Covers Better Than The Original

[Aberdumbie]

Slades version of Move Over. Janis Joplins creation is not a weak song by any stretch. But Slade's version is like candy for us bottom end lovers... So I suppose I am biased....

 

[sharkbait130]

This one goes back a ways but Van Morrison and "Them's" version of It's All Over Now Baby Blue knocked Bob Dylans original outta the park.

 

[Jeff Scott]

(The original is great, this is mostly a different kind of great)

 

[corndog]

First one that comes to mind for me is Ziggy Stardust by Bauhaus. Both are great versions but Bauhaus gives it a nice edge.

 

[Stumbo]

Hendrix - All Along the Watch Tower
Joplin - Me and Bobby McGee

Chicago - I'm a Man
Don't know if it's better. Different, rocky feel, especially with Kath's guitar work and Cetera's voice.

 

[steamthief]

 

[Gazman]

“Insert band/artist here” version of “insert Bob Dylan song here” is much better than Dylan’s original.


Gary Jules’ version of “Mad World”, by Tears For Fears is iconic.

 

[Lesfunk]

Blinded by the light- Manfred Mann

 

[Stewie26]

 

[devo_stevo]

First one that comes to mind for me is Ziggy Stardust by Bauhaus. Both are great versions but Bauhaus gives it a nice edge.

This is the first cover that comes to mind for me when someone asks this question. Bauhaus did a fantastic job of honoring the original while giving it a different feel and energy. Wonderful.

 

[devo_stevo]

 

[beaglesandbass]

The two that pop into my head are Johnny Cash covering NIN's "Hurt" and 30 Seconds To Mars covering Lady Gaga's "Poker Face". Both covers do a complete 180 from the original and I think they're amazing.

 

[Whitenoise17]

RATM’s cover album is full of covers that I think sound way better than the original songs.

 

[LordRyan]

"Twist and Shout" and almost any song The Beatles covered was better than the original.

"Hey Joe" by Jimi Hendrix is better than any previous version.

"Morning Dew" by The Grateful Dead is better than any version before or since.

"Good Lovin'", by The Young Rascals exceeds the original.

"Back Door Man" by The Doors is probably the definitive version.

"House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals redefined the song.

George Thorogood was able to take old blues, country, and R&B and make hits out of them, a feat few have accomplished.

"Better By You, Better Than Me" by Judas Priest takes it to a new level.

 

[Frampton]

“Insert band/artist here” version of “insert Bob Dylan song here” is much better than Dylan’s original.

Funny! And absolutely true.

 

[twinjet]

What do you guys think?

 

[FunkHead]

Blinded by the light- Manfred Mann

My understanding was that Springstein wrote this for Manfred Mann. Then recorded it for himself later. Either way Mann's version is way better IMO.

Edit: Per Wikepedia I am wrong about this. I hate when people lie to me.
Someone told me Bruce wrote it for Mann years ago and like a schmuck, I believed them.

 

[Frampton]

I’m reluctant to say it’s better, since the original is close to perfect, but this version can bring a tear to my eye.

 

[Michael Simpson]

Personally I believe Goldfinger's rendition of "99 red balloons" is worth a mention, has all the funkiness of the original but as an added bonus is a genuinely energetic tune indeed.

Also I believe that Taking Dawn's cover of "The Chain" (although a tad sacreligious) has been pulled off excellently, they seem extremely comfortable doing that tune and everything about it suits the band perfectly.


And while we're here, may not be everyone's cup of tea but I genuinely think that some of Children of Bodom's covers have been absolutely, hilariously brilliant. Don't believe me, have a look at their cover of Britney's "Oops! I did it again" or Rick Springfield's "Jessie's Girl". They also did a good thing with Maiden's "Aces High" too!

 

[Jeff Scott]

"Twist and Shout" and almost any song The Beatles covered was better than the original.

This cover of "Stairway to Heaven" is far superior to the original.