In the world of music, originality is an important piece to the puzzle. Hearing the same thing over and over again gets old sometimes. However, hearing the same song in a different way or by a different person can attract the ear even more. Covers of songs can work in many ways. They can make a song better. They can make a song worse. They can help you to understand the meaning of the song better than the original song did. They can also make you appreciate the original song even more. Here are a few covers to consider adding to your Spotify playlist. Let me clarify that this is in no way saying that these covers are better than the original. They are covers that simply caught my ear.
1. I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston (Originally by Dolly Parton)
This was and still is a popular cover. It was one of the signature songs from the movie "The Bodyguard," starring the late Whitney Houston. It was also played at her funeral. The song had a major impact on many.
2. I Hope You Dance by Gladys Knight (Originally by Lee Ann Womack)
I first heard this cover from the film "The Family that Preys." The original was a soft beautiful song. This cover by soulful singer Gladys Knight gave the song an even more powerful feeling.
3. Heartless by The Fray (Originally by Kanye West)
Originally sung by possible future presidential candidate/ rapper Kanye West, this tune was turned from a calm rap vibe song into a strong, powerful ballad.
4. With A Little Help From My Friends by Joe Cocker (Originally by The Beatles)
Joe Cocker gave this tune a soulful, moving vibe. In addition to his cover, the late John Belushi covered Cocker's cover on an episode of Saturday Night Live. Cocker also performed this song at Woodstock.
5. Iris by Boyz II Men (Originally by The Goo Goo Dolls)
There have been quite a few of covers of this song. New Found Glory, Sleeping with Sirens, and Alex Goot have also contributed to covering this song. Each cover brought it's own creativity to the song, but after the original, Boyz II Men is probably my favorite version.
6. Hello by Fame on Fire (Originally by Adele)
I try so hard not to jump on the Adele bandwagon. The more I try, the harder it gets to not be a fan. I was doing just fine at not listening to "Hello" up until I came across the cover by Fame on Fire. Thanks to that cover, whenever the song comes on, I know every word. Adele, you win this time.
7. Love Yourself by Halsey (Originally by Justin Bieber)
Actually, I suggest checking out Halsey's music anyway because she's amazing. By changing one word in her cover, Halsey brings clarity into the meaning of the song.
8. Trap Queen by Ed Sheeran (Originally by Fetty Wap)
Originally performed by the rapper Fetty Wap, the song was transformed into a ballad. Even if you don't like rap or hip-hop, give this cover a chance. If you're not good at rapping fast, try learning this cover and then singing along with the original. You may be surprised that you can keep up now that you know the lyrics.
9. ...Baby One More Time by Bowling for Soup (Originally by Britney Spears)
Most of us remember the original, right? It was all over the radio stations, in the malls, and everywhere in between. Did you know it was originally written for the music group TLC, but they turned it down? See, now you know. Where's that "The More You Know" image when you need it? Anyway, even though the song almost sounds like a case of Stockholm syndrome, Bowling for Soup gives it a punk rock edge that just sounds classic.
10. Bang Bang (Rock Version) by Cher (Originally by Cher)
Yes, you read that right. It was originally by Cher, the same Cher that covered it. It was also covered by Nancy Sinatra, which was highly popular. After the original version was released in 1966, Cher recorded the rock version in 1987. This version takes a whole new turn. I was blown away by how amazing it sounded.
11. Hallelujah by Celtic Thunder (Originally by Leonard Cohen)
Remember that song from Shrek? Yeah, this is the one. There are many different covers to it. The person who sang the cover from Shrek is John Cale. My personal favorite is the Celtic Thunder cover. It sounds so beautiful with multiple voices. Now may be a good time to let you know that this is probably not the song you want your church choir singing though. Do yourself a favor and don't suggest it, even if it does sound nearly angelic.
Like I stated before, this is not implying that the covers are superior to the originals. These are just versions of the songs to take into consideration the next time you're building up your Spotify playlist.
