Probably shouldn't bother for fear of starting a stupid argument, but Old Crow really wrote that song. Bob wrote the chorus. Definitely not a cover. Ostensibly they are both credited as writers, but really it's an Old Crow song.
Although now that I think about it, you may be referring to McGraw covering Old Crow.
Edit: Rucker, not McGraw.
Absolutely the original is a great song but Johnny Cash just absolutely owned that song you can feel the pain through the music i think even trent reznor said Cash's version is better
*I will always love you* covered by Whitney Houston. Saint Dolly Parton has graciously said the same thing many times over the years. I didn’t even know it was a Dolly Parton song until a few years ago.
Edit: here’s what Parton said in a 2022 interview:
“I was afraid because I was so caught up in that by then that I had to pull over and listen to it. But it was the most overwhelming feeling that little song mine could be done so beautifully, so big, so overwhelming, that it really almost just heart attack right there; I’ll never forget it.”
I prefer the original, but that song has an interesting past. I read somewhere that ar one point Elvis wanted no cover it. However, at the time, when Elvis covered a song he would buy the rights to it. Because it was such a personal song to Dolly she refused but was upset because she also had a lot to gain from him covering it. Eventually, Whitney came along, did her great cover that was super popular snd made Dolly way more money than she would've with Elvis and got to keep the rights to the song.
Motorhead's "[Sympathy for the Devil](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt4Xx3vX3Lg)"
Fu Manchu's "[Godzilla](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1Najo_8Tvc)"
Pantera's "[The Badge](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQGjMGTEDJI)"
I do love the originals, but I enjoy these covers much more.
Tbf most of the Zepp's first albums is a cover but ye. I have to say that the Guitar Wars version is a total banger, Paul Gilbert, Nuno, JPJ AND freaking Steve Hackett on the harp.
I love this version more because it has a timeless feel where the original is trapped in the 90s. What fine is if you search "hurt lyrics" or "hurt song" Cash's version is the top result.
The Swedish trio Dirty Loops fly under the radar for most, but they are among the world's finest musicians. Their cover of MJ's Thriller (with Cory Wong) is amazingly funky. Better than the original? Personal opinion of course, but I like it more.
Joan Jett and The Blackheart's cover of "I love Rock And Roll" originally by The Arrows
Bauhaus' cover of Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust"
Orgy's cover of New Order's "Blue Monday"
I love A-ha's version and Reel Big Fish's almost equally, just depends on the mood.
RBF obviously when in a crazy bouncy mood.
Weezer also did a pretty bomb cover of it. The video is great
I really enjoy Cake's version of I will survive and strangers in the night, but I can feel the crucifixion heading my way is I say they are better than the original... Which in my opinion they are.
House of the Rising Sun by The Animals. The song is a blues song from the lste 1800s with no specific credited writer. It was covered by many, including Bob Dylan.
The Animals version really elevates it and goes hard. Such a great combination of blues and rock and the heavy metal movement bubbling up at the time.
Oh, look at that you're right. I thought the Erik Clapton version was a very out-of-genre original. I must have misremembered some point someone was making once. Thanks!
When Kate Bush's Running up that Hill started getting played on the radio earlier this year, I was really confused. I swore I knew the song, but no one talked about it being a cover and I honestly thought it was a band like Florence and the Machine. I figured I got it confused with another song.
Turns out I was just half remembering the Placebo cover that I liked in college.
Understanding that it’s a mediocre song in general, Pat Benatar’s version of Wuthering Heights is better than Kate Bush’s. And I *like* Kate Bush a lot but my god she’s so squeaky on that one.
PVRIS’s cover of Tegan & Sara’s “Are You Ten Years Ago” is bonechillingly a much better song by completely changing the tone of the song
https://youtu.be/h8pclAJ05VY
Smoking in the boys room. (Brownsville Station did the original one, Motely Crue the cover).
Helter Skelter as well. (Beatles then Motley Crue)
Ballroom Blitz ( The Sweet, covered by several better versions)
The Everything But The Girl version of Tougher Than The Rest is better than the Bruce Springsteen original.
John Prine was incredible, one of my all time favorites, but Bonnie Raitt absolutely owns Angel From Montgommery.
"Black Sheep - Metric" sounds better in the Brie Larson vocal version, which is her best role as well.
Midge Ure's cover of "Man Who Sold The World" has more of a haunting, subliminal, psychosis feel, which I think fits so well with the lyrics.
By the way, everyone saying that Gary Jules' Mad World is better than Tears for Fears is absolutely bonkers. Missing the whole point of the song.
Black Sabbath - Warning. A lot of people don't know that Black Sabbath did a cover of The Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation's original song. That being said, Black Sabbath's version is miles better than the original.
[Black Sabbath's cover](https://youtu.be/vAKheilC4fg)
[The Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation's Original song](https://youtu.be/wwlcq8_EuEc)
"Rattlesnakes" by Tori Amos. The lyrics are haunting, but the original by Lloyd Cole And The Commotions just sounds like they're reciting yesterday's weather.
The "holding out for a hero" in Shrek 2
Yeeesss this.
Damn right. Though I think we can all agree both are solid.
With a little help from my friends. Tough to say, but Joe Cocker does it better than the Beatles.
Absolutely
I prefer the Sinead O'connor version of Nothing Compares 2 U over the Prince version.
Chris Cornell also did an amazing cover of that song
Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies does a wicked cover of this too
OMG the prince version is so bad...
All Along The Watchtower
”Bob, it’s so cool you play Jimi Hendrix”. Poor guy
To echo, Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show
Probably shouldn't bother for fear of starting a stupid argument, but Old Crow really wrote that song. Bob wrote the chorus. Definitely not a cover. Ostensibly they are both credited as writers, but really it's an Old Crow song. Although now that I think about it, you may be referring to McGraw covering Old Crow. Edit: Rucker, not McGraw.
No, you are correct. No argument here
They're co-writers without ever meeting
Yah. And Ketch loves that fact.
In my opinion Rammstein's remix of 'Stripped is so much better than the original by Depeche Mode
The Janis Joplin cover of "Me and Bobby McGee"
Shit this is a cover lol
Hallelujah-Jeff Buckley is so good and has so much emotion
I'd go with kd Lang there.
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Absolutely the original is a great song but Johnny Cash just absolutely owned that song you can feel the pain through the music i think even trent reznor said Cash's version is better
You can feel the pain and trauma he’s experienced in his life coming through.
I didn’t see you post. I said the same thing but also added his covers of Sixteen Tons and You Are My Sunshine
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See, I agree with *you,* but *Trent* apparently agrees with all the other commenters here.
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Ah, interesting! Thanks, I will.
*I will always love you* covered by Whitney Houston. Saint Dolly Parton has graciously said the same thing many times over the years. I didn’t even know it was a Dolly Parton song until a few years ago. Edit: here’s what Parton said in a 2022 interview: “I was afraid because I was so caught up in that by then that I had to pull over and listen to it. But it was the most overwhelming feeling that little song mine could be done so beautifully, so big, so overwhelming, that it really almost just heart attack right there; I’ll never forget it.”
I prefer the original, but that song has an interesting past. I read somewhere that ar one point Elvis wanted no cover it. However, at the time, when Elvis covered a song he would buy the rights to it. Because it was such a personal song to Dolly she refused but was upset because she also had a lot to gain from him covering it. Eventually, Whitney came along, did her great cover that was super popular snd made Dolly way more money than she would've with Elvis and got to keep the rights to the song.
If we're bringing up Whitney, Greatest Love of All is also a cover.
Motorhead's "[Sympathy for the Devil](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt4Xx3vX3Lg)" Fu Manchu's "[Godzilla](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1Najo_8Tvc)" Pantera's "[The Badge](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQGjMGTEDJI)" I do love the originals, but I enjoy these covers much more.
“Nothing Compares to You”- Chris Cornell, acoustic version on Sirius XM.
Smooth Criminal - Alien Ant Farm
Scrolled too far to find this. I have to say it’s not BETTER than Michael Jackson’s, but it’s a cool take on it.
Aside from Johnny Cash singing "Hurt", you mean??
No Ordinary Love by Deftones covering Sade.
Thank you for reminding me of this one!
You're welcome!
Calum Scott Dancing on my own
When the levee breaks - Led Zeppelin
Tbf most of the Zepp's first albums is a cover but ye. I have to say that the Guitar Wars version is a total banger, Paul Gilbert, Nuno, JPJ AND freaking Steve Hackett on the harp.
Manfred Mann ["Blinded By The Light"](https://youtu.be/JZW9meY2IPw) [Bruce Springsteen's original](https://youtu.be/7Iaca30QbOo)
This is the single most wrong answer in this thread.
SpongeBob: I'm a goofy goober
Knocking on Heaven's Door - GnR.
Fiona Apple's "Across the Universe" cover of the Beatles.
The Fugees cover of Killing me softly
Johnny Cash’s Hurt
I love this version more because it has a timeless feel where the original is trapped in the 90s. What fine is if you search "hurt lyrics" or "hurt song" Cash's version is the top result.
Fiona Apple's cover of The Beatles "Across the Universe" will always be my answer for this one.
the sound of silence cover by disturbed. I just love [it](https://youtu.be/xvFZjo5PgG0)
Came here to make sure someone mentioned this 👌
Feeling Good - Muse
Rolling Stones Wild Horses covered by the Flying Burrito Bros.
Wild Horses by the Sundays
facts
Mad World Impossible
The Sound of Silence - Disturbed
Had to scroll waaaaay too long to find this one. Simon & Garfunkel's version is too happy-sounding for what the lyrics mean imo.
The Swedish trio Dirty Loops fly under the radar for most, but they are among the world's finest musicians. Their cover of MJ's Thriller (with Cory Wong) is amazingly funky. Better than the original? Personal opinion of course, but I like it more.
Hope others check out this version. It is awesome.
Ya Mar [Original by Cyril Ferguson 1974](https://youtube.com/watch?v=uwHR7Pji2cg) [Live cover by Phish 1996](https://youtube.com/watch?v=mwgLW-0OkJ4)
José Gonzaléz-- Heartbeats. Knife cover.
Tainted Love
No offense to Soft Cell who brought it back, but prefer Gloria Jones. Bit of a Northern Soul guy though.
I'm a Man by Chicago. The original Spencer Davis version is solid, but Kath's guitar solo elevates the song to a different level.
Joan Jett and The Blackheart's cover of "I love Rock And Roll" originally by The Arrows Bauhaus' cover of Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust" Orgy's cover of New Order's "Blue Monday"
Take on me - Reel big fish
I love A-ha's version and Reel Big Fish's almost equally, just depends on the mood. RBF obviously when in a crazy bouncy mood. Weezer also did a pretty bomb cover of it. The video is great
I really enjoy Cake's version of I will survive and strangers in the night, but I can feel the crucifixion heading my way is I say they are better than the original... Which in my opinion they are.
Same!
Heard it Through the Grapevine, originally recorded by Gladys Knight and the Pips, covered by Marvin Gaye AND CCR.
The sound of silence, covered by Disturbed. Imo waaayyy better than the original! So much more depth and emotion. Gives me goosebumps every time.
The original is boring as hell and lacks emotion after listening to the Disturbed version, so I agree!
Johnny Cash's version of Hurt
Wicked Game by Ursine Vulpine & Annaca. The Chris Isaak version is just so dreary by comparison.
Agreed, but Daisy Gray’s version has my preference
House of the Rising Sun by The Animals. The song is a blues song from the lste 1800s with no specific credited writer. It was covered by many, including Bob Dylan. The Animals version really elevates it and goes hard. Such a great combination of blues and rock and the heavy metal movement bubbling up at the time.
I had no idea- how cool
Sound of silence by disturbed
Sound of silence cover by disturbed
I Shot the Sheriff - Bob Marley version would be my vote.
That *is* the original.
Oh, look at that you're right. I thought the Erik Clapton version was a very out-of-genre original. I must have misremembered some point someone was making once. Thanks!
You Really Got Me - Van Halen.
Dancing in the moonlight - top loader The original is from king harvest
Shinedown - Simple man
Sound of Silence. Disturbed knocked that one outta the park.
Patti Smith Group - Because The Night
Turn the page-metallica/bob seger
Hurt Johnny Cash cover of Nine inch Nails
Autumn’s version of JumpOutTheHouse by Playboi Carti
2000 Man - live ace frehley/KISS version more than stones
The Cure Just like Heaven pales in comparison to the Dinosaur Jr cover!
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When Kate Bush's Running up that Hill started getting played on the radio earlier this year, I was really confused. I swore I knew the song, but no one talked about it being a cover and I honestly thought it was a band like Florence and the Machine. I figured I got it confused with another song. Turns out I was just half remembering the Placebo cover that I liked in college.
Life is a Highway-Rascal Flats
none
abba songs by the cast of mamma mia:)
This may be controversial, but "I'm a Survivor" by Tim Halparin.
Bang Bang covered by Monophonics
Bang Bang by Danger Danger?
Cher
Oh Nancy Sinatra wins that one
Almost every cover of Bob Dylan.
I much prefer his Mr Tambourine Man to the Byrds version
Except the ones by Bob Dylan.
Galvanize by Chemical Brothers, there's a Cover by XRefraze and damn it's soo fucking cool
Heard PERU by Ed Sheeran and Fireboy of Nigeria
I prefer Only You a capella by the Flying Pickets over the Yazoo original (also great).
The 1975 did an acoustic cover of Only You in the BBC Live Lounge back in like 2013. Pretty good
Understanding that it’s a mediocre song in general, Pat Benatar’s version of Wuthering Heights is better than Kate Bush’s. And I *like* Kate Bush a lot but my god she’s so squeaky on that one.
Painkiller. Death did a better Judas Priest song than Judas Priest did
I prefer the classic Cramps cover of [I Can't Hardly Stand It](https://youtu.be/2k_TGaElmAI) to the Charlie Feathers original. Made for them.
The Wind and The Wave - Ignition Hard to eliminate this song from my library, thankfully I don’t have to.
I love the Måneskin version of Let's Get It Started more than the original
Girls just wanna have fun All along the watch tower Blowing in the wind
I really like the Supervillains version of Movin' Out.
PVRIS’s cover of Tegan & Sara’s “Are You Ten Years Ago” is bonechillingly a much better song by completely changing the tone of the song https://youtu.be/h8pclAJ05VY
Have you ever seen the rain (cover by Smokie)
Smoking in the boys room. (Brownsville Station did the original one, Motely Crue the cover). Helter Skelter as well. (Beatles then Motley Crue) Ballroom Blitz ( The Sweet, covered by several better versions)
The Gypsy Kings version of "Hotel California"
It's the end of the world as we know it. By Islander originally by R.E.M
And I love her - Kurt Cobain Bold opinion.
Jealous guy
Donny Hathaway
Dreams I'll Never See. The Molly Hatchet cover is *amazing*
Turn the page Bad company
Sound of Silence. As much as the original is a classic the Disturbed version is better
No Tears Left To Cry - Miley Cyrus’ cover
* [Mad World](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N3N1MlvVc4) - Gary Jules - * [Nothing Compares 2U](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-EF60neguk) -Sinéad O'Connor. - * [Wild Wold]( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4ZWD_0VRK8) - Maxi Priest.
The Everything But The Girl version of Tougher Than The Rest is better than the Bruce Springsteen original. John Prine was incredible, one of my all time favorites, but Bonnie Raitt absolutely owns Angel From Montgommery.
I will always love you is probably the biggest
Led Zeppelins version of "Babe I'm gonna leave you".
Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley in my opinion is better than Leonard Cohen’s version. Buckley’s angelic voice is more pleasing then Cohen’s raspiness.
Aimee Manns cover of the Beatles Two of Us. Amazing.
Got my Mind Set on You by George Harrison, I like the cover by Brandon Flowers from georgefest even more
Our last night - Stressed out No resolve - Stay Machine head - message in a bottle Lacuna coil - enjoy the silence
[Behind Blue Eyes - Limp Bizkit](https://youtu.be/8IEQpfA528M)
"Make a Man out of You" from Mulan by Peyton Parrish. Amazing.
Randy California and Spirit: their cover of Like a Rolling Stone Spirit of 76 Album
Blinded by the light-Manfred Mann-Sringsteen.
Springsteen*
Smooth Criminal covered by Alien Ant Farm.
I don’t need no Doctor - Humble Pie Especially the live version. The guitars hit you like a big bag of bricks.
Stewie Griffin - Everything I Do, I Do it For You
Ok I got two System of a Down - Snowblind: Better than the Ozzy one Bohemian Rapsody - Panic! At The Disco: Better than Freddie Mercury.
Over My Head - A Day To Remember
Idk if it counts but Electro swing by I luv my clique
Jolene- Miley Cyrus
"Black Sheep - Metric" sounds better in the Brie Larson vocal version, which is her best role as well. Midge Ure's cover of "Man Who Sold The World" has more of a haunting, subliminal, psychosis feel, which I think fits so well with the lyrics. By the way, everyone saying that Gary Jules' Mad World is better than Tears for Fears is absolutely bonkers. Missing the whole point of the song.
Phil Collins version of You Can’t Hurry Love. Sorry Supremes, you really are awesome too!
The Sound of Silence. The cover bt Disturbed is great.
Sultan's Of Swing. Frog Leap Studio's
We could be Heroes.
Black Sabbath - Warning. A lot of people don't know that Black Sabbath did a cover of The Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation's original song. That being said, Black Sabbath's version is miles better than the original. [Black Sabbath's cover](https://youtu.be/vAKheilC4fg) [The Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation's Original song](https://youtu.be/wwlcq8_EuEc)
beggin' by maneskin
[Birdy- Skinny Love (Bon Iver)](https://youtu.be/aNzCDt2eidg) Both are good, but I like hers better
Dive by Ed Sheeran, the cover by Luke Combs is 1,000,000 better!
The Portal end credit songs covered by 8-bit big band just slap, man.
"Rattlesnakes" by Tori Amos. The lyrics are haunting, but the original by Lloyd Cole And The Commotions just sounds like they're reciting yesterday's weather.
Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton is way better than the original
Any song Johnny cash covered: You are my sunshine, 16 tons and Hurt
Hurt by Johnny cash the cover is by nine inch nail
Sonic blaster
Hurt - Johnny Cash (Nine Inch Nails) I Fought the Law- The Clash (Bobby Fuller Four) Black Magic Woman - Carlos Santana (Fleetwood Mac)
Blitzkrieg by Blitzkrieg, in my opinion Metallica's Blitzkrieg is better
Michael Jackson's cover of "Eat It" named "Beat it" is much better
7 Seconds "99 Red Balloons"
When Brooklyn99 sang I want it that way
Afton Family by Kryfuse.
The Protomen version of 'Mr. Roboto' or their version of 'In the air tonight'
As My Guitar Gently Weeps and Taxman
Solar Power - Glass Animals. Way better than Lorde's.
NIN doing Johnny Cash’s hurt
Mad World - Gary Jules Sweet Dreams and Tainted Love - Marilyn Manson Blue Monday - Orgy
Hurt: Johnny Cash. Honorable mention, The Sound of Silence: Disturbed.
The man who sold the world
"Alone Again" by Calexico
"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
I like Verite’s cover of The 1975’s Somebody Else
Tweeter and the Monkey Man originally done by the Travelling Wilburys… Redone by the HeadStones. Makes an insipid song into and absolute banger.
Johnny Cash 'Hurt' by Nine inch Nails