Right here’s the factor about music—it’s like a sport of phone with guitars. A few of your favourite songs? Not really originals. The mind-blowing reality is that chart-toppers, karaoke classics, and even Grammy winners typically began out in another person’s pocket book. Covers aren’t simply tributes—they’re reinventions. They’re love letters with completely different handwriting. And as soon as you understand, you may’t un-hear it. So, let’s blow your musical thoughts with 25 songs you didn’t know have been covers!
“Tainted Love” – Mushy Cell (1981)
This synth-pop banger really got here from the Nineteen Sixties soul scene. It was first recorded by Gloria Jones in 1964—and didn’t accomplish that nicely till it got here again as a part of the British Northern Soul momnent, Now it’s an ‘80s anthem for eyeliner-wearing romantics in every single place.
“Ladies Simply Wish to Have Enjoyable” – Cyndi Lauper (1983)
Earlier than it grew to become a feminist anthem, this was a man’s tune! Written and first recorded by Robert Hazard in 1979, the lyrics have been reimagined by Lauper—and the remaining is girl-powered historical past.
“I Will All the time Love You” – Whitney Houston (1992)
Dolly Parton wrote it. Sang it. Launched it in 1974. However Whitney took it to a different planet with The Bodyguard. Dolly cried tears of pleasure when she heard it—after which cried once more all the best way to the financial institution.
“Hound Canine” – Elvis Presley (1956)
Large Mama Thornton recorded the unique in 1952—and it was filled with grit and growl. Elvis’s model cleaned it up and cranked it out, however Thornton’s bark got here first.
“Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinéad O’Connor (1990)
Prince wrote it. The Household recorded it. However it didn’t hit till Sinéad stood in entrance of a digicam, shed a tear, and made it hers ceaselessly.
“Respect” – Aretha Franklin (1967)
Otis Redding wrote and recorded it in 1965. Then Aretha added “R-E-S-P-E-C-T,” flipped the gender dynamic, and turned it right into a civil rights and feminist rallying cry.
“Twist and Shout” – The Beatles (1963)
This Beatles barn-burner was initially by The Prime Notes in 1961, produced by a younger Phil Spector. The Isley Brothers gave it life, however the Beatles gave it a roar.
“I Love Rock ’n’ Roll” – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (1981)
It’s exhausting to think about anybody however Joan Jett snarling via this one, however British band Arrows did it first in 1975. Jett noticed them on TV whereas touring—and determined to personal it.
“The Man Who Bought the World” – Nirvana (1993)
Sure, Bowie did it first in 1970. However when Kurt Cobain crooned it on MTV Unplugged, an entire new technology thought it was his. Bowie was flattered. And a bit aggravated.
“Pink Pink Wine” – UB40 (1983)
That reggae shuffle hides its true origin: Neil Diamond wrote and recorded it in 1967! UB40 didn’t even notice that after they lined it—they thought it was a Jamaican tune.
“Hallelujah” – Jeff Buckley (1994)
Leonard Cohen wrote this biblical magnificence in 1984. Buckley’s haunting model got here a decade later, and now it’s the model you cry to after breakups, existential crises, and film endings.
“I Fought the Legislation” – The Conflict (1979)
This punk revolt anthem began with The Crickets (sure, Buddy Holly’s band) and was later made well-known by The Bobby Fuller 4. The Conflict lit the fuse and made it harmful.
“Blinded by the Mild” – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (1976)
Bruce Springsteen wrote it and launched it in 1973. It didn’t chart. Then Manfred Mann added synths and misheard lyrics—and turned it right into a #1 hit.
“You Actually Obtained Me” – Van Halen (1978)
The Kinks roared this riff into the world in 1964. Van Halen gave it a steroid shot, however the bones have been already British and fantastically unhinged.
“All Alongside the Watchtower” – Jimi Hendrix (1968)
Bob Dylan wrote it, however Hendrix made it everlasting. Dylan himself later stated that Hendrix’s model was definitive. Think about writing a tune and another person improves it a lot, even you agree.
“Torn” – Natalie Imbruglia (1997)
This aching ‘90s anthem was first recorded by Danish band Ednaswap in 1995. Natalie’s model turned ache into pop perfection.
“Black Magic Girl” – Santana (1970)
It wasn’t born in Latin rock—it got here from British blues! Peter Inexperienced wrote it for Fleetwood Mac in 1968. Santana simply gave it that impossible to resist groove.
“I’m a Believer” – Smash Mouth (2001)
This Shrek smash is definitely a Monkees hit from 1966. Written by Neil Diamond (once more), it’s been caught in heads for over 5 a long time and two generations of children’ birthday events.
“Downtown Prepare” – Rod Stewart (1989)
Tom Waits recorded it first in 1985 with gravel and gloom. Stewart turned it right into a shiny radio hit. Waits most likely lit a cigarette and stated, “Fantastic.”
“As a result of the Evening” – 10,000 Maniacs (1993)
Patti Smith wrote it with assist from Bruce Springsteen. However for an entire new crowd within the ’90s, Natalie Service provider and 10,000 Maniacs made it soar on MTV Unplugged.
“I Wanna Be Your Man” – The Rolling Stones (1963)
Written for them by Lennon and McCartney earlier than the Stones have been well-known. The Beatles recorded their very own model later. That’s what you name an all-star help.
“Piece of My Coronary heart” – Janis Joplin (1968)
Aretha’s sister Erma Franklin launched it first in 1967, however Janis ripped it aside and made it cry. It’s a heartbreak traditional wrapped in a scream.
“If I Have been a Boy” – Beyoncé (2008)
Initially written and recorded by BC Jean, Beyoncé heard it and turned it right into a soul-stirring powerhouse. BC obtained the credit score, however Queen B made it iconic.
“Me and Bobby McGee” – Janis Joplin (1971)
Kris Kristofferson wrote it. Roger Miller recorded it. However Janis took it to #1 posthumously—and gave it the uncooked ache of somebody who’d actually lived it.
“Valerie” – Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse (2007)
Yep, this dancefloor staple was initially by indie rockers The Zutons in 2006. Amy sang it like she’d identified Valerie her complete life. That’s what soul does.
Music is a residing, respiratory factor. An important tune is rarely completed—it simply finds new voices. From dusty B-sides to pop anthems, these covers show that reinvention is the guts of artistry. So subsequent time you belt out your favourite tune, bear in mind: you would possibly simply be singing another person’s first draft—and making it your personal. And actually, that’s what nice music is all about.
