Cover songs that are better than the original

[Back One Out]

Here's a few covers which stick faithfully to the original version and marginally improve upon it with a better (more palatable) performance.


Original 1975 song by John Fogerty (formerly of Creedence Clearwater Revival)



Huge hit for Status Quo in 1977. It became their signature song.
Probably not that much of an upgrade, to be honest. But it falls into the category of songs I never knew were covers.







Original 1973 version from UK band, Slade



Big hit for Quiet Riot in 1983.






Pet Shop Boys went to no.1 with this in 1987. Good song, but pretty cheesy though.



Surprisingly good hard rock cover by Ghost. I love his voice (smooth with just a faint croak)

 

[IKE TURNER]

johnny cash hurt, soft cell where did our love go? hate covers that desecrate originals,for what five seconds of summer did to the romantic what I like about you- they should be jailed

 

[Vincent Hanna]

Amazing


Speaking of Cher...


Tina Turner has been mentioned, she made so many songs her own but I've always loved this cover:

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

 

[yirra_kurl]

It's controversial

Grinspoons 'Don't Change' > Original

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

 

[CliffMcTainshaw]

Robyn Adele Anderson doing Miley Cyrus' song We Can't Stop"

 

[2006_Eagles]

Robyn Adele Anderson doing Miley Cyrus' song We Can't Stop"

That’s some good doo wop



Dance Monkey by Leo has to be one of the GOATs

 

[2006_Eagles]

Speaking of Leo, Toss a Coin To Your Witcher is also GOAT

 

[2006_Eagles]

Oh oh and Puddle of Mudd doing About a Girl has to take the cake for best cover of all time

 

[Magus]

Oh oh and Puddle of Mudd doing About a Girl has to take the cake for best cover of all time

Singer is about to bust his pooper valve.

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

A bunch here. Better probably not the right word but some different takes:



RATM doing EPMD's I'm Housin'

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

Originally recorded by Terry Reid






First recorded early 60s by Dee Dee Warwick. Later by Linda Ronstadt

 

[CliffMcTainshaw]

I love both versions of this song. One of the first singles I bought was Little Eva's Locomotion.
Carole King co-wrote the song and sang backup vocals in the original.
But visually this is very appealing.


Grand Funk Railroad also did a version!!!!!

 

[Crimson Azure]

May have already been posted:

 

[Drugs Are Bad Mackay?]

Paul Dempsey doing Concrete Blonde's Caroline

 

[Bostonian]

Better than the original.

 

[checkraiseulite]

 

[mellowyellow]

Even Mick said this was the best version

 

[2006_Eagles]

Kick Axe doing Johnny Farnham

 

[Hard Ball Get]

John Mayer's Beyonce cover is better