For The Uninitiated the cover version is an old song sung by new singer. Most artists do it at the start of their career. A good cover version can really help a new singer finding his feet in the world of music. Here I would like to point out that these ratings are mainly for the cover versions released in past decade or so. For me a good cover verion is one which adds something to the song without destroying the spirit of the original one.
Read on you might have some surprises waiting for you.
*1. Words by Boyzone
(Original by Bee Gees)*
Well even Bee Gees would have been happy with that one. In this cover version the boys have sung the song in their own style. The Rhythm is also not the same but the song doesn’t loose its meaning and when you hear them one after other u just can’t help praising the boys.
*2. I will always Love you by Whitney Hueston
(Original by Dolly Paxton)*
Well it requires courage to do a cover version of one of the most famous song of ’the voice of country music’ for over 30 years or as billboard magazine put it’The No. 1 Female Artist Ever’. Not so much because weather you could do justice to the song but because would you get an honest appraisal. But Whitney Hueston proved everybody wrong with a heart rendering rendition of the old country hit and made the OST of Bodyguard the biggest OST of all time. Even Dolly Paxton herself said, in a recent episode of Larry King Live that Whitney did an amazing job and made the song more popular earning her millions.
*3. Unchained Melody by LeAnn Rimes
(Original by Righteous Brothers)*
Well if Whitney Hueston’s was a tough job then this was no less. Firstly the original song was not sung by a female artist and more so the song itself is so demanding(you have to hear it to believe it) that most seasoned artists would think twice. But for a 15 year Old it was certainly a big mountain to climb. But she did and came out with flying colours and that explains why she had a Grammy and 10 million records under her name before she turned 15.
*4. Because you loved me by Celine dion
(Original by Michael Ball)*
Well LeAnn was not the first to do a male song. Celine Dion rendition of this song was sung for her real life husband. Though she didn’t change the way the song was sung but her powerful voice made all the difference(No wonder she’s in the Guinness book of world record for her voice range capabilities). Also the use of choir added an extra dimension.
*5. Knockin’ on Heavens Door by Bon Jovi
(Original by Bob Dylan)*
How can I miss this song. This song might have the highest number of cover versions of all. This Bob Dylan classic found takers such as GnR, Eric Clapton etc. Though its not possible for me to hear all of them but I think I can safely say that Bon Jovi has done justice to this Classic.
Other Worthy contenders
*Tragedy by Steps(original by Bee Gees),
We Will Rock You by Five(original by Queen),
A Little less conversation by JXL (Though this rendition of Elvis Prisley’s song was basically a remix with original Elvis Voice but still this song deserves a mention as this gave the King his record breaking 30th No. 1, 25 years after his death)
Well that was my list. Most Great Cover versions have their own followings proving that a Thing of beauty is a joy forever or putting it in context A Piece of Music is sung forever. Well if it sounds tacky don’t blame me, I’m not a song writer;-)
Do tell me what you think or if you know some other wonderful cover versions. My Ears are open.
Njoy