Great cover songs that reinvent, reimagine, and sometimes completely transform the original.
The only thing better than a song you love is hearing how a different artist interprets it. My husband collects covers, and I’ve shamelessly raided his list for some of my favorites.
Want to skip straight to the music? Here’s the complete playlist. I’ll keep adding new discoveries as I find them.
Hurt – Johnny Cash
Trent Reznor’s original is raw and tortured. In Cash’s hands, the same song becomes something altogether different: an aging man looking back at his life. The contrast between the two versions is shattering. Perfection.
The Sound of Silence – Disturbed
OMG. The first time I heard this version, I couldn’t sit still. The power … it builds, verse by verse, until you’re just shaking your head as it blasts at you. Wow, wow, wow.
Billie Jean – Chris Cornell
Cornell slows Michael Jackson’s hit down and it becomes dark, almost a confession. I never really understood what Michael’s version meant, but this one spoke to me.
Turn the Page, by Metallica. Whoo! I’m not a head-banger, but, man … this singer delivers. When he started singing for Metallica, he had no professional training, but after blowing out his voice, he had to seek professional help. Though he worried they’d change his hard-rocking style, he listened, and wow … we can see the difference and appreciate the skill. Well done, James Hetfield.
Rebel Yell, by Adrenaline Mob. I love learning the stories behind the songs. A.J. Pero was the drummer for Adrenalin Mob, coming from Twisted Sister. He passed away in 2015 from a heart attack, but the band preserved his drum track and used it on the song. I like knowing these little details.
Higher Ground, by Red Hot Chili Peppers. This song was originally recorded by Stevie Wonder, and everything he did is pretty much amazing. But the RHCP version brings a new energy. I love when I can recognize something — a guitar riff, a vocal moment — and say, “Hey, that sounds like … xyz.” You can definitely recognize the Red Hot Chili Peppers in this song.
Some of these songs I didn’t realize were covers, because this version was so popular, I just assumed the artist was the creator. Others were clearly covers, because the new singer was so radically different from the composer. Take Dolly Parton’s cover of “Purple Rain“. Both artists were such legends in their own right, but to hear one cover the other — perfection.
But some songs just make a journey. “Feelin’ Alright” was originally written Dave Mason and released by the band, Traffic, in 1968. This in turn was picked up and recorded by Joe Cocker in 1969, with his distinctive growl. But, Gladys Knight took it from there in 1971. The horns, the up-tempo beat, and Gladys’s distinctive voice made it their own.
I love, love, love when established, famous singer-songwriters team up with unexpected pairings. Sting is great at this. But Santana is the master.
My husband describes Santana as “his priest.” He connects with the music of Santana on a spiritual level. So, believe me, I’ve been to more Santana concerts during our marriage than maybe any band (except Chicago, my personal favorite). Carlos Santana is the ultimate musical host. He allows the guest singer/artist to take the lead while he plays his AMAZING guitar licks in the background. I love every song on this list. Artists collaborating — it’s awesome. My favorite, due to the unexpectedness and skill of all participants, is “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” A guest singer, expertly supported by Carlos on his guitar (can hardly believe the skill of those hands), but also accompanied by Yo-Yo Ma. Perfection.
Just like discovering a new author, I love discovering new musical artists. But sometimes, established singers choose to cover a song, and you’re left flabbergasted. Let’s talk about Willie Nelson, a Texas legend. His version of “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” is perfection. He sings this song with his daughter, Paula Nelson. That tugs at the heartstrings. And, as a Texan, we gotta always support ANYTHING Willie does. It’s required. You have to sign a form when you move here, just so you know,
Wow. This list is so emotional. Music strikes at our emotional center. Brandi Carlile has to top the list with her cover of Alanis Morrissette’s Grammy award-winner, “Uninvited.” Women across the country respond to this song with a visceral, emotional rage. These two women give us permission to feel.
If you love music, you might like my novel.
Music has always been part of my life, so it probably wasn’t surprising that I eventually wrote a novel about a rockstar. In Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, Derek Norton has spent decades making music and living the life he thought he wanted. At 43, he wonders if any of it means what he thought it would.
Then he meets Andi Thompson, a journalist trying to rebuild a life of her own.
It’s a story about music, love, second chances, and figuring out what you’re really looking for when the things you though would make you happy aren’t enough.
Learn more about Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For →