I usually hate remakes (seriously, Hollywood, you need to start coming up with some new material, because Anthony Perkins is the only Norman Bates and Footloose is only cool when Kevin Bacon does it), and the worst is when American Idol teenyboppers attempt to put a newfangled twist on a classic song (ahem Justin Bieber ruining Fast Car). There are, however, some instances when a cover is actually just as good, if not much better than the original. Here is a list of some of my favorite covers.

1. Problem – Originally performed by Ariana Grande, Covered by Postmodern Jukebox

I Have so much love for Postmodern Jukebox, and the vintage twist they put on this otherwise forgettable, synthetic summer song actually makes it worth listening to.

2. Shake it Out – Originally performed by Florence and the Machine, Covered by gLee

Nothing against Florence and the Machine, but I really love how Naya Rivera, Amber Riley, and Jenna Ushkowitz’s voices blend together, and I think that this version is much more soulful than the original.

3. Shut Up and Dance – Originally performed by Walk the Moon, Covered by Straight No Chaser

I’ll admit that I’m a little biased because this was the song that Straight No Chaser opened with when I saw them in concert last year, but let's be real, everything sounds better a cappella.

4. Respect – Originally performed by Otis Redding, Covered by Aretha Franklin

Most people don’t know that this song was originally sung (and written by) a man, because the queen of soul took it and made it her own.

5. Black Magic Woman – Originally performed by Fleetwood Mac, Covered by Santana

A Latin beat was most definitely not Fleetwood Mac’s thing, and Carlos Santana’s edition sizzles the way Mick Fleetwood and John McVie just couldn’t.

6. Poker Face – Originally performed by Lady Gaga, Covered by Lady Gaga

Okay, I feel like this shouldn’t necessarily count, but I love Lady Gaga’s piano version of Poker Face much more than the original version, especially because it does a much better job of showcasing her musical talent.

7. Radioactive – Originally performed by Imagine Dragons, Covered by Pentatonix feat. Lindsey Stirling

Yes, I know it was just a matter of time before I mentioned Pentatonix on this list, and I think this is my favorite cover of theirs, mostly because of the Lindsey Stirling’s intense violin playing (seriously, check out this girl’s other videos!).

8. Blank Space/Style– Originally performed by Taylor Swift, Covered by Louisa Wendorff

Taylor Swift herself is “obsessed” with this acoustic mash-up of two singles off of her latest album, 1989.

9. Ex’s & Oh’s – Originally performed by Elle King, Covered by Grace VanderWaal

This little girl won the eleventh season of America’s Got Talent at just twelve-years-old, and is famous on YouTube for her ukulele covers with Ex’s & Oh’s being my favorite.

10. Valerie – Originally performed by The Zutons, Covered by Amy Winehouse

It's almost as if this song was made specifically for Amy Winehouse's voice, no one can sing Valerie quite like her (although Naya Rivera comes pretty close).