Do you find most pop songs bland or boring? Are you tired of hearing the same song over and over again? Do you listen to Taylor Swift and think to yourself “You know what? This would sound much better if it was metal.”
Then look no further, my friend. I have compiled here a list of the best rock covers of popular songs. To me, there is almost nothing better than a good cover. These of course are my favorites and I highly recommend giving them all a listen. Most of them, in my honest opinion, put the originals to shame. These are not in any particular order simply because I found that ranking them was almost impossible. So without any further ado, let’s begin.
"Blank Space" -- I Prevail (Taylor Swift Cover)
The first song on the list is also the heaviest. For those of you who aren’t metal fans, this song may just change your views on the genre entirely. A relatively new band, I Prevail has been taking the music world by storm with their melodic, yet powerful sound. Their cover of "Blank Space" turns a relatively slow Taylor Swift love story into a head-banging anthem that will kick-start your heart faster than a defibrillator to the chest. The feel is similar to the original song, but the breakdowns and guitar riffs add a beautifully dark twist. Great song, great band.
"Bad Romance" -- Artist Vs. Poet (Lady Gaga Cover)
Next up is a cover of popular song from 2009, Lady Gaga’s "Bad Romance." AVP does an incredible job of keeping the song fairly synth-heavy (as most Gaga songs are) while seamlessly adding in jam-worthy guitar and drum fills. The original has a dance club feel about it and this cover flawlessly keeps the same tone while making it just a little bit heavier. If you jammed out to this song back in the day, you’re going to absolutely love this cover.
"Stay The Night" -- State Champs (Zedd Cover)
The original was another dance club favorite with strong vocals and a fairly catchy beat. This cover by State Champs is no different. Much like a few others on this list, this band takes a club song and turns it into a rock anthem that you can still get up and move to. By replacing all the synth with electric guitar, this cover gives you that party feel with a hard rock sound.
"Someone Like You" -- Ice Nine Kills (Adele Cover)
Adele is an incredible and unique artist. The majority of her songs have a very soft tone with most of the song’s focus being on the vocals. Ice Nine Kills takes this track and does a complete overhaul of it. The vocals are still strong, yet the focus is shifted to the music itself. The drum track takes this song’s slow tempo and kicks some life into it. At points this cover does get a little heavy, but it stays true to the heart-tearing theme that every Adele song has. This cover takes the sad, yet empowering feel of the original and adds an angry dynamic to the song that fits perfectly. If you ever need a song to jam out to and sing to at the top of your lungs, this one’s for you.
"DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" -- Her bright Skies (Usher Cover)
Who doesn’t love Usher? He has the voice of an angel, incredible dance moves, and songs that are catchier than the flu during the winter. The only thing missing is some guitar chords and drum fills. By mixing the synth track with their guitar riffs, Her Bright Skies adds a new dynamic to the song that makes Usher just a little more hype, which is saying a lot. They keep true to the original by keeping the vocals strong and melodic and the beat catchy throughout. This is yet another great cover that takes simple pop song to a whole new level.
"Heroes (We Could Be)" -- Self Deception (Alesso Cover)
At this point you’re probably starting to see a common theme with these covers. Some of the best covers are simply dance tracks reimagined. This cover is no different. Self Deception takes this repetitive pop hit and adds some much-needed electricity. The heavy drum fills and alluring bass lines lead perfectly into a guitar-powered beat drop that’s strong enough to start a fire in your speakers. This cover is a perfect way to get hyped for just about anything.
"Free Fallin'" -- The Almost (Tom Petty Cover)
Nothing beats good classic rock. When it comes to making covers of classics, most bands fail miserably by trying to turn it into something it’s not. The Almost stays as true to the original as they can while really turning it into their own song. This cover is exactly what you’d imagine a modern version of the song would sound like -- which is exactly why it’s one of my favorites. They take a risk by throwing in a few more elements to the original, but it does a perfect job of making the song feel much fuller. If you appreciate some good classic rock, you’ll absolutely love this cover.
"Sorry" -- Our Last Night (Justin Bieber Cover)
Our Last Night is well known for their incredible covers. I thought it would be unfair to include multiple covers of theirs on this list, so I had to settle for my favorite. I have indeed actually listened to the original (by accident) and trust me when I say this cover not only makes it bearable, but also may just make it your new favorite song. Our Last Night’s lead singer, Trevor Wentworth, sings Bieber's own song better than he could ever hope to. The chill, club vibe of the original is replaced by a more upbeat, guitar-oriented tone. The signature synth sounds throughout the song are replaced by guitar riffs that really help give this cover a completely different feel. The cover’s greatest feature, however, is the drum track. The original’s simple synthesizer drum beat is completely thrown out and swapped with different and beautifully intricate drum fills. All of this makes this song not only one of my favorite covers, but one of my favorite songs. You’ll come for the vocals and stay for the drums.
"Little Lion Man" -- Tonight Alive (Mumford and Sons Cover)
After hearing this song for the first time I swear to you I had to find a new pair of pants. It’s much easier for bands to make a cover of a mediocre song than it is to cover a really good one. Many times the bands end up failing miserably and run the risk of completely ruining the song. Mumford and Sons is a great band and "Little Lion Man" is one of their best songs. Tonight Alive takes on the challenge and succeeds masterfully. The light signature banjo is replaced by an equally impressive guitar that absolutely blows you away when it hits. The beautiful Jenna McDougall, lead singer of the group, does the original justice with her soothing, yet powerful vocals. The drum track in this cover is also one of the most intricate I’ve ever heard. Matt Best, the drummer, is incredibly gifted and he really lets his skills show here. The tone and feel of the song is also different from the original, which can be difficult to pull off. Tonight Alive, however, does so flawlessly.
"Africa" -- Quite Drive (Toto Cover)
This. This song right here. Oh my word. First let me say that the original by Toto is an all-time classic that you should already know all the words to. If haven’t heard the original yet, I highly recommend stopping whatever you’re doing and listen to it right now. Then, when you’re done, listen to it again. Repeat about 20 more times. Done? Good. Now you’re ready. This is another cover that completely changes the feel and tone of the original and does a magnificent job of doing so. The original is of course much slower and melodic, while this cover is more upbeat and slightly heavier. The guitar and drum tracks will have you head banging and singing at the top of your lungs throughout. Of all the songs on this list, this is without a doubt the best to scream out while driving around with your friends. The guitar solo in this cover is also one you’re going to want to replay again and again. Actually, the whole song will make you want to play it again and again. I found this song probably about six months ago and I still lose my mind every time it comes on. This is one of the most well written covers I have ever heard and if you only listen to one song on this list, make it this one.
I hope you enjoy these songs as much as I do. To me, there are very few things in this world that beat a good cover. If you have other covers that you like, please leave a comment and let me know!
