
3. “Stop Me”
Mark Ronson ft. Daniel Merriweather
Mark Ronson’s album Version, which features “Stop Me”, is an entire record of cover songs. It was hard to choose just one cover off of this album because they are all great, but this song is a standout. Originally performed by The Smith’s, Ronson’s version differs by bringing in horns, making the drums have more of a dance vibe, as well as using string instruments for an orchestral sound.
4. “I Will Always Love You”
Whitney Houston
I consider this the ultimate example of a perfect cover song. Whitney Houston borrowed “I Will Always Love You” from Dolly Parton for the movie soundtrack of The Bodyguard. Parton herself has even said that Houston’s version is the best cover of the song that she has ever heard. She was in awe of the way that Houston made this song her own, and I think that that’s how we all feel about this cover.
5. “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”
Guns N’ Roses
It’s kind of strange that Guns N’ Roses would cover such a somber tune since they are mostly known for their blaring rock music, but they did an excellent job covering Bob Dylan’s original. Maybe Axl Rose and the boys were in their feelings when they decided to remake this song. Whatever was going on at the time when they decided to cover this jam, I’m glad that they did.
6. “All Along the Watchtower”
Jimi Hendrix
Another Bob Dylan song, another cover. Dylan was known for his folksy, acoustic guitar music. He was well-respected amongst his peers, so it’s no wonder that Jimi Hendrix would take Dylan’s version of “All Along the Watchtower” and make it his own. With a seething electric guitar, Hendrix took this modest song and made it a classic rock wonder.
7. “Smooth Criminal”
Alien Ant Farm
Maybe a band knows that they need to do an excellent cover song in order to get into the spotlight. That’s what happened when Alien Ant Farm covered Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal”. Sadly (or not), the band didn’t make very many waves with their original music, and are primarily known for this cover. It’s an alternative take on one of Jackson’s most popular pop hits.
8. “I Wanna be Your Lover”
Fenech Soler
Most people would agree that only Prince’s version of “I Wanna be Your Lover” should exist, but we live in a world where, they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Fenech Soler’s version sounds like one you would hear in an indie rom-com with its more subdued sound. They have put their spin on this 80s jam and done it justice.
9. “The District Sleeps Alone Tonight”
Birdy
When I worked in retail, we would usually get music from the corporate office that was of little-known artists, which is where I first heard this version of The Postal Service’s “The District Sleeps Alone Tonight”. I was familiar with the original, so it was interesting to hear a different take on the song. Birdy’s pleading voice brings a melancholy feel to her version of a song that is already sad.
10. “Higher Ground”
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Stevie Wonder’s original is a roadmap for funk with its bumping bass line and keyboards. It’s no wonder that Flea from RHCP could take that original bass line and make it even more funky. It almost feels like “Higher Ground” was made for RHCP to cover it, so they could rock out in their signature style to this 70s hit.