Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
There’s plenty to choose from!
There’s plenty to choose from!
Imitation Game
Imitation is said to be the highest form of flattery, although that doesn’t quite apply in all aspects of life.
Artistic license
However, in one particular field, there is a rich tradition of borrowing from others or simply using their finished result to create an imitation – either closely resembling the original or transformed into something unique.
Naturally, we’re talking about songs
Over the years, countless more or less successful cover versions have emerged, and some artists have practically built their careers on making versions of already existing songs – and here we give you 7 examples!
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper
Nothing screams girl-power like the 1983 feminist pop anthem by Cindy Lauper, but it was originally made by a man.
Originally by Robert Hazard
Philadelphia rocker Robert Hazard wrote, composed and recorded the song as a demo in 1979, but it was Laupers version that turned it into a mega-hit.
“Hurt” – Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash may be best known for his own work, but in his late years, he did “Hurt” – a haunting and emotionally deep song, concidering he passed away the following year.
Originally by Nine Inch Nails
The song was originally release by industrail metal giants Nine Inch Nails in 1994.
Lead singer, Trent Reznor has described hearing Cash’s 2002-version as “It was like someone kissing your girlfriend – it felt invasive”, but hailing as “a powerful piece of art”.
“All Along the Watchtower” – Jimi Hendrix Experience
Even though he died way too early (27 years old), Jimi Hendrix had a massive impact on the music world, and All Along the Watchtower is concidered a psychedelic masterpiece.
Very different to the original version.
Originally by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan wrote and released the original version in 1967, but Hendrix’s electrifying 1968 take became so definitive that Dylan later performed it Hendrix-style.
“Tainted Love” – Soft Cell
Most people know that Marylin Manson didn’t make the original version, and most believe he covered it from British 80’s duo, Soft Cell.
But they covered it themselves.
Originally by Gloria Jones
The song was originally released by Gloria Jones back in 1964, but it wasn’t undtil the 1981 synth-pop version by Soft Cell, the little-known soul track turned into a global hit.
“Twist and Shout” – The Beatles
Yep, even the mighty Beatles did cover-versions, with Twist and Shout being one of their most energetic ones.
It was the last song recorded for their debut album, and it basically ruined singer John Lennons voice.
It has become known as the most famous single take in rock history, as the second attempt had to be abandoned due to Lennon’s vocal issues.
Originally by The Top Notes
The original version, however, was released by The Top Notes in 1961, and in 1962, The Isley Brothers made it popular, before The Beatles gave it a go in 1963.
“I Love Rock ’n’ Roll” – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
When Joan Jett released the song in 1981, it powerful and punkish attitude spoke to millions around the world.
Originally by The Arrows
It was originally made by The Arrows in 1975 though, but Jett made it a stadium anthem.
“The Tide Is High” – Blondie
Before becoming the 1980 reggae-pop hit by the New York-based Blondie, the song had been aroung for over a decade.
Originally by The Paragons
It was originally made by the vocal group The Paragins, and was already a Jamaican rocksteady when Blondie covered it.
“Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinéad O’Connor
The Irish singer may have divided the public, but most agree that Nothing Compares 2 U is a masterpiece.
It wasn’t her own, though.
Originally by The Family
Written by Prince and released by his band The Family in 1985, O’Connor’s 1990 interpretation became an emotional powerhouse and a chart-topper worldwide.
Remember our first five?
If this theme seems a bit familiar, you might have read our previous article listing 5 famous songs, that are actually cover-versions.
If you haven’t, you can find it by clicking right here!
