5 Covers Better Than the Original

For me a good cover is something that takes a song in a new direction. It does something different to it musically that might change the way lyrics are interpreted or the whole mood of a song. It doesn’t try to be the original, but takes a stand for itself as a piece of art – it refuses to be just a copy. And sometimes, it becomes something greater than the original.

Here’s five cover songs that I think are improvements on the originals:

“Get Lucky” covered by Daughter

I’m in love with this band right now, but not so much with the original Daft Punk song that seems to be incessantly playing on the radio. That is, until I heard this version which brings a new depth to the song. The darker tone that Daughter create to their cover adds a bittersweet edge to the lyrics which seem so carefree (and in my opinion shallow).

“Call Me Maybe” covered by Ben Howard

Another Brit covering a pop song I used to find annoying. And another cover adding a darker tone. I also really love that this has a cello in it. And Ben’s voice.

“4Ever” covered by The Vines

Originally a song by Aussie pop twins, The Vines covered this song for the cd No Man’s Woman, which entirely featured men covering songs by women. It’s a great cd giving tribute to some great female artists. Unfortunately, in the case of this song, the men outshone the girls in their version of this song.

“Higher Love” covered by James Vincent McMorrow

Yes, I did discover this one through that beer add. Add yes, I feel McMorrow’s version is sullied by the commercialism of it, because his voice is so sweet and (dare I say it) pure that it brings an ethereal quality to the song. Going back and listening to Steve Winwood’s 80s pop original just seems so wrong.

“Say it Right” covered by Angus and Julia Stone

Ok, yes I love folksy music so I am going to consider a folksy version of a Nelly Furtado song (or really any pop song) a huge improvement. But the sweet, subtle sounds of Julia Stone blending with the deeper voice of her bro Angus really is a winner. This cover was performed as part of triple j’s Like a Version. If you love covers, check out the music because it’s all covers – and some damn good ones too!