Ten superb cover songs that could be even better than the original

I’m not a huge fan of cover songs. It’s best to get that out of the way right up front. Often, they just don’t seem to work, either bringing nothing new to the song or doing something really weird with it. 

A lot depends on how, where, and when you heard the original, I reckon. Often a song brings back great memories. Those warm feelings or poignant moments can be shattered by a clumsy new version of an old favorite. Perhaps it’s easier if you don't know or recall the original and can treat a cover as a brand-new song. Of course, for some people, it can be quite a surprise when they find out a new song they like isn’t the original version. 

Sometimes though, a cover of a well-known song does hit the right mark. It usually has to take a different approach and direction. It has to catch you ready to listen and not needing to tune out at the idea of a cover. I’d admit that I can be convinced and warm to a cover song, despite what I have said above. 

Ten superb cover songs you need to check out

Some cover songs just catch it right, make a great impression, and could be close to, or even better, than the original. Here are ten examples, with a couple of extra covers added in, where they get at least a pass mark from me anyway. See what you reckon to them. 

Frankie Goes To Hollywood - “Born To Run”

Let’s start with this 1984 cover by Frankie Goes to Hollywood (FGTH) of the Bruce Springsteen favorite, “Born To Run." It’s perhaps almost sacrilegious to even consider covering the Springsteen song, but yet many have. FGTH was pretty rebellious then, so the idea wouldn't have bothered them much.

Whoever played on the FGTH records is a matter of debate. Under Trevor Horn’s clever production, it’s said it was studio musicians from Art Of Noise and The Blockheads behind the music. Whoever it was, this was a decent attempt. It’s lively, fast-paced and energetic. The big difference from Springsteen's version is that the sax solo is replaced with a creative bass guitar section. It’s hard to beat the original, but the band gives it a great try here. 

Metallica and Thin Lizzy - “Whiskey In The Jar” 

A double cover of a traditional Irish song. Handed down over the years, it was The Dubliners who had the first hit with “Whiskey In The Jar” in 1968. US follies the Highwaymen did have it as a b side on a 1962 single. That was the original band with that name, not the later country supergroup. 

Thin Lizzy adapted the song to suit their raucous rock style in 1972, giving the band their first single hit. It was a great version of the song. That was followed by Metalłica, who cranked up the rock version even further for their 1998 Garage Inc. album of covers in their metal style. It’s a live favorite for the band and earned them a 1999 Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance. 

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