It’s a practice as old as music itself. The cover. Taking someone else’s song and making it your own. For better or for worse. It’s a hit and miss exercise…there are good cover songs, and there are not-so-good cover songs.
Here are 10 of each…I’ve posted the videos so you can see/hear for yourself. Because I care. 🙂
10 GOOD COVERS
I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston – 1992
Originally written and performed by Dolly Parton, Â 1973
It’s Whitney…’nuff said.
Hard To Handle – The Black Crowes – 1989
Originally performed by Otis Redding, 1968
I LOVE Otis Redding…but Georgia’s own Black Crowes really put this song on the map. (it’s worth noting that Otis Redding is ALSO from Georgia, but I digress)
Walking On The Moon – Cas Haley – 2008
Originally performed by The Police, 1979
Cas Haley was the 2nd place finisher on the 2nd season of America’s Got Talent. This was his stage audition song. I’ve been a fan ever since.
Rocket Man – William Shatner (yes, THAT William Shatner) – 1978
Originally written and performed by Elton John, 1972
If you haven’t seen this before, it’s EPIC. William Shatner, the great orator, at his absolute finest.
La Bamba – Los Lobos – 1987
Originally performed by Ritchie Valenz, 1958
This is, of course, from the movie “La Bamba” about the life of Ritchie Valenz. I used to know EVERY word to it. Still do.
Come On Eileen – Save Ferris – 1997
Originally performed by Dexy’s Midnight Runners, 1982
Like most band geeks in the early/mid 90’s, I was enthralled by Ska music. This cover crystallized that. Love this band!
Ballroom Blitz – Crucial Taunt – 1992
Originally performed by Sweet, 1973
Okay, I know this isn’t a REAL band…but they REALLY rock. EXCELLENT!
UB40 – The Way You Do The Things You Do – 1989
Originally performed by The Temptations, 1964
Very few bands have ever made a career out of cover songs as their big singles. UB40 is one of those bands.
Mr. Sandman – Pomplamoose – 2009
Originally performed by The Chordettes, 1954
Pomplamoose is a great example of a do-it-yourself band that gained a following almost exclusively on YouTube. Check out their channel. Amazing covers from a very talented husband & wife team.
I Fought The Law – The Clash – 1979
Originally performed by The Bobby Fuller Four, 1965
The Clash helped propel punk rock in to somewhat of a mainstream without compromising their punk attitudes. Not even when they covered this 60’s classic.
…and now for some NOT so good covers…these are just awful.
You Shook Me All Night Long – Celine Dion – 2002
Originally performed by AC/DC, 1980
Yes, this actually happened. I just…ugh…
I’m A Believer – Smashmouth – 2001
Originally performed by The Monkees, 1966
As a die-hard, life-long fan of The Monkees, I find this completely unacceptable. Also, remember when Smashmouth was cool for 5 minutes in 1997? Me neither.
Beat It – Fall Out Boy – 2008
Originally performed by Michael Jackson, 1983
How could these punk rock wannabes do such a thing!? I hate these fake-angst bands as it is…this just seals the deal.
Do Ya Think I’m Sexy – Paris Hilton – 2006
Originally performed by Rod Stewart, 1978
This isn’t exactly my favorite song of all time, but it IS Rod Stewart…and everybody’s favorite waste of space, Paris Hilton, was kind enough to include it on her 2006 debut album. Thanks, Paris!
(not the actual video because there isn’t one for it…the audio will speak for itself, though)
I Melt With You – Bowling For Soup – 2005
Originally performed by Modern English, 1982
Modern English’s original is probably the most beautiful compositions to ever come out of the 1980’s. It should be left alone. And not touched by a whiny pop/rock band.
Saturday Night’s Alright – Nickelback (ft. Kid Rock) – 2003
Originally performed by Elton John, 1973
Did that pickel ever get more fans than Nickelback?
(not an actual video, just audio)
Tainted Love – Pussycat Dolls – 2005
Originally performed by Gloria Jones, 1965 (but made super-famous by Soft Cell, 1981)
This one has been covered almost 30 times since it was first released. The Pussycat Dolls version is EASILY the worst one. See for yourself.
Funkytown – Pseudo Echo – 1986
Originally performed by Lipps, Inc., 1980
Pseudo Echo never really amounted to much. Because they made this awful cover. The video is just silly. Check out the quintessential 80’s landmarks in this video. It’s chock full of them!
American Pie – Madonna – 2000
Originally performed by Don McLean, 1971
WHY, MADONNA!? WHYYYY?!?!
Faith – Limp Bizkit – 1998
Originally performed by George Michael, 1987
If I were to make a list of the worst bands of all time (which I might do, actually), Limp Bizkit could easily contend for a spot in the top 10. As such, this cover of George Michael’s “Faith” could quite possibly be the worst song of all time. The worst song of all time from the worst band of all time. Period.
So, that’s it! 10 good covers, 10 not-so-good covers. As with most of my lists, these selections are just a sample of ones that could fit the category. I’m pretty confident in these selections, though.
–a.
