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

Mark Ronson & Amy Winehouse - “Valerie” 

This is probably the best-known version of “Valerie”. The original by UK band The Zutons from 2006 had good chart success around Europe. But it’s this 2007 release from producer and arranger Mark Ronson, teamed up with the great voice of Amy Winehouse, which made the biggest mark.

Ronson’s second studio album, Versions, was full of cover versions and included this song. The Zutons version is great, full of buzz and zip. Ronson and Winehouse added super production, a jazzier style, and her stunning voice. Released as a single, it sold well around the world and hit many charts. It’s another great reminder of what we miss from Winehouse. 

Humble Pie - “I Don’t Need No Doctor”

Humble Pie was one of the best supergroups formed in the 1960s. Including the likes of Steve Marriott and Peter Frampton, they released some amazing rock music. “I Don’t Need No Doctor” was one of their best-known songs, a regular in their set list, and still played as an encore by Frampton now. 

It was originally recorded in 1966 by Ray Charles before Humble Pie picked it up in 1971 and hit the lower end of the Hot 100 singles chart in the US. The single came from the band’s brilliant live album Performance: Rockin’ The Fillmore and closes the record. It’s a blistering guitar-laden work to treasure. 

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