The 25 Greatest Cover Songs That Left Their Mark on Music History

When a musician covers a cherished song, it can turn into an homage, a reinvention, or, at times, a rendition that eclipses the original in popularity and becomes the one that people remember. Cover songs have been an essential part of music's dialect, echoing through the corridors of time and often finding new life in the voices of other artists.

Iconic Resonances

Diverse in approach, some covers amplify the essence of the original tracks while others morph them into something unexpected. Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You,' initially penned by Dolly Parton, was transformed from a whisper of farewell into a powerhouse performance of enduring affection. Johnny Cash's personal and haunting rendition of Nine Inch Nails' 'Hurt' is renowned for its raw depth and the swan song quality it took on following the music video release shortly before Cash's death.

Celebrated Reinventions

Cover versions can reimagine classics, bringing to them an entirely new aesthetic. Aretha Franklin's version of 'Respect' went from Otis Redding's demand for acknowledgement to a powerful feminist declaration, complete with brilliant rearrangements and Franklin's unmatchable voice. Moreover, Jimi Hendrix's 'All Along The Watchtower' utterly transmutes Bob Dylan's original, turning it into a searing rock anthem charged with Hendrix's signature guitar fireworks.

Unexpected Transformations

Occasionally, a cover can surprise listeners with its departure from the expected. Devo did just that when they stripped the Rolling Stones' '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction' of its known riff and replaced it with an electric tension that transformed the song's very structure. Similarly, the Pet Shop Boys injected 'Always On My Mind' with synth-pop energy, steering clear from schmaltzy interpretations by adding a pulsating dance beat while maintaining the song's emotive core.

music, covers, interpretation