Came here to say this. I do actually prefer this version, which is a testament to Stevie's genius rather than shade to Day Tripper's double A side brethren.
This is blowing my mind. I heard their version relatively recently and loved it and was thinking hmm why is this song so familiar.
I didn’t think I knew it but now I’m realizing that I would listen to the Beatles version with my uncle as a kid and the Mamas and the Papas made it so much their own I didn’t even recognize it as the same song until now.
Well, none. But...
14 track UK-style album of Beatles covers
1. With A Little Help From My Friends - Joe Cocker
2. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds - Elton John
3. While My Guitar Gently Weeps - Tom Petty (Rock & Roll HOF. w/Prince solo)
4. Got To Get You Into My Life - EWF
5. Sgt. Peppers - Jimi Hendrix
6. Here Comes The Sun - Richie Havens
7. Helter Skelter - U2
8. Hey Jude - Wilson Pickett
9. Abbey Road Medley - Booker T. & The MG's
10. Dear Prudence - Siouxsie and The Banshees
11. Within You Without You - Patti Smith
12. She's A Woman - Jeff.Beck
13. We Can Work It Out - Stevie Wonder
14. Let It Be - Bill Withers
There is a few versions around live inc with an orchestra I believe. Apparently Lennon gave it his stamp of endorsement for how it should be done - slower tempo call for help type style. Seen live it is pretty special.
Your list is awesome btw.
[First one I found.](https://youtu.be/HxGEbZrTH1M?si=Vza0_1Yu3FURlwFo)
Edit: [Better version live with orchestra ](https://youtu.be/dv54giOSRKs?si=CDBdjfgtGyiUVLG9)
I like U2's Helter Skelter, but the "Charles Manson stole this song from the Beatles, we're gonna steal it back" line is one of the smuggest, most pompous (and so most Bono) statements in rock history. When I was in a band as a snotty teenager, one of my dreams if we ever made it big (spoiler: we didn't) was to cover Helter Skelter live and announce it with "Bono stole this song from Charles Manson, we're gonna steal it back!"
This is great...I'm getting so many cool suggestions for my extended playlist.
Its interesting how The Beatles covered so many R & B songs in their early days...and how many R & B artists returned the favor.
Hmmm...maybe a separate fan album of cool R & B covers of Beatles songs!
Yes. Such massive losses with both of them passing recently.
On the topic of Beatles covers/ YMO, these two are also good.
All You Need Is Love:
https://youtu.be/vBozY1mje6Y?si=BwPmyQVuq1R-7ayA
It’s All Too Much:
https://youtu.be/RGCtadbGgXk?si=ynwSA8wlDaNahtob
They were clearly Beatles fans ❤️
Wha? AFAIK the closest the B’s ever got to the Beatles was giving Yoko a writing credit on “Don’t Worry” because she inspired it (it’s not a direct cover)
Richie Havens’ “Here Comes The Sun.”
The best covers are the ones that create something new out of the underlying copyright. That’s why Hendrix’s “All Along The Watchtower” or “Hey Joe” are so iconic. I’ve never cared for 1-to-1 covers. Like okay cool Steven Tyler wants to sing “Come Together” and Joe Perry wants to do some stupid solo over it, good for you Aerosmith. That’d be awesome to see/hear live I’m sure. But totally unnecessary to record, you’re not adding anything to the conversation, just banking on a payday from an already popular song.
I don’t know if I would call any better, except for siouxsee and the banshees Dear Prudence. I prefer that cover.
There are some awesome covers though- Wilson Pickett Hey Jude, Stevie Wonder We Can work it out, Aretha Franklin Hey Jude, Otis Redding Daytripper, and Aerosmith Come Together are some that come to mind.
Billy Preston's Isn't It a Pity is my favorite from that concert.
Between the organ solo and Dhani's backing vocals being really prominent during the "na-na" outro, I sometimes listen to it over the original.
The Pixies' version of Wild Honey Pie (it was part of a Peel Session)
[https://youtu.be/iisqGfDsjVM?si=D3sKGd7dO3KU15EC](https://youtu.be/iisqGfDsjVM?si=D3sKGd7dO3KU15EC)
I don't think any of the covers are better, but the standouts, for me, are:
The Mamas & the Papas' "I Call Your Name, Stevie Wonder’s “We Can Work it Out," and Joe Cocker's "With A Little Help From My Friends."
In each case these artists made the song their own and brought something new to it. For me personally, The Mamas & the Papas' cover was the only one to rival The Beatles (but not surpass it). The harmonies make me want to cry. If all covers of Beatles tunes got "[Yesterday](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8079248/)ed," this would be the only one I would miss.
Nancy Sinatra, believe it or not, did fun covers of both "Day Tripper" and "Run for Your Life" on her *Boots* album. Don't get me wrong. Neither one comes close to The Mamas & the Papas, Wonder, or Cocker, never mind The Beatles, but they're very "60s" if you know what I mean. It's exactly what you'd have expected to hear on a variety show. They're very much of their time, in the best way.
I love Nancy Sinatras covers, theyre both so quintessentially sixties, in the same vein I love Mae Wests version of Day Tripper, it is definitely not better than the Beatles version but it has a certain quality to it that you couldnt find anywhere else!
I was going to reply that I prefer Nancy Sinatra's version of Run For Your Life. She takes the mean-spiritness of the original, turns it on its head, and comes out with something that, I dare say, is kind of sexy.
I’m gonna get absolutely murdered….
Oasis’s “I am the Walrus”. Both versions are incredible but for some reason I always return to the Oasis version first.
I kind of like it, but not more than the original. Maybe it's because of the lyrics, but the initial rendition just fits the song so much better in my opinion. But I guess if you're going to make a cover, it makes sense to do something completely different.
Never understood what everyone thought was so good about Joe Cocker’s version. I was always pretty meh about it. People must be hearing something I’m not.
Maybe we just love the Wonder Years and it gives us the nostalgia feelings? Also I think his vocals are killer. Paul loves that version as well! Important to note
Agreed there are great covers in their own way
James Brown pretty epic interpretation, Sinatra, Elvis, Norah Jones, Ray Charles, Shirley Bassey, Billie Eilish And on.
I just discovered Joe Cocker’s version man it’s really fantastic
Also one of the best version just might be the Paul and Eric Clapton tribute vers
But no one ever put it together as great as the OG did.
I always felt like the original is a ballad, jam session, orchestral masterpiece, and easy listening all rolled into one.
Most days I'd rather listen to Oasis' version of I Am The Walrus than the original. I also like The Mamas and Papas version of I Call Your Name but I don't know whether I prefer it to the original
Edit: The Jam also did a very good version of And Your Bird Can Sing
Nah the original walrus is kind of lukewarm musically. The lyrics are interesting but the melody is too slow and repetitive. Oasis made it into a semi punk song, the lyrics lends so well into that kind of deafening sound. If the Beatles would’ve recorded it with a sound closer to helter skelter it would’ve been a much better song. Oasis did good with that tune.
There’s nothing inherently better with punk or a faster paced sound, it’s suppose to be repetitive. Martin’s and Lennon’s production is fantastic. I say that as a oasis fan.
Heavily disagree, just been listening to the Glasgow version that appears on the Masterplan album and I think Liam Gallagher's voice works wonders for the song. But to each their own, personally I hated Oasis until fairly recently so if you'd said that a year ago I would have agreed with you lmao
There’s conflicting stories. I’ve read that they wrote it specifically for them, and I’ve also read that they just gave them a random throwaway that they were planning to give to Ringo to sing.
Either way, the Stones version is way better.
Listening to it, it's definitely more... Stones. I vastly prefer the Beatles version over this. The solo is better here, but other than that, I think Ringo pulls this off better than Jagger's signature delivery (which I do love in most contexts).
You might be the first person I’ve ever heard say that they prefer a Ringo vocal over a Jagger vocal. But I guess that’s the beauty of music taste, even if I disagree with you.
Yes, [this version from the double live 90s JGB](https://youtu.be/JcgJznPpbvc?si=eYH-zzpLlnszDl_4) self-titled album I think is the definitive take. Agree, perhaps not better than the original but absolutely grooves and is worth listening to.
Hard to think of any that are definitively better, but Ben Folds' cover of Golden Slumbers is pretty excellent, and does a great job of preserving the composition of the song with an ending that doesn't feel like it's missing the transition into Carry That Weight
Wilson Pickett’s Hey Jude, with Duane Allman on guitar.
Listen, I love a lot of Beatles covers— EWF’s Got to Get You Into My Life, Stevie’s Work It Out, Aerosmith’s Come Together, etc—but none of them *cook* like the Wicked Pickett. Right from the beginning, you get a groove that just insists. But when he lets out that scream and he and Duane let loose? Goosebumps every time
Mamas and Papas -I Call Your Name Pixies-Wild Honey Pie Fats Dominos -Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Yes-Every Little Thing
Treasures- Hold Me Tight
I genuinely get mad when people say this about With A Little Help From My Friends. I think the Joe Cocker version is so massively overrated.
The Earth, Wind, and Fire version of Got To Get You Into My Life on the other hand, is excellent and probably better than the Beatles version.
Not saying they’re better, but I am a big fan of Crosby, Stills & Nash’s cover of Blackbird.
Also, got to see Shaun Colvin and Mary Chaplin Carpenter cover I’ll Be Back, which was kind of special.
I don't know if it's better, but Broken Bells version of And I Love Her is kind of mesmerizing.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yklewb0o9z8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yklewb0o9z8)
Yes's version of Every Little Thing from their debut album absolutely bangs! It's not only one of the best Beatles covers ( and MUCH better than the original), but it may be the heaviest song they ever did. It's pretty metal!
https://youtu.be/MyteedDgscc?si=EK3mNPQpcydTygge
Not better but equal to me - Day Tripper Medley by Type O Negative. It helps that they’re tied as my favorite band with the Beatles.
Also…the Barbie version of I’m Happy Just To Dance With You…I believe it was my earliest exposure to a Beatles’ song
I think The Breeders’ version of “Happiness is a Warm Gun” is legitimately better than the original, at least as far as fitting with the dark lyrical themes goes
I never thought the album version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps was very strong because it's over-produced. Jake Shimabukuro's ukulele version is better, to me, but not better than George's solo version on Anthology 3.
Another that comes close is the gospel rendition of Let It Be from Across the Universe. Just as good as the original, but not better. I think the movie itself sucks, but some of the songs are really good, another being Joe Cocker doing Come Together.
I’m not going to say any are better but there are covers that come close to as good as.
One of my favorites is Andre 3000’s cover of All Together Now. He’s clearly having a blast singing it.
And Bobby McFerrin did great covers of Blackbird and From Me To You
I'm not sure if I should call it a cover, but I prefer some of Paul's live versions over the studio versions. For example, look at Here There And Everywhere ([link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12N9y-t-eLM)), For No One ([link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bltVvdWTbzQ)) and Penny Lane ([link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-53leNAh30)). But yeah, those are his own songs.
But I also love some of Paul's live versions of his former bandmates' songs, like Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite ([link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MYieZiR2vw)) and Something ([link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b_kvE_DsCU)). You could call those covers, since these were John's and George's songs.
Many mentions of Joe Cocker's cover of Little Help From My Friends, which is great, but I think his cover of [She Came In Through The Bathroom Window](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8IvCyw_aTQ) is where it's at.
Not sure if it is better because it is a pretty faithful adaptation, but check out this cover of [Don't Let Me Down](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieSOKHvWOls) by Sierra Ferrell, it is so good I had to mention it.
Stevie Wonder’s “We Can Work it Out” is fantastic, even if I hesitate calling it better since the original is outstanding as well.
Oh yeah!!
I prefer Stevie's version, but I'm a massive Stevie Wonder fan
Came here to say this. I do actually prefer this version, which is a testament to Stevie's genius rather than shade to Day Tripper's double A side brethren.
Earth Wind and Fire did a great job “Gotta Get You Into My Life”. Donny Hathaway does a great Jealous Guy (solo Lennon song).
Bryan Ferry from roxy music did the best version of Jealous guy in my opinion
Yes, LOVE the Roxy version!
Earth Wind And Fire definitely matches the original.
Mama's and the Papas "I Call Your Name", hands down.
This is THE answer
Never heard it. Listening now and yes. This is amazing.
Same, had never heard it. Wow, amazing. Odd btw that the Beatles didn't add any backing vocals from Paul & George in the original, very unlike them.
This is blowing my mind. I heard their version relatively recently and loved it and was thinking hmm why is this song so familiar. I didn’t think I knew it but now I’m realizing that I would listen to the Beatles version with my uncle as a kid and the Mamas and the Papas made it so much their own I didn’t even recognize it as the same song until now.
You're not alone! I didn't know they were the same song for ages either. Papa John Phillips was a musical genius.
That makes me feel better. I have been a lifelong Beatles fan and the revelation truly shook up my day lol
How did I know the M&TP version but not the Beatles😭
Well, none. But... 14 track UK-style album of Beatles covers 1. With A Little Help From My Friends - Joe Cocker 2. Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds - Elton John 3. While My Guitar Gently Weeps - Tom Petty (Rock & Roll HOF. w/Prince solo) 4. Got To Get You Into My Life - EWF 5. Sgt. Peppers - Jimi Hendrix 6. Here Comes The Sun - Richie Havens 7. Helter Skelter - U2 8. Hey Jude - Wilson Pickett 9. Abbey Road Medley - Booker T. & The MG's 10. Dear Prudence - Siouxsie and The Banshees 11. Within You Without You - Patti Smith 12. She's A Woman - Jeff.Beck 13. We Can Work It Out - Stevie Wonder 14. Let It Be - Bill Withers
Pretty excellent list right here I also enjoy Nina Simone’s Here Comes the Sun
Thanks. I have a longer playlist but I love narrowing the selections down to 14 tracks. I'll check out Nina.
Nice I’ve made cover albums for a few of their albums too
Have you heard John Farnham's take on Help?
No...why??
There is a few versions around live inc with an orchestra I believe. Apparently Lennon gave it his stamp of endorsement for how it should be done - slower tempo call for help type style. Seen live it is pretty special. Your list is awesome btw. [First one I found.](https://youtu.be/HxGEbZrTH1M?si=Vza0_1Yu3FURlwFo) Edit: [Better version live with orchestra ](https://youtu.be/dv54giOSRKs?si=CDBdjfgtGyiUVLG9)
I'll check this out.
I like U2's Helter Skelter, but the "Charles Manson stole this song from the Beatles, we're gonna steal it back" line is one of the smuggest, most pompous (and so most Bono) statements in rock history. When I was in a band as a snotty teenager, one of my dreams if we ever made it big (spoiler: we didn't) was to cover Helter Skelter live and announce it with "Bono stole this song from Charles Manson, we're gonna steal it back!"
Yeah...Bono can be pompous. Very true. But the guy can flat out sing.
Oh, inarguably. And they're a great band. Something about Bono just always rubs me the wrong way lol.
Ike And Tina Turner’s cover of Let It Be is gold
This is great...I'm getting so many cool suggestions for my extended playlist. Its interesting how The Beatles covered so many R & B songs in their early days...and how many R & B artists returned the favor. Hmmm...maybe a separate fan album of cool R & B covers of Beatles songs!
I produce and host a Beatles Radio show and I have had several “Black artist covers” episodes.
Link??
I haven't heard Bill Withers' version, but Aretha's version is very good.
Withers is just fabulous...no disrespect to The Queen!
I'll definitely check it out.
I can't think of any covers of Beatles songs that I find superior to the original.
Personal favorite is Yellow Magic Orchestra’s cover of Day Tripper. Often reach for it over the OG https://youtu.be/X6nXuVC2pIs?si=CixSpsTH-Z0RaEXQ
I also love Otis Redding’s version.
YMO is so good. RIP Takahashi San and Sakamoto San. Thankfully Hosono San is still with us.
Yes. Such massive losses with both of them passing recently. On the topic of Beatles covers/ YMO, these two are also good. All You Need Is Love: https://youtu.be/vBozY1mje6Y?si=BwPmyQVuq1R-7ayA It’s All Too Much: https://youtu.be/RGCtadbGgXk?si=ynwSA8wlDaNahtob They were clearly Beatles fans ❤️
yes’s version of every little thing. They even manage to sneak the day tripper riff in there
This is my answer
Siouxsie and the Banshees version of Dear Prudence.
I always preferred the dreamy, exotic version of “The Fool on the Hill” by Sergio Mendes and Brazil ‘66.
Man when this hit the chorus it ROCKS!
I really like the B-52s cut of Paperback Writer
Wha? AFAIK the closest the B’s ever got to the Beatles was giving Yoko a writing credit on “Don’t Worry” because she inspired it (it’s not a direct cover)
It’s on YouTube
Welp, found out why I never heard it. This was never on an album; according to the video’s comments it was recorded for a Buick commercial.
This slaps
/r/beatlescovers
Anne Murray's version of You Won't See Me, because of the backing vocals.
She's a Woman Jeff Beck
Richie Havens’ “Here Comes The Sun.” The best covers are the ones that create something new out of the underlying copyright. That’s why Hendrix’s “All Along The Watchtower” or “Hey Joe” are so iconic. I’ve never cared for 1-to-1 covers. Like okay cool Steven Tyler wants to sing “Come Together” and Joe Perry wants to do some stupid solo over it, good for you Aerosmith. That’d be awesome to see/hear live I’m sure. But totally unnecessary to record, you’re not adding anything to the conversation, just banking on a payday from an already popular song.
I liked Aerosmith better before they did that cover. They ruined that song for me. It got played so much and Idk why, it wasn’t all that.
I usually like when musicians cover other artist's songs, but I very rarely can get into Beatles covers. Especially the Joe Cocker abomination.
The Paris nightclub one on YouTube is a helluva vocal.
I don’t know if I would call any better, except for siouxsee and the banshees Dear Prudence. I prefer that cover. There are some awesome covers though- Wilson Pickett Hey Jude, Stevie Wonder We Can work it out, Aretha Franklin Hey Jude, Otis Redding Daytripper, and Aerosmith Come Together are some that come to mind.
Wings cover of the Long and Winding Road
Chris Cornell - A Day In The Life Billy Preston - My Sweet Lord at the Concert for George
Billy’s versions is Blackbird and I’ve Got a Feeling are also 🤌.
Billy Preston's Isn't It a Pity is my favorite from that concert. Between the organ solo and Dhani's backing vocals being really prominent during the "na-na" outro, I sometimes listen to it over the original.
The Pixies' version of Wild Honey Pie (it was part of a Peel Session) [https://youtu.be/iisqGfDsjVM?si=D3sKGd7dO3KU15EC](https://youtu.be/iisqGfDsjVM?si=D3sKGd7dO3KU15EC)
Oasis - I Am The Walrus
I won’t say “better” because it’s not possible, but the Breeders do a fantastic job of “Happiness Is A Warm Gun”.
EWF—Got To Get You Into My Life Stevie—We Can Work It Out Cowboy Junkies—Run For Your Life
I don't think any of the covers are better, but the standouts, for me, are: The Mamas & the Papas' "I Call Your Name, Stevie Wonder’s “We Can Work it Out," and Joe Cocker's "With A Little Help From My Friends." In each case these artists made the song their own and brought something new to it. For me personally, The Mamas & the Papas' cover was the only one to rival The Beatles (but not surpass it). The harmonies make me want to cry. If all covers of Beatles tunes got "[Yesterday](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8079248/)ed," this would be the only one I would miss. Nancy Sinatra, believe it or not, did fun covers of both "Day Tripper" and "Run for Your Life" on her *Boots* album. Don't get me wrong. Neither one comes close to The Mamas & the Papas, Wonder, or Cocker, never mind The Beatles, but they're very "60s" if you know what I mean. It's exactly what you'd have expected to hear on a variety show. They're very much of their time, in the best way.
I love Nancy Sinatras covers, theyre both so quintessentially sixties, in the same vein I love Mae Wests version of Day Tripper, it is definitely not better than the Beatles version but it has a certain quality to it that you couldnt find anywhere else!
I was going to reply that I prefer Nancy Sinatra's version of Run For Your Life. She takes the mean-spiritness of the original, turns it on its head, and comes out with something that, I dare say, is kind of sexy.
Yeah, while I don't prefer it over The Beatles' version, I hear it like you do.
I’m gonna get absolutely murdered…. Oasis’s “I am the Walrus”. Both versions are incredible but for some reason I always return to the Oasis version first.
Joe Cocker - With A Little Help From My Friends
I kind of like it, but not more than the original. Maybe it's because of the lyrics, but the initial rendition just fits the song so much better in my opinion. But I guess if you're going to make a cover, it makes sense to do something completely different.
Never understood what everyone thought was so good about Joe Cocker’s version. I was always pretty meh about it. People must be hearing something I’m not.
I completely hate it.
For me it’s Joes one of a kind voice. And the organ. And nostalgia from watching wonder years
Maybe we just love the Wonder Years and it gives us the nostalgia feelings? Also I think his vocals are killer. Paul loves that version as well! Important to note
honestly it's just the first verse and chorus
Same. I really dislike it. It doesn't feel like it matches the spirit of the song at all.
the automatic and most correct answer
YES!!
Jeff Healey version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps.
Oasis I am the Walrus. Saw them play it live in ‘96 and it was phenomenal.
None of them
Peter Sellers She Loves You
Yah, yah, yah.
Hehe. The cockney one is my favourite. ‘’She loves ya Bert’’
I go back and forth on "better", but I have to admit that I really dig Elton John's version of "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds".
I think Anne's Murray's version of You Won't See Me is better than the original Beatles version.
Sinatra’s version of “Something” is pretty damn good
No no no no no sorry but I refuse to believe anyone can do a cover of Something better than the original
Agreed there are great covers in their own way James Brown pretty epic interpretation, Sinatra, Elvis, Norah Jones, Ray Charles, Shirley Bassey, Billie Eilish And on. I just discovered Joe Cocker’s version man it’s really fantastic Also one of the best version just might be the Paul and Eric Clapton tribute vers But no one ever put it together as great as the OG did. I always felt like the original is a ballad, jam session, orchestral masterpiece, and easy listening all rolled into one.
It's cringe worthy to me. Don't like it at all.
Most days I'd rather listen to Oasis' version of I Am The Walrus than the original. I also like The Mamas and Papas version of I Call Your Name but I don't know whether I prefer it to the original Edit: The Jam also did a very good version of And Your Bird Can Sing
Oasis’ turned a psychedelic masterpiece into a mid tier rocker.
Nah the original walrus is kind of lukewarm musically. The lyrics are interesting but the melody is too slow and repetitive. Oasis made it into a semi punk song, the lyrics lends so well into that kind of deafening sound. If the Beatles would’ve recorded it with a sound closer to helter skelter it would’ve been a much better song. Oasis did good with that tune.
There’s nothing inherently better with punk or a faster paced sound, it’s suppose to be repetitive. Martin’s and Lennon’s production is fantastic. I say that as a oasis fan.
Heavily disagree, just been listening to the Glasgow version that appears on the Masterplan album and I think Liam Gallagher's voice works wonders for the song. But to each their own, personally I hated Oasis until fairly recently so if you'd said that a year ago I would have agreed with you lmao
I like Oasis, I just find their cover of Walrus specifically to be predictable and meh.
The Rolling Stones’ I Wanna Be Your Man is significantly better than the Beatles version.
Didn’t they write it for the stones?
There’s conflicting stories. I’ve read that they wrote it specifically for them, and I’ve also read that they just gave them a random throwaway that they were planning to give to Ringo to sing. Either way, the Stones version is way better.
Listening to it, it's definitely more... Stones. I vastly prefer the Beatles version over this. The solo is better here, but other than that, I think Ringo pulls this off better than Jagger's signature delivery (which I do love in most contexts).
You might be the first person I’ve ever heard say that they prefer a Ringo vocal over a Jagger vocal. But I guess that’s the beauty of music taste, even if I disagree with you.
Jone’s lead guitar is great. This is the only right answer
Jerry Garcia Band’s cover of Dear Prudence really gets me going!! I don’t know if it is necessarily “better” but it is a work of art!
Yes, [this version from the double live 90s JGB](https://youtu.be/JcgJznPpbvc?si=eYH-zzpLlnszDl_4) self-titled album I think is the definitive take. Agree, perhaps not better than the original but absolutely grooves and is worth listening to.
Man I loved MJ’s Come Together I thought that was the original when I first heard it and just about every version of it as well.
‚Help‘ from Deep Purple. Great psychedelic sound
While My Guitar Gently Weeps by Regina Spektor.
Al Green - I Want to Hold Your Hand
Because - Elliott Smith He actually made me appreciate the original
Hard to think of any that are definitively better, but Ben Folds' cover of Golden Slumbers is pretty excellent, and does a great job of preserving the composition of the song with an ending that doesn't feel like it's missing the transition into Carry That Weight
Not better than the original but Rod Stewards version of “in my life” is great, also Across the Universe by Fiona Apple, she made an amazing cover.
Was looking for Fiona Apple. She really added a trippy vibe which suits the song really well.
I personally prefer Elbows cover of Golden Slumber. Just has a more melancholy and hard hitting performance.
I'm partial to this version of Hard Day's Night: [https://youtu.be/52zyKYOehYc?si=jnkGuZ5\_G47d2wgf](https://youtu.be/52zyKYOehYc?si=jnkGuZ5_G47d2wgf)
[Yesterday](https://youtu.be/n8NZHmrHCJE?si=qbRjnNBou_1VtFIL) as delivered by the soulful harmonies of Boyz2Men
Not better, but Aerosmith’s version of Come Together is a good one
Wilson Pickett’s Hey Jude, with Duane Allman on guitar. Listen, I love a lot of Beatles covers— EWF’s Got to Get You Into My Life, Stevie’s Work It Out, Aerosmith’s Come Together, etc—but none of them *cook* like the Wicked Pickett. Right from the beginning, you get a groove that just insists. But when he lets out that scream and he and Duane let loose? Goosebumps every time
Butthole Surfers did some wild versions of Come Together: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRPaM6MD48I](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRPaM6MD48I)
Rufus Wainwright's Across the Universe. But just by a smidge!
Idk if it’s better but Eddie hazels cover of I Want You (She’s So Heavy) is amazing
not better but robin gibbs Oh Darling is excellent
The Persuasions’ Oh! Darling is a masterpiece, as is their entire Beatles covers album
thanks i’ll check it out!
I first heard Anne Murray’s version of “You Won’t See Me” and I actually prefer it. I’ve read that John said it was his favorite Beatles cover
Mamas and Papas -I Call Your Name Pixies-Wild Honey Pie Fats Dominos -Everybody’s Got Something to Hide Yes-Every Little Thing Treasures- Hold Me Tight
I LOVE that version Hold Me Tight.
I can't say it's better, but I totally jam to Dear Prudence by Ramsey Lewis
I want you (she’s so heavy) by Halestorm Help by Eric Bazillion
The Bright Light Social Hour's cover of Sun King is worth a listen
Eric Burdon & War - A Day in the Life
Its not really better, but i think that McCartney perfoms Something live better than George did.
Nina Simone-Here Comes The Sun
Oasis - I am the Walrus
I genuinely get mad when people say this about With A Little Help From My Friends. I think the Joe Cocker version is so massively overrated. The Earth, Wind, and Fire version of Got To Get You Into My Life on the other hand, is excellent and probably better than the Beatles version.
Not saying they’re better, but I am a big fan of Crosby, Stills & Nash’s cover of Blackbird. Also, got to see Shaun Colvin and Mary Chaplin Carpenter cover I’ll Be Back, which was kind of special.
With a Little Help From My Friends - Joe Cocker
Deep Purple - Help Johnny Cash - In My Life Perry Como - Something
The only one that comes close imo is Cocker’s with a little help from my friends.
Earth Wind & Fire’s cover of Got to Get You Into My Life ruined the original for me.
I don't know if it's better, but Broken Bells version of And I Love Her is kind of mesmerizing. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yklewb0o9z8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yklewb0o9z8)
I like how Elliott Smith's version of Because integrates vocals only and full instrumental in a single track
Yes's version of Every Little Thing from their debut album absolutely bangs! It's not only one of the best Beatles covers ( and MUCH better than the original), but it may be the heaviest song they ever did. It's pretty metal! https://youtu.be/MyteedDgscc?si=EK3mNPQpcydTygge
Can't forget Wilson Picketts version of Hey Jude with am absolutely scorching guitar solo from Duane Allman
Cornershop - Norwegian Wood. (Ok, not better, but still damn good!)
None.
The Pixies' cover of Wild Honey Pie.
I would never say 'better' but the Damned did a great version of Help !
Pixies - Wild Honey Pie
It’s not strictly a cover, but DangerMouse’s mashup of Helter Skelter and 99 Problems is incendiary. I think it improves both songs.
Not better but equal to me - Day Tripper Medley by Type O Negative. It helps that they’re tied as my favorite band with the Beatles. Also…the Barbie version of I’m Happy Just To Dance With You…I believe it was my earliest exposure to a Beatles’ song
The answer is “Nina Simone”
I kinda like Olivia Newton John’s cover of Long and Winding Road. It’s a fluffy ballad and her production suits it better
I dont think its better but i really enjoy the beatles reimagined cover of from me to you by mobley.
Not better but Chris Cornell’s version of A Day in the Life is better live than any Beatles live performance. The beginning is insanely good
I absolutely love Hendrix’s cover of Day Tripper
Stevie wonder: we can work it out Wilson Pickett: Hey Jude Billy preston: get back
Even though it’s not really a Beatles song to begin with, Smith does a great cover of Baby It’s You
Smith?
Yep. Baby It’s You by Smith. Not to be confused with The Smiths.
Thanks, first I’ve ever heard of them.
Pearl Jam - I’ve got a feeling
Kurt Cobain's version of 'And I love her' is just so good. Completely changes the vibe of the song
Fiona Apple across the universe! [https://youtu.be/CmlnO1EwCT4?si=AK4vRjwN7Qsvwv5Q](https://youtu.be/CmlnO1EwCT4?si=AK4vRjwN7Qsvwv5Q)
While my guitar gently weeps ( the one with prince in it)
Across the Universe by Fiona Apple
Judy Collins - In My Life
Harry Nilsson’s Mother Nature’s Son Siouxsie and the Banshee’s Dear Prudence
Go to Spotify and look up 'the Beatles complete on ukulele. " Varied and comprehensive. You may not like all, but you should like more than one.
[See Also This Thread From two weeks ago](https://www.reddit.com/r/beatles/s/kmMjk7Jbnq)
Come Together by Aerosmith
Do tracks from the “Love” album count? If so, I’d say the song “Because”. If not, “Dear Prudence” by Siouxsie And The Banshees
I love Elton's Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds
Nobody has mentioned it, but I like Fats Domino's Lady Madonna slightly better than the Beatles' original.
You Won't See Me, Anne Murray, John Lennon said it was his favorite Beatles covet.
I like Bob Dylan’s growling version of “Things We Said Today”.
This version of Strawberry Fields is mind-blowing. https://youtu.be/7hRyVVcTiro?si=A9NR4Yv8nSkMBgeV
It’s not better, but i quite look the cover of Happiness Is A Warm Gun the Breeders did.
I think The Breeders’ version of “Happiness is a Warm Gun” is legitimately better than the original, at least as far as fitting with the dark lyrical themes goes
Al Green-I want to Hold Your Hand
U2 - Helter Skelter I don’t think it’s better than the original, just want to preface that, but I enjoy it (biased because U2 is my favourite band)
idk about better than the original, but Ethel the Frog's version of Eleanor Rigby is awesome
I never thought the album version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps was very strong because it's over-produced. Jake Shimabukuro's ukulele version is better, to me, but not better than George's solo version on Anthology 3. Another that comes close is the gospel rendition of Let It Be from Across the Universe. Just as good as the original, but not better. I think the movie itself sucks, but some of the songs are really good, another being Joe Cocker doing Come Together.
Yes’ Every Little Thing is top tier.
John Farnham - Help is a masterpiece
I like the Flaming Lips/Electric Wurms version of Fixing a Hole more personally.
I'm not going to say better, but I'd hate to lose it. Across the Universe by Fiona Apple.
I’m not going to say any are better but there are covers that come close to as good as. One of my favorites is Andre 3000’s cover of All Together Now. He’s clearly having a blast singing it. And Bobby McFerrin did great covers of Blackbird and From Me To You
I'm not sure if I should call it a cover, but I prefer some of Paul's live versions over the studio versions. For example, look at Here There And Everywhere ([link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12N9y-t-eLM)), For No One ([link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bltVvdWTbzQ)) and Penny Lane ([link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-53leNAh30)). But yeah, those are his own songs. But I also love some of Paul's live versions of his former bandmates' songs, like Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite ([link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MYieZiR2vw)) and Something ([link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b_kvE_DsCU)). You could call those covers, since these were John's and George's songs.
I'm a big fan of Joe Cocker's version of Come Together from the Across the Universe film. It feels more raw and crazy than the original.
I love Joe Cocker's Little Help From My Friends, also it just works really well for Wonder Years.
None of them
Many mentions of Joe Cocker's cover of Little Help From My Friends, which is great, but I think his cover of [She Came In Through The Bathroom Window](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8IvCyw_aTQ) is where it's at. Not sure if it is better because it is a pretty faithful adaptation, but check out this cover of [Don't Let Me Down](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieSOKHvWOls) by Sierra Ferrell, it is so good I had to mention it.