The Best Cover Versions of Classic Songs

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5 OF THE BEST COVER VERSIONS OF ALL TIME
When an artist or a band choose to cover a great song, it is often met with both joy and sheer disgust, depending on whether or not the song in question was originally written by your favourite band or singer. Or whether or not it was performed by your favourite artist or band. So it cuts both ways usually, if you have a connection for the artists of that particular song.

But try and think about the songs that you don't associate with on a fan level. The songs that are now considered classics in their own rightful way and perhaps have over taken the original versions in terms of how they are perceived and admired in popular music culture. Below are 5 great songs which were not written by the artist or the band who performed each one, and are now more popular than the originals. Enjoy.


THE FUGEES KILLING ME SOFTLY 1996


Written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbell in late 1971, the song was recorded by Roberta Flack in 1973 after an earlier version was recorded by Lori Lieberman but failed to hit the charts. However when Flack did her version it was a huge success staying at number one for five weeks in the US. As great as this song is by Flack, the Fugees version takes it to a new level. Adding Hip Hop beats, crossing it over into RnB and adding the Fugees reggae elements to the track made this one of the biggest songs of the 1990's. Both versions are stunning, but the Fugees version probably gets more airplay. The signs of a truly great song can be measured by its ability to be recorded in a different genre, and this proves that perfectly. The song has been recorded over 150 times by other artists but none have reached the success of this version. 




SOFT CELL TAINTED LOVE 1981


When a songs intro captures the audience you know you are onto a winner. The opening synth notes and the laser styled drums are instantly recognisable, making this a universal hit. 
Written by Ed Cobb and recorded by Gloria Jones in 1964, the original version is a Northern Soul classic which was played in the clubs during the 70's. Here with Soft Cells version was slightly slower and they changed the root key of the song to G instead of its original in the key of C. 
This version sold over one million copies and was a UK number one single in 1981. Again a fine example of how a great song can be worlds apart from the original recording and yet still hit the spot.


PET SHOP BOYS ALWAYS ON MY MIND 1987



Elvis and Willie Nelson made this song a classic hit in the Country genre. Written by Johnny Christopher, Mark James, and Wayne Carson and originally recorded by Soul singer Gwen Mcrae to name but a few. However in 1987 whilst riding high on the crest of a wave, the Pet Shop Boys were asked to record and perform a tribute song for an Elvis special on TV. They delivered an upbeat pop version of the song, and ultimately it climbed up the charts to become the number one Christmas single for that year. 
Also this version was recently voted by a BBC poll to be the greatest cover version of all time. The Pets have always had the most incredible formula for writing their own songs and for the ones that they have covered over the years. This being their finest cover for the majority, although their rendition of U2's Where the streets have no name was a fine stroke of pop genius also.

JOHNNY CASH HURT 2002



Not a chart hit as such like the songs mentioned so far, but this track is an outstanding composition that deserves to be in this short list. Written by Trent Reznor from the band Nine Inch Nails in 1994, and released the following year as a single. The lyrics could be interpreted in many ways, but mostly the song is about addiction, regret and suicide. However Johnny Cash recorded his version in 2002 for an album that was produced by the legend that is Rick Rubin. The video itself is a harsh reminder of our mortality, with vintage footage of Cash and his wife from back in their younger days right on up to their final months, as the couple were actually dying as this was filmed, which adds to the songs power all the more. A great song that can be covered by such a star as Johnny Cash in the twilight of his life with such conviction speaks volumes for Trent Reznor's song writing. 

CHAKA KHAN I FEEL FOR YOU 1984


The genius of Prince can never be denied. His constant flow of work throughout his career, especially in the early to mid 1980's is outstanding to say the least. However his version of his own penned song goes somewhat unnoticed as opposed to Chaka Khans version in 1984. Khans version has a much more upbeat tempo and synthesizer licks that just kick serious ass. These are the traits that make it stand out instantly. More notably is the repetitive intro of the sampled voice which also works wonders too. Prince' version is amazing of course, but its more of a die hard fans favourite. Still a brilliant Pop Funk track if ever there was one. 















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