Cover Songs That Outshined Their Originals

From Humble Beginnings to Chart-Topping Anthems: The Covers That Became Bigger Than Themselves

In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of music, some songs possess a magic that transcends their initial recording. While the original artist may lay the foundation, certain cover versions manage to capture the public’s imagination, achieving greater commercial success and cultural significance. Watch Mojo has delved into the archives to highlight 50 of these remarkable transformations, showcasing how a fresh interpretation can catapult a song into legendary status.

The Animals’ Haunting ‘House of the Rising Sun’

Kicking off the list at number 50 is the iconic rendition of ‘House of the Rising Sun’ by The Animals. Though many associate the song with the British Invasion band, its roots run much deeper, tracing back to traditional folk music with early recordings by Clarence Ashley and Gwen Foster in the 1930s. Bob Dylan also tackled the tune, but it was The Animals’ 1964 version, driven by Eric Burdon’s powerful vocals and Alan Price’s distinctive organ, that became a global phenomenon. This blend of folk, rock, and blues cemented the song’s place in history and propelled The Animals to stardom.

George Benson’s Soulful ‘This Masquerade’

Leon Russell, an often-underrated songwriter, penned the soulful ballad ‘This Masquerade.’ While Russell’s original possessed a deep emotional core, it was George Benson’s 1976 cover, featured on his album ‘Breezin’,’ that truly resonated with a wider audience. Benson’s masterful guitar work and smooth vocals, combined with the song’s crossover appeal to pop and jazz listeners, earned him a Grammy and significant chart success, proving that a heartfelt performance could elevate an already beautiful composition.

Manfred Mann’s Earth Band’s ‘Blinded by the Light’

Bruce Springsteen’s raw, early rocker ‘Blinded by the Light,’ from his 1973 debut album ‘Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.,’ found a second life thanks to Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. Their 1976 interpretation transformed the straightforward rock track into a synth-driven, chart-topping hit. While the band’s unique arrangement and somewhat cryptic lyrics made the song a massive success, it also contributed to a popular misconception about the song’s actual words, cementing its status as an enduring 70s classic.

Heart’s Power Ballad ‘Alone’

The power ballad ‘Alone’ became one of Heart’s biggest hits in 1987, but its origins lie with the songwriting duo Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg, who recorded it under the name I-10. The original was a solid track, but Heart’s rendition, featuring the Wilson sisters’ powerhouse vocals, turned it into an arena-ready anthem. Their bombastic, emotionally charged performance propelled the song to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing how a band’s signature sound could redefine a song.

Three Dog Night’s Definitive ‘Mama Told Me Not to Come’

Randy Newman’s darkly humorous tune ‘Mama Told Me Not to Come’ was initially given to Eric Burdon and The Animals. While Burdon’s version showcased his vocal depth, it was Three Dog Night’s 1970 cover that became the definitive version. Their production, led by an electric piano, blended rock and funk elements to create one of the band’s signature songs, a stark contrast to Newman’s own later recordings and a testament to the power of a well-executed arrangement.

Donnie Hathaway’s Emotional ‘A Song for You’

Leon Russell’s ‘A Song for You’ is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the love song genre. While Russell’s original and versions by The Carpenters, Willie Nelson, and Ray Charles are notable, Donnie Hathaway’s 1971 cover is often considered the pinnacle. Hathaway’s deeply heartfelt performance, infused with his unparalleled soul vocals, added an emotional layer that few others could match, transforming the beloved ballad into a truly transcendent experience.

Joan Baez’s Folk-Infused ‘The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down’

The Band’s evocative Civil War-themed narrative, ‘The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,’ was brought to a new audience by Joan Baez. While Robbie Robertson’s songwriting and Levon Helm’s vocal performance on The Band’s original were compelling, Baez’s 1971 cover infused the track with her signature folk flair. Her rendition softened the song’s edge while retaining its powerful narrative, turning it into a top 10 hit and one of her most celebrated works of the 1970s.

Phil Collins’ Melancholy ‘A Groovy Kind of Love’

Originally a mid-1960s pop tune by Diane and Anita, and later covered by The Mind Benders, ‘A Groovy Kind of Love’ received a significant makeover from Phil Collins in 1988. Collins slowed the tempo and delivered a piano-driven ballad version that tapped into a more melancholic, tearjerker sentiment. Included on the soundtrack for the film ‘Buster,’ his rendition became a massive hit, showcasing his ability to adapt a song to a contemporary, emotionally resonant style.

Janis Joplin’s Fiery ‘Me and Bobby McGee’

Kris Kristofferson’s ‘Me and Bobby McGee’ was first recorded by Roger Miller in a country style at the end of the 1960s. However, it was Janis Joplin’s raw, impassioned performance, released posthumously on her album ‘Pearl,’ that cemented the song’s legacy. Joplin’s gritty vocals and bluesy delivery transformed the track into a rock anthem, becoming one of the most enduring and beloved versions of the song, often eclipsing the original in popular consciousness.

Kim Carnes’ New Wave ‘Bette Davis Eyes’

The sultry, synth-driven hit ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ is a song many associate exclusively with Kim Carnes. However, the track was originally recorded by Jackie DeShannon in the 1970s with a more upbeat, piano-led arrangement. Carnes’ 1981 reinterpretation infused the song with a new wave sensibility, adding synths and an atmospheric quality that perfectly complemented the nods to classic Hollywood actresses. This modernized version became a global chart-topper, defining the sound of the early 80s.

Nazareth’s Rock Ballad ‘Love Hurts’

The Everly Brothers’ tender 1960 recording of ‘Love Hurts’ was a gentle, country-tinged ballad. Decades later, in 1975, the Scottish hard rock band Nazareth took the song and transformed it into a soaring, powerful rock ballad. Their heavier arrangement and impassioned vocals gave the song a new level of intensity and emotional weight, turning it into a massive international hit and a staple of rock radio, far surpassing the original’s reach.

This list is just the beginning of exploring how artists can reimagine and elevate existing material, proving that a cover song can sometimes achieve a life and popularity all its own.

Source: Top 50 Cover Songs That Are More Popular Than The Original (YouTube)