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

"Summertime" - Janis Joplin (original Abbie Mitchell 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 terms of the number of covers, and the most famous of them is from Janis Joplin.

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

The song was originally recorded by David Bowie on the release of his third album in 1970, after which it has been repeatedly covered. But the composition ascended to the top of the charts performed by NIRVANA, very organically fitting into the repertoire of this group.

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

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

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

This song was originally performed by Nine Inch Nails with a depressing slant and profanity. And in 2002, a more lyrical version of it appeared, eclipsing the original both in beauty of music and in 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 well covered by Jimi Hendrix.

"Nothing Compares 2 U" - Sinead O'Connor 1990 (original Prince 1985)

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

"Feeling Good" - Muse

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

"I Will Always Love You" - Whitney Houston 1992 (original by Dolly Parton 1974)

The song that sounded in the film "The Bodyguard" is known all over the world and is associated with the name of Whitney Houston, which turned it into a real masterpiece. And few people know that the 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 American blues singer Willie Mae Thornton. But, after rock and roll star Elvis Presley performed it 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. The Scottish rock band Nazareth has seriously remade the song, turning it into a rock ballad. Their piercing composition, which tells about all-consuming love, was an unprecedented success.

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

This composition in the spirit of classic rock 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 (original THE EVERLY BROTHERS 1962)

Introduced in 1962, THE EVERLY BROTHERS single about rain and tears gained wide popularity after it was performed by the Norwegian group A-HA in the 90th year.

"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 cover, which was released in 1993 by the group MR.BIG, is considered the best.

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

It turns out that this well-known 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 Liverpool Four.

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

This song is so firmly established in the UB40 repertoire that many fans do not even assume that there is another original version. But it turns out that Elvis Presley originally sang this song. 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)

The song was first performed by Shocking Blue from Denmark, and a cover version by Bananarama, three girls from Britain, made it a hit.

"I Love Rock "N" Roll" - Joan Jett 1982 (original by TheArrows)

The song of The Arrows, which has been covered many times, gained worldwide popularity due to its performance by the American singer D. Jett.

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

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

And a few more famous hits-covers:

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

"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 The Sutherland Brothers Band)

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

The world of music is certainly a very diverse and multi-genre art form. Every day more and more new songs are born in creative (and not so) heads, so their number is so great that it is impossible to count or listen to. But there is such a successful combination of text and melody that it is impossible to resist the temptation to perform your favorite song in your own way. We are used to hearing such attempts to imitate the greats in the circle of our friends, watching on YouTube or, in extreme cases, on various talent shows.

But it happens that the “great ones” also do not disdain strangers and are happy to “borrow” a song from their colleagues in the creative workshop. And it happens that this “theft” is rewarded: sometimes a covered song becomes so popular that the original is modestly lost in the shadow of its cover version. So, we present you the best covers that could outshine the original versions of the songs.

10 best covers that surpassed the original

A sad song that encourages listeners not to be sad. This track is played on various radio stations and does not lose its popularity in our time. Dust in the Wind was sung by the Scorpions, Linkin Park and many others. And the song belongs to Kansas.

9. Scorpions - We are the Champions

Song by British rock band Queen. This is one of the band's most famous songs. It has become the sports anthem of millions of fans around the world. And I got a place in this top solely because it was covered by Robbie Williams, GreenDay, CrazyFrog. And the Scorpions.

8. Jimi Hendrix - All Along the Watchtower

The song belongs to . But Hendrix replayed it so well that even Dylan himself took such an interpretation of his creation extremely approvingly and prefers to perform “All Along the Watchtower” in the style of Hendrix at his performances.

7. Limp Bizkit - Behind Blue Eyes

Song by English rock band TheWho. At one time, this composition brought a lot of applause to the British. But let's be realistic - the "younger generation" remembers not the original, but the cover version of LimpBizkit, for which they get a place in this rating.

6. HIM - Wicked Game

A song by Chris Isaac that fans of Finnish rockers probably have no idea about. Although the original is also very popular and older people remember exactly.

5. Animals - The House of the Rising Sun

The House of the Rising Sun is an American folk ballad. It was performed by many bluesmen at one time. But the popularity of the “House of the Rising Sun” was brought by the Animals, although before that even Bob Dylan performed it. The opposite is also true - it is thanks to this composition that the British rock band remains in memory to this day. Wonder what it's like when your best song isn't yours?

4. Guns n' Roses - Knockin' on heaven's door

An example of how a cover version leaves the original performance far behind. The song belongs to the same Bob Dylan. The Guns did an excellent job of covering Dylan and now many people are already doing covers of their style of performing "Knockin' on heaven's door".

3. Joan Jett - I Love Rock 'n' Roll

This song by TheArrows was also repeatedly sung by everyone and sundry. But the worldwide popularity of the track was given by the performance of the American singer D. Jett. Then this song was performed by Britney Spears: in her pop career it was, perhaps, best song. At the same time, Britney did not hesitate to take Joanne Jet's style of performance.

2. John Cale

Song by Canadian singer and poet Leonard Cohen. This song has been covered over 200 times. Among the performers who sang this song were Bob Dylan, BonJovi, Damien Rice. But the most successful is the performance of John Cale.

It is curious that before settling on the final version of "Hallelujah", Cohen wrote about 80 different versions of the text. At the same time, according to history, he wrote part of these texts in some New York hotel, sitting on the floor in his shorts ... I don’t even know how to perceive it - as something delightful or frightening?

1. Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You

A song that thanks to the film "The Bodyguard" and the excellent performance of Houston. But the author of this song remained in the shadow of his masterpiece.

"I Will Always Love You" was composed by Dolly Parton, an American country music actress and singer, back in the 70s. Parton recorded different versions of songs, this composition performed by her appeared in some films, was released in different albums of the singer, was quoted at high positions in the American charts ...

But she could not see world fame. Until Whitney sang it and everyone watched The Bodyguard. It's funny, but it was this cowboy song about unhappy love that became the hallmark of the American pop star.

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

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. Bettie 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 credit: 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

Original belongs to: Harry Nilsson

40. Clem Snide

It happens that songs, having received their second, third or tenth birth in cover versions, remain forever in the memory of the people in this, rethought and remade form - and the names of the authors are forgotten in favor of talented rewriters. To your attention - the top 10 (naturally, 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 re-sung more than once, however, the distantly dramatic version of NIRVANA, penetrating to the cerebellum, included in MTV Unplugged In New York in 1994, brought this theme to the top of the charts. She so organically fit into the "Nirvana" work that in subsequent years Bowie had many bitter moments at concerts, when, performing "The Man Who Sold the World", he heard remarks a la "hey, well done for singing Kurt's song"!

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

2. Hurt
The case when from a rather ordinary original (even if it was the authorship of Reznor himself and NINE INCH NAILS; the album The Downward Spiral 1994) by cutting, a true diamond is born. 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 cut frames 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 NAZARETH's calling cards, Boudleaux Bryant's ballad of stinging and hurting love originally belonged to THE EVERLY BROTHERS, the "fathers" of '60s country rockabilly, and has been covered and re-recorded dozens of times since 1960. But it entered the history of rock music precisely at the suggestion of Scottish rockers - 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 did not find the first recording of the composition on the Web.

4. "Nothing Compares 2 U"
A soulful thing that brought the Irish 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 hit was written by Prince, who wrote the song for his funky side project THE FAMILY in 1985 and released (without any furore) on his debut album called The Family. Subsequently, realizing the scope of the popularity of Sinead's cover, Prince will release this song twice more on his albums.

5. "I Will Always Love You"
Whitney Houston's most powerful bestseller - love drama, suffering, two Grammy awards ... Initially, long before "The Bodyguard", it was a single by American country singer Dolly Parton. And also not to say that it was unsuccessful - for example, the first version of this piece, 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", won the same hit parade again. Parton made several versions of her musical offspring - however, Whitney, alas, could only envy the worldwide success of the "child".

6. "Turn The Page"
One of METALLICA's most successful charting singles, "Turn the Page" was written in 1973 by Bob Seger, dedicating this song to the rock musician's difficult touring life: 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. Harder (while maintaining the tempo set in Seeger's original), more percussive, more convincing. Although - taking into account the plot of the clip - it is not about musicians at all.

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

8. "Wild Thing"
THE TROGGS' visiting card, "Wild Thing", performed by them, regularly enters the best-of lists of all times and peoples. This flawless hit was composed by the American Chip Taylor, and in 65 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 piece was written by Ed Cobb and has been played by a great many bands and artists. The first, in 1965, "Tainted Love" was recorded by Gloria Jones. Then they applied COIL, ATROCITY, THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS, SCORPIONS and all and sundry. Marilyn Manson scored an awesome cover in 2001. But the true fame and popularity (as well as, ahem, the title of "one hit wonder") the composition won in 1981 in a languid performance of SOFT CELL, suddenly becoming iconic for gay music lovers around the world.

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

September marks 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, then think that in almost a quarter of a century her work would gain a second life thanks to Whitney Houston? the site chose this and nine other most famous cover versions, some of which overshadowed the originals.

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

The song, which is difficult to imagine performed by someone other than The Beatles, however, does not belong to them. Twist and Shout was composed by American authors Phil Midley 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 and roll chant that lasted in the top 40 longer than any other songs of the group.

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

Houston's version not only became an all-time super hit (three months on the first position of the Billboard chart, Grammy award, 14 million single discs sold), but also breathed into the old song new life. Another thing is that the laurels went to the same Whitney, 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, taking some non-prominent 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 the Houston version. When I Will Always Love You, from The Bodyguard, drove the planet crazy, Parton tried to criticize her more fortunate colleague, but finally 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)

The very case when someone else's song became so own that it created some confusion in the minds of fans. This is despite the fact that the original version was performed not by someone, but by Elvis himself. However, both Elvis and the status perfect classics Can't Help Falling In Love didn't save it from turning into UB40's native hit. Performed by these Britons, the ballad occupied the charts in the USA (for seven whole weeks) and Britain, hit the soundtrack for the then-fashionable film "Sliver" and overshadowed UB40's own compositions .

Venus (Original Shocking Blue, Bananarama cover)

The very 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 piece has gone down in history thanks to a cover version by the British trio Bananarama. The girls turned a rock hit into a new wave dance hit, and 1986 passed under the sign of the synthpop "Shizgara". As for the next decade, in 1996, the Dream group built their debut single Pilot based on Venus, and the then youth sang in chorus “Let's bet that the river becomes the sea”, not at all embarrassed by 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 the version of Elvis Presley (there were others, but who will remember them now). It was 1972, and for the respectable King of Rock and Roll, such a thing was very suitable. After 16 years, the pop duo Pet Shop Boys thoroughly shoveled the original source, building a fast dance hit out of it. For PSB, which has enough hits of its own production, Always On My Mind and the success that accompanied it (a month in the leaders of the national chart) are still important. At least, rare concerts do without this (once) tear ballad.

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

Left without Robbie Williams, Take That, before dispersing for 15 years, recorded not their own, but someone else's song as the last goodbye. And they hit the bull's-eye: How Deep Is Your Love, which rattled 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 fans of Gary Barlow & Co, the number of Bee Gees remained the leader of the British chart for three weeks in a row, leaving about itself and the group that made right choice, the best memory.

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

A million CDs sold with the song performed by Kiss made this piece an example of a disco rock hit. After 19 years, the German techno trio Scooter, without too much ado, replaced the heroic galloping rhythm of the original with a win-win dyts-dyts. No romance, a minimum of prettiness, 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, covered by Marilyn Manson)

The first - and main - hit of Eurythmics, which can be exhibited in museums under the banner "Synthpop Sample", Marilyn Manson turned into a ferocious industrial number characteristic of himself. Sung in a strangled mocking voice, Sweet Dreams took on a completely different meaning, mutating from Annie Lennox's bitter reflections into a frightening satire.