3 Musicians Who Transformed Cover Songs Into Their Own

Cover songs are integral to musical heritage, often serving as a rite of passage for new artists. These reinterpretations can sometimes outshine their originals, revealing new depth and emotion. Some musicians manage to reinvent covers so distinctively that they become synonymous with their new creators.

1. Sinead O’Connor Takes on 'Nothing Compares 2 U'

Prince penned 'Nothing Compares 2 U', yet it wasn’t until Sinead O’Connor’s 1990 version that the song soared with raw emotional power. Against a stark arrangement, O’Connor’s poignant vocals captured the intensity of loss, complemented by a haunting music video. Her performance transcended previous versions, making it a defining moment in her career.

2. Whitney Houston’s Rendition of 'I Will Always Love You'

Dolly Parton’s timeless ballad 'I Will Always Love You' received a soulful revamp from Whitney Houston in 1992. Parton's tender farewell became a powerful love anthem in Houston’s voice, escalating to climactic choruses that aligned with the era’s vocal powerhouses. While Parton's original was a heartfelt goodbye, Houston’s version captured the global audience, achieving monumental success and securing two Grammy Awards.

3. Johnny Cash Embraces 'Hurt'

Originally a 1994 Nine Inch Nails track, 'Hurt' found an unexpected home with Johnny Cash in 2002. Under Rick Rubin’s production, Cash’s stripped-down version, rich with life’s weariness, added layers of reflection and sorrow. His music video, interspersed with personal history, turned the song into an elegy for his storied life. Even Trent Reznor acknowledged that Cash had made 'Hurt' his own, with a legacy spanning accolades and cinematic features.

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