One Classic Track, Many Versions
There’s always going to be a number of songs that you don’t realize are covers to begin with, and certainly some of the following tracks surprised even us.
“Yesterday”
The most covered pop song in history naturally belongs to The Beatles, with other variations tracing from Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, and even forgotten 90s act En Vogue. It's been covered more than 2,000 times. And counting.
Eric Koch for Anefo, Wikimedia Commons
“Imagine”
John Lennon's most iconic solo track still lingers in people’s minds due to its hopeful message. That said, A Perfect Circle’s alternative rock cover from 2004 gave it an eerie, dystopian dimension. It's been covered over 200 times.
Peter Fordham, Wikimedia Commons
“Hallelujah”
Who doesn’t love Leonard Cohen’s epic song “Hallelujah”? It certainly received a second wind when the Rufus Wainwright cover appeared in Shrek, which is now so definitive some might not even know it was Cohen's first.
Oliver Mark, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
“Unchained Melody”
Elvis’ powerful iteration from near the end of his life would make you think it was his original song, but it's not originally from Elvis. Go to the 1955 film Unchained to find the stirring ballad’s origins, where it was sung by Todd Duncan first.
Warner Bros., Unchained (1955)
“We Are The World”
The 1985 charity song would maybe be best known for its star-studded video led by Michael Jackson, but the track has endured as a global call to action throughout the decades. There’s even a cover by Pavarotti.
Stephane Cardinale/Corbis, Getty Images
“Time After Time”
Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 anthem has struck a nerve over four decades, resulting in over 170 recorded covers. Artists as varied as Miles Davis and Matchbox Twenty have given it a spin.
Library of Congress Life, Flickr
“My Way”
Frank Sinatra’s defiant anthem has likely become associated with the 2016 Presidential run, but did you know that even Willie Nelson has tried his hand at it?
William P. Gottlieb, Wikimedia Commons
“Moon River”
Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of the most iconic films ever made, in part because it also launched one of the most famous songs in music history, with an original performance by Audrey Hepburn in that film. “Moon River” has seen covers by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Morrissey.
Paramount, Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
“Love Me Tender”
One of Elvis’ most famous songs perhaps received its greatest cover during the end credits of David Lynch’s film Wild At Heart, when Nicolas Cage sang it in his reunion with Laura Dern.
PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, Wild at Heart (1990)
“What a Wonderful World”
Louis Armstrong popularized the ever-optimistic song, which judging by the number of covers has no threat of being overtaken by, say, U2’s “Beautiful Day” as the go-to for appreciating the beauty that surrounds us.
“Ain’t No Sunshine”
Bill Withers’ melancholic classic about an ended relationship perhaps received its most modernized update in rapper DMX’s “No Sunshine”, from the soundtrack to the 2001 Steven Seagal movie Exit Wounds. Nearly countless others have covered it as well, by DMX's version will always hold a place in our hearts.
Columbia Records, Wikimedia Commons
“Can’t Help Falling In Love”
A go-to at weddings for the slow-dance portion of the evening, this mainstay received its most recent cover from Kacey Musgraves for the Elvis motion picture soundtrack.
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”
The first Christmas track on this list! Go no further than Phil Spector’s groundbreaking 1963 Christmas album to find the best cover of it, done by girl group The Crystals. That said, the earliest known recording goes back to 1934, with Harry Reser and His Orchestra featuring Tom Stacks singing.
Publisher-Beat/Cinnamon Cinder teen club., Wikimedia Commons
“Amazing Grace”
This Christian anthem originated all the way back in the 18th century, but found a definite resurgence amidst innovations in both American gospel and folk music. Even an indie artist like Sufjan Stevens gave it a spin in 2006.
Joe Lencioni, CC BY-SA 2.5, Wikimedia Commons
“Over The Rainbow”
One of many songs on this list that originated in a movie, Judy Garland’s iconic ballad from The Wizard Of Oz has nonetheless seen countless covers divorced from the context of Dorothy’s quest. Both Eric Clapton and Diana Ross are among the artists who’ve covered it.
“Last Christmas”
Amidst all the classy Christmas songs, this is the only one to originate as a chintzy 80s New Wave track, from duo Wham! Nonetheless, the people love it. British indie group The xx even gave it an appropriately melancholy cover in 2012.
“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
There’s definitely a whiff of melancholy to this Christmas staple, which was initially written for the magnificent film Meet Me In St Louis in 1943, and has endured in the 80 years since. You’ll be sure to find it on any holiday album.
MGM, Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
“Eleanor Rigby”
One of The Beatles’ saddest songs, “Eleanor Rigby" has nonetheless conjured up a staggering number of covers, which go to well over 200. Even experimental artists like Wendy Carlos and Tangerine Dream have given it a go.
Iberia Airlines, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
“White Christmas”
Initially a Bing Crosby song for the 1942 film Holiday Inn, the song later re-appeared in other of his motion pictures such as 1948’s The Easter Parade and 1954’s White Christmas, the latter being perhaps its most famous iteration. Everyone from mega-stars like Lady Gaga to indie artists such as Mac DeMarco have given it their own spin.
Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons
“Silent Night”
Originating in 1818, this Christmas carol contains a deeply spiritual element, which has made it popular for both country and Christian rock stars. In the pop realm though, Phil Spector used it as the outro of his iconic Christmas album.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
“Caravan”
This jazz standard has endured since the 1930s, and it's even a plot point in the 2014 film Whiplash. Not to be confused with the Van Morrison song of the same title!
Blumhouse Productions, Whiplash (2014)
“Jingle Bells”
Maybe the most triumphant of Christmas songs, this classic tracks all the way back to 1850, and most certainly will get more updates as time goes on. As for now, tide yourself over with William Shatner and Henry Rollins’ novelty cover from 2018.
Super Festivals, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
“House of the Rising Sun”
U2 and Green Day performed a cover of this track to welcome the NFL’s New Orleans Saints back to their hometown stadium the year after Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana. As for the original? It's a folk song of uncertain origins and date, and is sometimes called "Rising Sun Blues".
Al Messerschmidt, Getty Images
“Billie Jean”
It depends on who you ask what Michael Jackson’s most iconic song is, but a popular answer would regardless be this 1982 track, which has received covers by everyone from Chris Cornell to Weezer.
Daniele Dalledonne, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
“Heartbreak Hotel”
If you’re looking for the best cover of this Elvis staple, look no further than art-rock hero John Cale’s iteration from his 1977 album Slow Dazzle.
Rex Huang, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
“The Look Of Love”
Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, this track was made eternal by performer Dusty Springfield. But it had a surprising influence. Mike Myers even cited it as the chief inspiration for him conceiving Austin Powers.
Dezo Hoffman, Wikimedia Commons
“Summertime”
This classic tune originated in the 1935 opera Porgy & Bess, which saw modernization for future audiences by artists like Al Green, Janis Joplin, and Lana Del Rey.
“Smoke Gets In Your Eyes”
Perhaps no song better conjures bittersweet romantic feelings than this track, which began as a 30s Broadway show tune and then reached peak popularity with The Platters’ cover.
Martha Robi, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
“Bridge Over Troubled Water”
Simon & Garfunkel were chiefly associated with the 60s, but it didn’t stop prominent artists of the 1950s like Aretha Franklin or Johnny Cash from covering their iconic track.
Eddie Mallin, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
“Come Together”
Who can forget the stunning montage from the 1998 film Armageddon set to the Aerosmith cover of this Beatles classic?
“God Bless The Child”
Billie Holiday based this song off an incident from her own life, but that personal touch didn’t stop other artists like Sam Cooke or James Taylor from covering it.
“Fever”
This mid-50s R&B classic from Little Willie John became immortalized by artist Peggy Lee’s cover. James Brown and Isaac Hayes also made sure to add to its legacy.
General Artists Corporation, Wikimedia Commons
“Cry Me A River”
This 1953 torch song written by Arthur Hamilton and popularized by Judy London had such a large influence that even Justin Timberlake made sure to give his nod to it with a song title, even while not deliberately covering it per se.
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”
Perhaps the most iconic and (even overplayed) Rolling Stones song. Still, the likely best cover is by New Wave pioneers Devo from 1978.
Ben Merk (ANEFO), Wikimedia Commons
“Stand By Me”
There have been over 400 covers of this R&B staple from Ben E King, including even one by boxer Muhammad Ali of all people.
Kingmidas911, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
“Proud Mary”
This Creedence Clearwater Revival classic has been covered so many times that even the television show Glee took a stab at it in 2010. Of course, the Ike and Tina Turner version will always be top of our hearts.
Fantasy Records, Wikimedia Commons
“Louie Louie”
This classic of the 1950s has been cited as an influential track on genres like R&B, rap, and garage rock. So it’s understandable why it’s been covered by everyone from Toots And The Maytals to Motörhead. It was originally done by Richard Berry in 1955, though the Kingsmen's loose 1963 version is likely the one most have heard.
Celaur, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
“God Only Knows”
The Beach Boys’ best known song has resonated for almost 60 years, to the point that even Michael Bublé has felt compelled to cover it.
Caribou Records, Wikimedia Commons
“Just The Way You Are”
Billy Joel wrote this song for his first wife, but it's become universal anthem of sorts and seen a number of covers well into the triple digits.
David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0 , Wikimedia Commons
“All Along The Watchtower”
Likely most associated with Jimi Hendrix’s iconic guitar line, this political rock track actually began with Bob Dylan, and has seen many other iterations since, including Neil Young and U2.
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