The Greatest Song Covers Of All Time
Every so often, a cover song doesn’t just pay tribute—it blows the original right out of the water. From iconic reinventions to complete genre makeovers, these artists took existing tracks and turned them into definitive versions. Some of these covers are so legendary that most listeners don’t even know they’re not originals. Let’s dive into 20 of the greatest cover songs that became bigger, bolder, and downright better than the first versions.
All Along The Watchtower – Jimi Hendrix (Originally By Bob Dylan)
Bob Dylan’s original 1967 version is haunting, but it’s Jimi Hendrix who lit the match and set the song on fire. His electrifying guitar riffs and psychedelic spin transformed it into a rock masterpiece, so much so that Dylan himself admitted Hendrix owned it from then on.
Jimi Hendrix - All Along the Watchtower - Live Atlanta 7-4-70 - GUITAR only, idunopicksomething
Respect – Aretha Franklin (Originally By Otis Redding)
Otis Redding’s version was a heartfelt plea, but Aretha Franklin turned it into a bold anthem of power and independence. With that unforgettable “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” spelling and a commanding vocal, she completely redefined the song—and gave the world one of the most empowering hits of all time.
Aretha Franklin - Respect, Aretha Franklin
Hurt – Johnny Cash (Originally By Nine Inch Nails)
Trent Reznor’s original was powerful, but Johnny Cash’s stripped-down cover turned it into something devastatingly human. Backed by nothing but a simple guitar and his weathered voice, Cash transformed “Hurt” into a haunting farewell that left Reznor speechless and the world heartbroken.
Johnny Cash - Hurt, Johnny Cash
I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston (Originally By Dolly Parton)
Dolly Parton’s original country ballad was tender and sweet, but Whitney Houston elevated it to a whole new universe. With those soaring vocals in The Bodyguard, she turned the song into a breathtaking power ballad that shattered charts and hearts worldwide.
Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You (Official 4K Video), Whitney Houston
Tainted Love – Soft Cell (Originally By Gloria Jones)
Gloria Jones’ 1965 track had soul, but Soft Cell’s 1981 synth-driven version gave it new life on the dance floor. With its icy beats and moody delivery, the cover became a New Wave classic and a global anthem for restless, lovesick nights.
Soft Cell - Tainted Love (Official Music Video), Soft Cell
Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley (Originally By Leonard Cohen)
Leonard Cohen’s poetic original set the stage, but Jeff Buckley’s interpretation gave “Hallelujah” a haunting fragility that felt almost spiritual. His ethereal vocals turned the song into the definitive version—one so moving that it’s become the gold standard for emotional covers.
Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah (Live) | Live in Chicago | Front Row Music, Front Row Music
Nothing Compares 2 U – Sinéad O’Connor (Originally By The Family/Prince)
Prince may have written it, but Sinéad O’Connor’s raw, tear-streaked performance made it eternal. Her 1990 rendition, paired with a stark close-up music video, became an anthem for heartbreak and loss—and one of the greatest breakup songs ever recorded.
Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U (Official Music Video) [HD], Sinead O'Connor
The Man Who Sold The World – Nirvana (Originally By David Bowie)
David Bowie’s version was cool and eerie, but Nirvana’s stripped-down MTV Unplugged performance made it unforgettable. Kurt Cobain’s ghostly delivery gave the track an entirely new edge, making it one of the most haunting covers of the 1990s.
Nirvana - The Man Who Sold The World (MTV Unplugged), Nirvana
Twist And Shout – The Beatles (Originally By The Isley Brothers)
The Isley Brothers’ version was soulful and smooth, but The Beatles cranked the energy up to eleven. John Lennon shredded his voice on the now-legendary recording, and in just one take they created one of the most explosive early rock tracks of all time.
The Beatles - Twist And Shout [Come To Town, ABC Cinema, Manchester, United Kingdom], HDBeatles
Valerie – Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse (Originally By The Zutons)
The Zutons had a catchy indie track, but Amy Winehouse’s smoky vocals paired with Mark Ronson’s retro production turned it into pure magic. Fun, soulful, and endlessly replayable, their version is the one everyone sings at karaoke nights.
Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse - Valerie (Official Video), Mark Ronson
With A Little Help From My Friends – Joe Cocker (Originally By The Beatles)
The Beatles’ version was cheeky and sweet, but Joe Cocker’s cover added grit, blues, and raw emotion. His gravelly vocals made the song larger-than-life, so much so that it became iconic as the theme for The Wonder Years.
Joe Cocker - With A Little Help From My Friends (From Live in Berlin), GIGS
Proud Mary – Ike & Tina Turner (Originally By Creedence Clearwater Revival)
CCR’s swampy original had charm, but Tina Turner turned “Proud Mary” into a powerhouse. With her fiery vocals and explosive stage energy, she transformed it into a high-octane anthem that became one of her defining performances.
Proud Mary - Ike and Tina Turner | The Midnight Special, The Midnight Special
Mad World – Gary Jules (Originally By Tears For Fears)
Tears for Fears gave “Mad World” an upbeat synth-pop feel, but Gary Jules stripped it down to its raw core. His haunting piano ballad, made famous in Donnie Darko, turned the track into something achingly beautiful and timeless.
Gary Jules - Mad World (20th Anniversary) Official Live Video, Gary Jules Official
Always On My Mind – Pet Shop Boys (Originally By Brenda Lee/Elvis Presley/Willie Nelson)
The song had already passed through legendary hands, but the Pet Shop Boys reimagined it as a dance-floor anthem. Their 1987 synth-heavy version gave the track an unexpected new life, turning heartbreak into an oddly joyful groove.
Pet Shop Boys - Always on my mind (Official Video) [4k Upgrade], Pet Shop Boys
Black Magic Woman – Santana (Originally By Fleetwood Mac)
Fleetwood Mac’s original was steeped in blues, but Santana infused it with fiery Latin guitar and hypnotic rhythms. The result? A 1970s rock staple that most people don’t even realize wasn’t written by Santana himself.
Santana - Black Magic Woman (Santana IV), GIGS
I Fought The Law – The Clash (Originally By The Crickets/Bobby Fuller Four)
Bobby Fuller’s ’60s version was catchy, but The Clash brought it to the punk revolution. Their snarling, defiant take turned “I Fought The Law” into a gritty anthem that captured the spirit of rebellion better than ever before.
The Clash • I Fought the Law • Live at the Lyceum • 28 December 1978, Nacho Video
The Sound Of Silence – Disturbed (Originally By Simon & Garfunkel)
Simon & Garfunkel’s gentle folk ballad was iconic, but Disturbed’s cover gave it terrifying new weight. David Draiman’s thunderous vocals transformed it into a brooding, cinematic powerhouse that felt like the end of the world in song form.
Disturbed - The Sound Of Silence (Official Music Video) [4K UPGRADE], Disturbed
Girls Just Want To Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper (Originally By Robert Hazard)
Robert Hazard’s original was sung from a man’s perspective, but Cyndi Lauper completely flipped the script. With her quirky style and joyful energy, she made it a colorful feminist anthem—and one of the most fun pop songs ever recorded.
Cyndi Lauper Girls Just Want To Have Fun 1983 HD 16:9, RETROVISOR
Torn – Natalie Imbruglia (Originally By Ednaswap)
Ednaswap’s grunge-inspired version faded into obscurity, but Natalie Imbruglia’s emotional 1997 pop ballad conquered the airwaves. Her vulnerable delivery made “Torn” an instant classic, still beloved on radio and playlists decades later.
Natalie Imbruglia - Torn (Official Video), Natalie Imbruglia
I Love Rock ’n’ Roll – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts (Originally By The Arrows)
The Arrows may have written it, but Joan Jett gave it swagger. With snarling vocals and leather-jacket attitude, she turned “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll” into a stadium anthem—and one of the most iconic rock songs of the ’80s.
What's Your Favorite Cover Ever?
Covers can be risky, but when they work, they redefine history. From Hendrix’s mind-bending guitar heroics to Whitney’s earth-shattering vocals, these artists didn’t just reinterpret songs—they owned them. These covers prove that sometimes the second draft isn’t just better—it’s legendary. So the next time someone says “the original is always best,” just hand them this list and let the music speak for itself.
Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You (Official 4K Video), Whitney Houston
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