Cover songs that are better than the original?

[IckGirl]

I'll start.

Pet Shop Boys, Always on my Mind.

You?

Thanks @SwedishEdith

Unchained melody - The Righteous Brothers

Ziggy Stardust - Bauhaus.
Its more throaty. But obviously the original is brilliant too.

I’m not sure this counts but there was a guy in a cap on the Britain’s got talent, he sang this:

m.youtube.com/watch?v=93EKif2va7Q

and I never really took notice of that song before I heard him singing it!!! Wow.

some absolutely amazing examples on this thread, I’m working my way through them. Thank you

Controversial!…..but I think I agree with you 😱

I can’t make you love me - George Michael

Yes definitely jealous guy by Bryan Ferry!

Also

Bryan Ferry- Johnny and Mary https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Din_eWjJWe0

@RainbowZebraWarrior I now have to put my dd right!!

Love this song, never knew Metallica covered 😌

So many of these mentioned I didn't even realise were covers!

I love Last Kiss - Pearl Jam, and perhaps quite controversial, but I much prefer Westlifes version of Mandy to the original!

Can’t get used to losing you - The Beat

Urge Overkill - Girl you'll be a woman soon

Love the Billy Paul - Your song version.

Ruby Amanfu - Bitch

Not better but different.

Japan - I Second That Emotion
The Boys Town Gang - Can't Take My Eyes Off You
Bryan Ferry - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?

Bigmouth Strikes Again - Placebo

The sun ain’t gonna shine anymore - The Walker Brothers

I Hear A Symphony- The Isley Brothers
We Can Work It Out- Stevie Wonder
I'll Stand By You- Marc Broussard
The Great Pretender- Freddie Mercury
Walking in Memphis- Cher

Word Up by The Boss Hoss
Georgia on my Mind by Maverick Sabre
Personal Jesus by Def Leppard

Yes, brilliant! Also love the Midge Ure version.

I guess it isn't technically a cover as he did write the song but I much prefer Bruce Springsteen's version of Because The Night to Patti Smith's

Desperado performed by the Carpenters

And the other way round - I prefer Manfred Man’s Blinded by the light to Bruce Springsteen’s

Hurt/Bridge Over Troubled Water/God's Gonna Cut You Down/One by Johnny Cash

Where Did You sleep last night? By Nirvana

When Doves Cry by Patti Smith

Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinead O'Connor

Crimson and Clover by Joan Jett

Dear Prudence by Siouxsie and the Banshees

Sweet Dreams by Marilyn Manson

Christmas Is All Around by Bill Nighy

Charles Kelly Wrecking Ball.
Alison Krauss. Angel flying too close to the ground.
Lady Antebellum Truly

Love Machine- Arctic Monkeys

MacArthur Park - Donna Summer
and
Common People - William Shatner (I may be joking, I haven’t decided yet 😁)