80s Anthems Ruined: The Worst Covers Ever!

The 80s: A Golden Age of Music, But Not for These Covers

The 1980s gifted us an unparalleled era of iconic synth-pop, power ballads, and stadium rock anthems. From the driving beats of New Order to the raw emotion of Def Leppard, these songs have stood the test of time. Or so we thought. While many artists have paid homage to these classics with inspired covers, some attempts have fallen spectacularly flat, proving that not every song is meant for a reimagining. Watch Mojo has compiled a list of the ten most egregious offenders, transforming beloved 80s hits into cringe-worthy karaoke failures.

10. Tainted Love (Impedance)

Gloria Jones’ original and Soft Cell’s 1981 chart-topper defined “Tainted Love” for a generation. Unfortunately, Impedance’s 1989 attempt stripped the song of its soul, replacing its emotional urgency with a “cheap dance beat” and “egregiously spoken word lyrics.” The result is a “hellish limbo” of over five minutes that, as the list’s narrator puts it, makes you want to “run away and seek cover.” It’s a cover so bad, it’s almost a crime against love itself.

9. Blue Monday (Orgie)

New Order’s 1983 synth-pop masterpiece, “Blue Monday,” is widely considered one of the greatest dance tracks of all time. Orgie’s decision to transform this electronic anthem into a “rock and new metal number” was, to put it mildly, misguided. While the cover did chart, it “lacks the energy of a full-throated rock song,” as if the melody itself was “resisting the interpretation.” Sometimes, you just have to accept that a song is better left in its original form.

8. The Boys of Summer (The Ataris)

Don Henley’s 1984 hit, “The Boys of Summer,” is a masterclass in nostalgic rock, painting a vivid picture of fleeting summer love. The Ataris’ punk rock rendition, however, misses the mark entirely. Instead of capturing the song’s reflective mood, their version is described as a “conventional” punk track that “lacks the lyrical clarity of the original.” It seems the magic of Henley’s introspection was lost somewhere between the surf and the mosh pit.

7. Bringing on the Heartbreak (Mariah Carey)

When Mariah Carey, a vocalist known for her powerhouse range, tackles a Def Leppard power ballad from 1981, expectations are high. Sadly, her cover of “Bringing on the Heartbreak” disappointed. Instead of soaring vocals, Carey opted for “breathy lyrical expression, bad articulation, and an overly romantic interpretation.” The original’s “drama and rough vocals expressing well heartbreak” were replaced by a rendition that felt more “seductive” than sorrowful. While Joe Elliot of Def Leppard and Rolling Stone gave it a pass, many felt it missed the emotional mark.

6. Back in Black (Shakira)

AC/DC’s 1980 anthem “Back in Black” is pure, unadulterated rock and roll. Shakira’s attempt to reimagine this iconic track with a “lowfi jazz intro” proved to be a “flawed one.” While the rest of the song reverted to a more straightforward AC/DC arrangement, Shakira “bring[s] little to the mix,” resulting in a cover that is “no great improvement” on the original. It seems rock anthems are simply not Shakira’s forte.

5. Faith (Limp Bizkit)

George Michael’s 1987 hit “Faith” is a charming, 50s-inspired rock and roll pastiche. Limp Bizkit’s 1998 cover, however, is anything but charming. Their “much more aggressive cover” strips the song of its “softness,” delivering an “in your face” and “obnoxious” rendition. The lyrical change from “I know not everybody has got a body like you” to “I know not everybody has got a body like me” is described as “unnecessary, nonsensical,” and adds a “narcissistic cast to a love song.” George Michael himself reportedly “hated the version,” and it’s easy to see why.

4. Sweet Child o’ Mine (Sheryl Crow)

Guns N’ Roses’ 1987 power ballad, “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” became a massive hit, topping the charts with its iconic guitar riffs and emotional delivery. Sheryl Crow’s 2003 cover, while a “modest hit” and even Grammy-nominated, is deemed the fourth worst cover of all time by Rolling Stone. The vocals are described as “nothing special,” and the arrangement “lacks the instrumental detail of the original.” The signature guitar riffs are notably absent, and Crow “lacks the lyrical expression of the original.” For many, this “child is not so sweet.”

3. Papa Don’t Preach (Kelly Osbourne)

Madonna’s 1986 controversial hit “Papa Don’t Preach” tackled the sensitive topic of teen pregnancy with a unique blend of pop and classical influences. Kelly Osbourne’s 2003 cover, however, is a misstep that “strips away” the original’s “classical and baroque elements.” The result leaves the song feeling hollow, a pale imitation that fails to capture the essence of Madonna’s defiant anthem. The list suggests that any criticism Madonna faced was best saved for this particular cover.

2. I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) (Natalie Imbruglia)

Whitney Houston’s 1987 dance-pop anthem is pure, unadulterated joy. Natalie Imbruglia’s 2009 rendition, however, drains the song of its infectious energy. Described as a “slowed-down, melancholic” version, it trades Houston’s vibrant vocals for a “breathy, almost spoken-word delivery.” The upbeat tempo is replaced with a somber mood, turning a celebration of love into a dirge. It’s a cover that begs the question: why would you want to dance sadly with somebody?

1. Girls Just Want to Have Fun (Miley Cyrus)

Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 anthem of female empowerment and carefree revelry is a timeless classic. Miley Cyrus’s 2013 cover, performed during a live concert, is cited as the worst offender. The energetic, synth-driven original is transformed into a “half-hearted” and “uninspired” rendition. The rebellious spirit is replaced with a subdued performance that lacks the infectious charisma of Lauper’s original. It’s a cover that, unfortunately, proves that sometimes, girls just want to have fun by *not* covering this song.

The Verdict: Stick to the Originals

While the spirit of musical tribute is admirable, this list serves as a stark reminder that not all re-imaginings are created equal. The 80s produced a wealth of unforgettable songs, and sometimes, the best way to honor them is to simply enjoy them as they were intended. For these artists, the “tainted love” for the 80s resulted in covers that are best left forgotten.

Source: Top 10 WORST Covers of 1980s Songs (YouTube)