It’s Friday! Or at least, that’s when we update this list. To start off the weekend, we take a look at some great cover versions that have graced our ears. These could well be the best cover versions of all-time but mostly, we’ll be trying to bring you ones that may have slipped under your radar.
I hope you enjoy finding some incredible covers!
22nd October: Sinéad O’Connor – All Apologies
The quintessential Sinéad O’Connor is, of course, Nothing Compares 2 U but this one is pretty special too. She takes Nirvana’s hard grunge sound and turns the song into a lullaby. What we get is a track that is as hauntingly beautiful as the original but in a completely different way.
15th October: Run River North – Mr. Brightside
A brilliant stripped-down version of the energetic indie classic. It’s great to hear what his song sounds like in a mellower and thoughtful tone. It allows the deep lyrics to shine and allow you to absorb the full meaning of the song.
8th October: Xylaroo – I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
This is a truly unique cover that takes one of the most energetic songs of the naughties and strips it all the way back.
1st October: Bat for Lashes – The Boys of Summer
In his hiatus from the Eagles, Don Henly released a few great songs but none more famous than The Boys of Summer. The introspective classic was a huge hit and is perfectly replicated by Bat for Lashes here. The song originally had that ‘80s power ballad vibe but suites a more stripped-back sound, as Henly himself proved on the Howard Stern show.
24th September: Stereophonics – Handbags And Gladrags
Quite simply one of the best covers of all time. Any song that Kelly Jones sings is automatically going to sound great but it’s not just about the vocals here. Their musicianship is excellent and perfectly translates the meaning of the song. They originally recorded it as a demo for a laugh but the record company liked it so much, they demanded that it be released as a single. Thankfully they did.
17th September: DMA’s – Believe
There are some pop songs that you just can’t help but love. For the DMA’s, clearly one of those songs is “Believe” by Cher. Tommy O’Dell showcases his brilliant vocals on the track and makes it sound like an indie classic.
10th September: Kirsty MacColl – A New England
The song is a lyrical masterpiece from Billy Bragg. Add in MacColl’s wonderful vocals and you get something very special.
3rd September: The Civil Wars – Billie Jean
This is a fantastic cover of such a pop classic. The Civil Wars manage to give it a more haunting feel than the original and both of their vocals on the track are incredible. The harmonies help to make this cover such a good one and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better alternate version of one of Michael Jackson’s songs.
27th August: Kyle Falconer – What’s Love Got To Do With It?
In the best covers, the artist makes the song their own. That’s exactly what Falconer does here with the stripped-down acoustic sound and his brilliant voice. After finding fame with The View, Falconer has been focusing on his solo work in the last few years. He’s released two albums since and the occasional brilliant cover along the way.
20th August: Oasis – Cum On Feel The Noise
Oasis didn’t do a lot of covers but when they did, they absolutely nailed them. “I Am The Walrus” and “My Generation” will more than likely make this list at a later date but, for now, it’s “Cum On Feel The Noise”. They turned a song that was a little bit camp and made it pure rock and roll. Liam’s voice on it always sounded sublime. Especially, somewhat ironically, when he sang the line “well you think my singing’s out of time? Well it makes me money!”
13th August: Chris Cornell – A Day In The Life
If there was a Beatles song you shouldn’t cover on an acoustic guitar then it’d probably be A Day In The Life. The transition between the two halves and the different singing styles of McCartney and Lennon makes it very difficult. Somehow, Chris Cornell makes it work. Not only that but his incredible voice helps to make this an incredibly good cover. What a talent he was.
6th August: Lissie – Dreams
Many songs from “Rumours” lend themselves to covers due to the sheer pain of the lyrics. It allows artists such as Lissie to strip back a song and let that pain ring out. That’s exactly what she does here with her beautiful piano rendition and stunning vocals. It’s a cover that is worthy the song and the majesty of Stevie Nicks’ songwriting.