Cover versions of songs

[hangrylady]

Just a lighthearted musing! I was listening to the radio earlier and they played Baby Can I Hold You by Boyzone. An absolute abomination when compared to the original by Tracy Chapman. The only example of a cover that I think is better than the original is Only You by Yazoo, which is far superior to the weird Flying Pickets version. Can anyone think of any more songs where the cover is better than the original?

Thanks, Lincslady53 - very beautifully explained.

I do get that he's a long-proven master craftsman of his art - he isn't just some bad, tuneless X-Factor wannabe warbling a generic (overdone) pop standard and adding absolutely nothing to anything.

Plus, I did get a chill (in a good way!) right at the end of the final ever episode of Still Game, when they closed it all off perfectly with Dylan singing Don't Think Twice, It's Alright.

I can't believe anyone can think Lily Allen's version of Somewhere Only We Know is better than the original.

I much prefer You Can't Hurry Love by Phil Collins. Also:

You Were Always On My Mind by The Pet Shop Boys
Hallelujah by kd Lang

I love Sounds of Silence but only like the Simon & Garfunkel version. It's one of my favourite songs by one of my favourite bands from my favourite film

Annie Lennox ruined 'No More I Love Yois' - bland pap. The original is so much better.

I love the cover of 'St Swithin's Day' by Dubstar, and obviously Kirsty MacColl's 'A New England' is also far superior to Billy Bragg's. He writes good songs but sings like a foghorn.

Unlike most on MN I adore John Lennon, but Bryan Ferry's Jealous Guy is one of my all time favourite songs.

Brian Ferry version of Jealous Guy makes me feel sad I think as I remember the feelings around John Lennon being shot and this I associate it with along with Woman

John Lennon's Murder had such an impact that

Same re Woman and Ferry's Jealous Guy. Such a sad time. Speaking of which I love Ferry's version of These Foolish Things . John Lennon's versions of Twist and Shout and Slippin and Slidin are brilliant.

I haven't read the whole thread but "Can't Live" by Nielsen is much better than the original by Badfinger. To the point where all subsequent cover versions (including Mariah Carey) copy the Nielsen version instead of the original.

Tina Turner version of proud Mary (yet i love CCR)

Patti smith version of Because the Night

Patti smith version of Gloria

Kd lang version of Crying (although duet sang with Roy)

Guns n roses version of Live and let Die

GnR version Knocking on Heavens door

Status Quo Rocking all over the world far better than CCR original original

@BorderlineHappy

Also shout out to Darren Hayes and his cover of Madonna's The Look Of Love is really really good

Also like his version of Dress you up.

@Florenz

I haven't read the whole thread but "Can't Live" by Nielsen is much better than the original by Badfinger. To the point where all subsequent cover versions (including Mariah Carey) copy the Nielsen version instead of the original.

God I hate that squawking woman. She destroys everything she touches vocally. The Nilson version is perfect.

I like Annie Lennox's version of Whiter Shade of Pale better than the original.

I heard John Lennon's cover of ' twist and shout ' the other day on radio 2 and I was amazed to be honest , I'm not a huge fan of his, but that is a great cover.

.

Ghost Riders in the sky by Spiderbait.
And, much as I love Christina, Genie in a Bottle is done much better by Speedway.
Guess I like a little extra rock n roll in my tunes.

Not a cover exactly, but the Linkin Park & Jay-Z mashup of Numb/Encore is way better than either song on its own.

Agree with PP re. The Chimes and Still Haven't Found.
I believe even that prick Bono said it was a better version.

I absolutely love Crown of Thorns ‘No you don’t ‘ even though I like the original.
Same with Maria Mena’s take on ‘I was made for loving you’

I absolutely love Crown of Thorns ‘No you don’t ‘ even though I like the original
Same with Maria Mena’s take on ‘I was made for loving you’

Oops posted twice!

Respect Covered by Aretha Franklin is better than the original.

I think we're alone now - Tiffany. Hadn't realised this was a cover until I watched one of the Cloverfield sequels.

Agreed about Aretha's but give Otis his due, he and the Stax house band/Booker T and the MGs + wrote some amazing songs and his cover of Try a Little Tenderness had more soul than the original too.

One that is a dead draw for me is The Last in Line.
I love Dio.
I love Killswitch Engage
This song rocks. I play both depending on my mood!
Same with Bad Company by Bad company. I played that song to death but five finger death punch have totally changed the flow and I love it!

Practically anything covered by Aretha is better than the original.

Respect.
Natural Woman.
I Say a Little Prayer.
Been Loving You Too Long
It’s In His Kiss
Spanish Harlem
Walk on By

….off the top of my head.

I mixed my songs up!! I meant to say Holy Diver but was listening to last in line on Spotify!