Even though we like to claim that nothing is better than the original, we all have a space reserved in our hearts (and iTunes libraries) for our favorite cover songs.

Every playlist on my iTunes is meticulously created to take me back to certain parts of my life, set the right soundtrack for whatever I’m doing, or help motivate me. One of my favorite playlists is my playlist of cover songs. For half of them, I own the original as well, and love it. Some of them are songs I couldn’t stand when done by the original artist, but love when an indie band makes them a hundred times better. It was hard to narrow down, but here are my top fourteen favorite cover songs.

1. “…Baby One More Time”* by Chad Michael Murray. In the movie Freaky Friday, Murray covers a portion of this Britney Spears tune with such ease that you would think he was the original artist. Sorry, Britney ;) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxtCLXtX8ns    

2. “How You Remind Me” by Avril Lavigne. I’ve never been a Nickelback fan, but Avril’s version is truly haunting in a remarkably beautiful way. All of her original music is fantastic, but this may in fact be one of her best songs. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weeluzD_hxk   

3. “Champagne Supernova” by Matt Pond PA. The original version is by Oasis, and while I love their version, there’s something special about Matt Pond’s. Maybe it’s just nostalgia for The O.C. that makes me love it so much, but either way, it’s a great cover. The soundtracks from The O.C. are a treasure trove of great music, and a lot of unique covers like this one. The rain at the beginning is also a nice touch!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvSlzt7IwUk   

4. “Happy Together” by Filter. This song is originally by the band The Turtles, and has been covered many times, but Filter took their interpretation further than others, turning it almost sinister in a version featured in a trailer for Baz Luhrmann’s Great Gatsby remake. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_MgnVlEJ2M   

5. “Not Tonight” by Matt Sharp and Maya Rudolph. Sharp (formerly a member of Weezer) and Rudolph recorded this song while they were in a band called The Rentals together. Originally by Tegan and Sara, I like how this song sounds with a man and woman singing it. It’s also pretty cool to hear Maya Rudolph as a serious musician, instead of a crazy character on SNL. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE9PCRpnjwA   

6. “She’s So High” by Alex Goot. The original is by Tal Bachman, and while it’s a good song, something about Alex Goot’s cover just has more energy. The clapping and simple yet stirring piano work are both indispensable components of this version. If you’ve never heard either the cover or the original, click the link and prepare to be blown away. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3I7XKH0sCg    

7. “Hallelujah” by Kate Voegele. Out of all of the covers of this classic Leonard Cohen song, hers is my favorite. Voegele is majorly talented, and unfortunately not very well known. Her voice is lovely, and this song showcases it well. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k29JxVCKBBM   

8. “XO” by John Mayer. It’s hard to cover someone as current and mega-popular as Beyonce and succeed, but John Mayer’s acoustic version of this song is incredible. You can definitely hear Mayer’s signature style. I’m very much a fan of stripped-down acoustic versions of songs, and this one is a favorite of mine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7L-Rwxoc2jU   

9. “Between the Bars” by Metric. This song, originally by Elliot Smith, was covered by Metric a few years ago. Emily Haines, Metric’s lead singer, has a soft and memorable voice on this track, and overall the production is about as acoustic as you can get.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybmrvq9i2KI   

10. “Chelsea Hotel No. 2” by Lana Del Rey. As she always does, Lana Del Rey gives this Leonard Cohen song sex appeal with her breathy voice, and while it wouldn’t work on a lot of songs, musical style makes this the perfect cover. (Note: this is the second Leonard Cohen cover on my list, but I promise I really do love all his music & his original versions. As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj_myXdOLV0   

11. “Use Somebody” by Paramore. Paramore gives this popular Kings of Leon song a new sound with this pretty acoustic cover. Hayley Williams does a wonderful job on lead vocals, as always, and with only the two guitars and backup from her fellow bandmates, the individual performances really stand out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Re_gJkRkHLQ   

12. “Our Last Night” by Taylor Swift. Originally by the band Better than Ezra, Taylor performed this cover when she was in the early stages of her career. It’s a simple yet well-written love song, and works well with Swift’s voice and musical style.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgaSUDyW58g   

13. “Addicted to Love” by Florence + The Machine. This famous song is originally by Robert Palmer and has been covered almost as many times as “Hallelujah,” but my favorite version is Florence’s because of how underrated it is. Its also pretty mellow compared to Florence’s original music, and her voice still sounds amazing, even when toned down. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycrhIpd4ZWU   

14. “If I Didn’t Know Better” by Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio. This song, featured in the first episode of the ABC tv show Nashville, doesn’t sound much different stylistically from the original (by The Civil Wars), but Palladio and Bowen both have unique and wonderful voices that really shine on this cover. They have done a lot of memorable duets on the show, but this first performance never loses its magic. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWhjZOVvIxo        

*This is a joke. Sort of.