It happens that songs, having received their second, third, or tenth birth in cover versions, forever remain in the people’s memory in exactly this, rethought and reworked form - and the names of the authors are forgotten in favor of talented reworkers. For your attention - the top 10 (of course, not without subjectivity) world hits, the covers of which turned out to be stronger, more powerful, better original version.

Originally the title track of David Bowie's third album, released in November 1970. It was sung more than once, but the detachedly dramatic version of NIRVANA, which penetrates to the cerebellum, was included in MTV Unplugged In New York in '94, brought this topic to the top of the charts. It fit so organically into Nirvana’s work that in subsequent years Bowie had many bitter moments at concerts when, while performing “The Man Who Sold the World,” he heard remarks a la “hey, good for you for singing Kurt’s song”!

This composition received an additional birth in the charts in 1974 thanks to the Scottish singer Lulu, who made it into a cool, rollicking cabaret, but, of course, it did not reach the level of Cobain.

2. "Hurt"
That case when from a rather mediocre original (even if it was by Reznor himself and NINE INCH NAILS; the album The Downward Spiral 1994) a true diamond is born through cutting. Although... Johnny Cash, as you know, was a great magician and turned everything he touched into a jewel. The epitaphic video for “Hurt” performed by Cash, containing footage of his biography, according to the British music magazine NME, was played at the Grammy ceremony, etc. And deservedly so.

3. "Love Hurts"
One of the signature songs of NAZARETH, the ballad about stinging and wounding love by Boudleaux Bryant originally belonged to the repertoire of the “fathers” of 60s country rockabilly THE EVERLY BROTHERS, and has been covered and re-recorded dozens of times since 1960. But it was the Scottish rockers who entered the history of rock music - with McCafferty’s characteristic rough vocals, Manny’s solo and a stingy male tear that literally soaked the lines “I know it isn’t true; Love is just a lie”...

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the first recording of the composition on the Internet.

4. “Nothing Compares 2 U”
A heartfelt piece that brought the Irishwoman Sinead O’Connor with her perfectly shaved skull to the top of the charts in fifteen countries in 1990 - and became the most successful single of her long and fruitful career. The author of the hit was Prince, who wrote this composition for his funk side project THE FAMILY in 1985 and released it (without any furore) on his debut album entitled The Family. Subsequently, realizing the scope of the popularity of Sinead's cover, Prince would release this composition twice more on his albums.

5. "I Will Always Love You"
Whitney Houston's most powerful bestseller - a love drama, suffering, two Grammy awards... Initially, long before "The Bodyguard", it was a single by the American country singer Dolly Parton. And it’s also not to say that it was unsuccessful - for example, the first version of this thing included in the album Jolene 1974, topped the Hot Country Songs chart. And then, in ’82, re-recorded for the soundtrack to the film “The Best Brothel in Texas,” it won the same hit parade again. Parton made several versions of her musical brainchild - but, alas, Whitney could only envy the worldwide success of the “child”.

6. "Turn The Page"
One of METALLICA's most chart-topping singles, "Turn the Page" was written by Bob Seger in 1973, dedicating this song to the difficult life of a rock musician on tour: emotional ups and downs, joys and disappointments. There were many variations on the theme of this composition - from Kid Rock to GOLDEN EARRING - but METALLICA's cover is perhaps the best. Heavier (while maintaining the tempo set in Seeger's original), more percussive, more convincing. Although - taking into account the plot of the video - it’s not about musicians at all.

7. "Crying In The Rain"
Another work, originally recorded by THE EVERLY BROTHERS and finding a second wind in the discography of the famous group. The single appeared in 1962 - and since then it has been performed several times. Tammy Vinet, Art Garfunkel, GREGORIAN and SLADE... however, he gained immortality in the 90s, when the Norwegians A-HA decided to sing a song about tears and rain.

8. "Wild Thing"
The calling card of THE TROGGS, “Wild Thing”, performed by them, regularly finds itself on the best-of lists of all times. This impeccable hit was composed by the American Chip Taylor, and in 1965 it was recorded by THE WILD ONES. THE TROGGS came out just a year later - and immediately found themselves at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

9. "Tainted Love"
This song was written by Ed Cobb - and it has been performed by a great many groups and artists. Gloria Jones was the first to record “Tainted Love” in 1965. Then COIL, ATROCITY, THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS, SCORPIONS and all and sundry were applied. Marilyn Manson scored an amazing cover in 2001. But the composition gained true fame and popularity (as well as, hmm, the title of “one hit wonder”) in 1981 in a languid performance by SOFT CELL, suddenly becoming iconic for gay music lovers around the world.

10. "Wild World"
This theme was recorded by Cat Stevens in 1970, giving followers incredible scope for imagination and reinterpretation. There are dozens of covers of it, in different styles and interpretations. But for some reason it seems that the MR.BIG version, released in 1993, is the best. In any case, the world charts thought so.

A cover is not only an interpretation of a popular song, but also a tribute to its creators. And it’s not so rare that a cover version turns out to be much more interesting and successful than the original. We have collected some of the most striking examples of world hits that owe their success to cover versions.

"Summertime" - Janis Joplin (Abbie Mitchell original 1935)

This composition was originally performed in 1935 in the opera "Porgy and Bess" performed by Abbie Mitchell. This is one of the leaders in the number of covers, and the most famous of them is from Janis Joplin.

"The Man Who Sold The World", Nirvana (David Bowie original 1970)

The song was originally recorded by David Bowie for the release of his third album in 1970, after which it was covered several times. But the composition rose to the top of the charts when performed by NIRVANA, fitting very organically into the repertoire of this group.

"You Were Always On My Mind", Pet Shop Boys 1987 (Elvis Presley original 1972)

Elvis Presley recorded this ballad in 1972. And the Pet Shop Boys group remade the composition in 1987, turning it into a dance hit.

"Hurt", Johnny Cash 2002 (Nine Inch Nails original 1994)

This song, with its depressive slant and profanity, was originally performed by Nine Inch Nails. And in 2002, a more lyrical version of it appeared, eclipsing the original both in the beauty of the music and in its meaning. And Johnny Cash recorded it.

"All Along The Watch Tower" – The Jimi Hendrix Experience 1968 (original Bob Dylan 1967)

This single, recorded by Bob Dylan in 1968, was very successfully covered by Jimi Hendrix.

“Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinead O’Connor 1990 (Prince 1985 original)

This song was written and performed by singer Prince in 1985. And in 1990, the Irish singer Sinead O’Connor brought her to the top of the charts in several countries, captivating listeners with a very soulful performance.

"Feeling Good" – Muse

The song was originally performed in the 1964 musical “The Roar of the Greasepaint - The Smell of the Crowd.” Nowadays, the most popular are its two versions, performed by NINA SIMONE and the group Muse.

“I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston 1992 (original Dolly Parton 1974)

The song, featured in the film “The Bodyguard,” is known all over the world and is associated with the name of Whitney Houston, who turned it into a real masterpiece. And few people know that American singer Dolly Parton composed this song back in the 70s.

"Hound dog" - Elvis Presley 1956 (original Willie Mae Thornton, "Big Mama")

The first performer of this rock song was the American blues singer Willie Mae Thornton. But after it was performed by rock and roll star Elvis Presley in 1956, the song is associated with his name.

"Love Hurts" NAZARETH 1975 (original THE EVERLY BROTHERS 1960)

Originally part of THE EVERLY BROTHERS' repertoire, this calm, lyrical song has been covered and re-recorded many times since 1960. Scottish rockers Nazareth seriously reworked the song, turning it into a rock ballad. Their poignant composition, telling the story of all-consuming love, was an unprecedented success.

"Turn The Page" METALLICA 1998 (original Bob Seger 1973)

This classic rock composition was written in 1973 by Bob Seger. Among its many variations, the most famous is the version performed by Metallica, which is distinguished by a heavier sound compared to the original.

"Crying In The Rain" - A-HA 1990 (THE EVERLY BROTHERS original 1962)

The single about rain and tears performed by THE EVERLY BROTHERS, which appeared in 1962, gained wide popularity after it was performed by the Norwegian group A-HA in 1990.

"Wild World" - MR.BIG 1993 (original Cat Stevens 1970)

This song, recorded in 1970, has been performed many times in a variety of styles and variations. And yet, according to the charts, the best cover is considered to be the one released by the group MR.BIG in 1993.

"Twist and Shout" - The Beatles (original The Isley Brothers 1962)

It turns out that this famous rock and roll, associated exclusively with the Beatles, was not written by them at all. The authors of the song are Phil Medley and Bert Russell, and the first performers are the American group Isley Brothers. But world fame came to this song only after it was performed by the Fab Four.

“Can't Help Falling In Love” - UB 40 (original by Elvis Presley)

This song has become so firmly established in UB40's repertoire that many fans don't even realize that there is another original version. But it turns out that this song was originally performed by Elvis Presley. And the British group UB40 managed to turn it into their own hit and raise it to the top of the charts.

"Venus" Bananarama (Original Shocking Blue)

This song was first performed by the Danish band Shocking Blue, and a cover version by Bananarama, three girls from Britain, made it a hit.

"I Love Rock "N" Roll" - Joan Jett 1982 (The Arrows original)

The song by The Arrows, which has been covered many times, has achieved worldwide popularity thanks to its performance by American singer D. Jett.

"Behind Blue Eyes" - Limp Bizkit (The Who original)

Although this song performed by the English rock band The Who was a great success at one time, today's youth listen to its cover version by LimpBizkit.

And a few more famous hit covers:

"Don't Turn Around" - Ace Of Base (Tina Turner original)

"Without You" - Mariah Carey, Harry Nilsson (Badfinger original)

“Sunny” - Boney M. (original by Bobby Hebb)

"One Way Ticket" - Eruption (original by Neil Sedaka)

"Sailing" - Rod Stewart (original by The Sutherland Brothers Band)

"Got My Mind Set on You" - George Harrison (James Ray original)

1. The Slits - I Heard It Through the Grapevine

Original belongs to: Gladys Knight & the Pips

2. Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U

Original belongs to: The Family

3. Hot Chip - Dancing in the Dark

Original belongs to: Bruce Springsteen

4. Aretha Franklin - Eleanor Rigby

Original belongs to: The Beatles

5. Sturgill Simpson - In Bloom

Original belongs to: Nirvana

6. Ra Ra Riot - Suspended in Gaffa

Original belongs to: Kate Bush

7. Ryan Adams - Wonderwall

Original belongs to: Oasis

8. Gary Jules - Mad World

Original belongs to: Tears for Fears

9. Tori Amos - Smells Like Teen Spirit

Original belongs to: Nirvana

Original belongs to: John Lennon

11. Fiona Apple - Across the Universe

Original belongs to: The Beatles

12. Anthony and the Johnsons - Crazy in Love

Original belongs to: Beyonce

13. Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You

Original belongs to: Dolly Parton

14. Cowboy Junkies - Sweet Jane

Original belongs to: The Velvet Underground

15. Kele - Goodbye Horses

Original belongs to: Q Lazzarus

16. Joan Osborne - What Becomes of the Brokenhearted

Original belongs to: Jimmy Ruffin

17. Bettye LaVette - Love Reign O"er Me

Original belongs to: The Who

18. Maxwell - This Woman's Work

Original belongs to: Kate Bush

19. CSS - Knife

Original belongs to: Grizzly Bear

20. Cake - I Will Survive

Original belongs to: Gloria Gaynor

21. Echo and the Bunnymen – Ticket to Ride

Original belongs to: The Beatles

22. Urge Overkill — Girl, You"ll Be a Woman Soon

Original belongs to: Neil Diamond

23. Dean & Britta - I'll Keep It With Mine

Original belongs to: Bob Dylan

24. Cat Power — (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction

Original belongs to: The Rolling Stones

25. Jim James & Calexico - Goin" to Acapulco

Original belongs to: Bob Dylan

26. Roberta Flack - Bridge Over Troubled Water

Original belongs to: Simon & Garfunkel

27. Cyndi Lauper - When You Were Mine

Original belongs to: Prince

28. Guns N' Roses - Live and Let Die

Original belongs to: Paul McCartney and Wings

29. Bette Midler — When a Man Loves a Woman

Original: Percy Sledge

30. Nina Simone - Ain't Got No, I Got Life

Original belongs to: Broadway musical "Hair" ( Hair)

Original belongs to: The Zutons

32. Ronnie Spector - You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory

Original belongs to: Johnny Thunders

33. Nancy Sinatra - Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)

Original belongs to: Cher

34. Best Coast - Rhiannon

Original belongs to: Fleetwood Mac

35. Talking Heads - Take Me to the River

Original belongs to: Al Green

36. CeeLo Green - No One's Gonna Love You

Original belongs to: Band of Horses

37. Jimi Hendrix - All Along the Watchtower

Original belongs to: Bob Dylan

38. Joe Cocker - With a Little Help From My Friends

Original belongs to: The Beatles

39. Aimee Mann - One

Original belongs to: Harry Nilsson

40. Clem Snide - Beautiful

In September it will be 40 years since the song “I Will Always Love You” was written and first recorded in the studio. Did the author and performer of the ballad, Dolly Parton, think then that almost a quarter of a century later her composition would find a second life thanks to Whitney Houston? the site selected this and nine other of the most famous cover versions, some of which outshone the originals.

Twist and Shout (original by The Isley Brothers, cover by The Beatles)

A song that is difficult to imagine performed by anyone other than The Beatles, however, it does not belong to them. Twist and Shout was composed by American authors Phil Meadley and Bert Burns, and with the help of The Isley Brothers, the composition became a hit. The Bugs, who started their careers in big show business, turned the mid-tempo song into a rock 'n' roll screamer that stayed in the top 40 longer than all the band's other songs.

I Will Always Love You (Dolly Parton original, Whitney Houston cover)

Houston's version not only became an all-time super hit (three months at number one on the Billboard chart, a Grammy Award, 14 million singles sold), but also reinvigorated the old song new life. Another thing is that the laurels went to the same Whitney, while the author of the ballad, Dolly Parton, was left behind. The song has a long history: composed in 1973, I Will Always Love You was first recorded a year later - for Parton's album. The thing did not gain much fame, occupying some undistinguished place in the country chart. Eight years later, Dolly Parton re-recorded the song, but even then it was far from the hype that arose around Houston's version. When I Will Always Love You, featured in the movie Bodyguard, drove the planet crazy, Parton tried to criticize her more successful colleague, but eventually gave in: “How can I be unhappy if the amount in my bank account has grown so incredibly!”

Can't Help Falling In Love (original - Elvis Presley, cover - UB 40)

This is the same case when someone else’s song became so personal that it created some confusion in the heads of fans. This is despite the fact that the original version was performed not by anyone, but by Elvis himself. However, both Elvis and status perfect classics did not save Can't Help Falling In Love from becoming UB40's very own hit. Performed by these British, the ballad occupied the charts in the USA (for seven weeks) and Britain, ended up on the soundtrack to the then fashionable film "Sliver" and eclipsed UB40's own compositions .

Venus (Original Shocking Blue, Bananarama cover)

The same song that is known in the Soviet Union (and then in Russia) under the code name “Shizgara” was a hit in the seventies. Performed by the Danish band Shocking Blue, the song went down in history thanks to a cover version by the British trio Bananarama. The girls turned the rock hit into a new wave dance song, and 1986 passed under the sign of the synthpop “Shizgars”. As for the next decade, in 1996 the group “Dream” based their debut single “Aviator” on the basis of Venus, and the youth of that time sang in chorus “Let’s bet that the river will become the sea”, not at all embarrassed by the obvious parallels.

You Were Always On My Mind (original by Elvis Presley, cover by Pet Shop Boys)

The elegant ballad by Willie Nelson became such in Elvis Presley's version (there were others, but who will remember them now). This was in 1972, and such a thing was very suitable for the respectable King of Rock and Roll. 16 years later, the pop duo Pet Shop Boys thoroughly reworked the original source, creating a quick dance hit from it. For PSB, which has plenty of hits of its own production, Always On My Mind and the accompanying success (a month at the top of the national chart) are still important. At least there are few concerts without this (once) tear-jerking ballad.

How Deep Is Your Love (original by Bee Gees, cover by Take That)

Left without Robbie Williams, Take That, before going their separate ways for 15 years, recorded not their own song, but someone else's song as their last goodbye. And they hit the bull's eye: How Deep Is Your Love, which thundered from every iron in the second half of the seventies, received, if not a new reading (Take That's version was not too radically different from the original), but a fresh audience. Thanks to the fans of Gary Barlow & Co., the Bee Gees number remained the leader of the British chart for three weeks in a row, leaving a mark on themselves and the group that made right choice, the best memory.

I Was Made For Lovin" You (original by Kiss, cover by Scooter)

The million albums sold with the song performed by Kiss made this song an example of a disco rock hit. 19 years later, the German techno trio Scooter, without further ado, replaced the heroic galloping rhythm of the original with a win-win bang-bang. No romance, a minimum of beauty, and “I Was Made For Lovin” You turned from a ballad into a purely dance action movie. It is not surprising that for many young people, acquaintance with the original source was akin to shock.

Sweet Dreams (original by Eurythmics, cover by Marilyn Manson)

The first - and main - hit of the Eurythmics, which can be exhibited in museums under the sign "Example of synthpop", Marilyn Manson turned into his characteristic fierce industrial number. Sung in a suppressed, mocking voice, Sweet Dreams acquired a completely different meaning, mutating from the bitter reflections of Annie Lennox into a terrifying satire.