From dance floor anthems to stripped-down acoustic renditions, cover songs have the power to completely transform and reinvent original works. Music scholars and industry experts have weighed in on what they consider to be the most outstanding cover versions ever recorded.
DJ Sammy - "Heaven" (2001)
This energetic Euro-dance reimagining of Bryan Adams' 1983 ballad became the ultimate club anthem of the early 2000s. With its pulsing beats, hypnotic synths, and soaring vocals by Dutch singer Do, the track captured the essence of an era while giving new life to a soft rock classic.
Gil Scott-Heron - "Me and the Devil Blues" (2014)
Scott-Heron's haunting interpretation of Robert Johnson's 1938 blues standard serves as a powerful commentary on racism in America. The cover masterfully layers modern struggles with civil rights and social justice over Johnson's original tale of darkness from the Jim Crow South.
Siouxsie and the Banshees - "Helter Skelter" (1978)
This fearless post-punk take on The Beatles' White Album track stands as perhaps the greatest Beatles cover ever recorded. The Banshees transformed the original into something entirely their own through Siouxsie Sioux's commanding vocal performance.
David Bowie - "Wild is the Wind" (1976)
Bowie expanded Johnny Mathis' brief 1957 original into a sweeping six-minute masterpiece on Station to Station. With elegant guitar work, exceptional drumming, and one of Bowie's most memorable vocal performances, this cover reaches soaring emotional heights.
The Postal Service - "Against All Odds" (2004)
This indie-electronic duo completely reimagined Phil Collins' 1984 power ballad with their signature sound of crackling vocals, reverse delays, and atmospheric keyboards. Their version adds new layers of complexity to the love song's emotional core.
Suede - "Shipbuilding" (1995)
Originally written by Elvis Costello about the Falklands War, Suede's version appeared on the HELP charity compilation. Their interpretation maintains the poignant anti-war message while introducing it to a new generation of listeners.
Iron and Wine - "Such Great Heights" (2003)
Sam Beam strips The Postal Service's electronic original down to just acoustic guitar, voice, and mandolin. This bare-bones approach highlights the romantic yearning in the lyrics and demonstrates how a great song can work in any style.
These masterful reinterpretations show how cover versions can honor the original while creating something entirely fresh and meaningful for new audiences. Through creative arrangements and emotional performances, these artists have elevated the art of the cover song to new heights.