In the music world, perfecting your own version of someone else’s song is not only very difficult but very brave. The five artists below have achieved this and more. You may well have heard of the originals, but some of these cover versions are less known. Check out my choice of Top 5 Cover Songs, and let us know what you think and leave your comments below. All titles are links for the individual songs!
1. Your Song – Ellie Goulding (Elton John)
As if reaching number two in the UK Singles Charts wasn’t an enough of an accolade, Goulding was asked to perform her cover of Elton John’s infamous “Your Song” at none other than Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding reception. This beautiful voice to fit this beautifully written song was always going to be a match made in heaven.
2. Make You Feel My Love – Adele (Bob Dylan)
“That’s a cover?” I hear you ask. It sure is. The song is in fact over 15 years old and was written and recorded by the great Bob Dylan. Adele’s stunning voice does more than do this song justice, peaking at number 4 in the UK Singles Charts and appearing in countless television series.
3. Can’t Help Falling In Love With You – Fleet Foxes (Elvis Presley)
With this cover of such a cherished song, Fleet Foxes have managed to produce one of the most calming 3 minutes of music that I have ever heard. With simply a guitar and vocals, the harmonies created are sensational.
4. Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley (Leonard Cohen)
Even though the Jeff Buckley version of this song is arguably the most famous version of ‘Hallelujah’, it is a cover version nonetheless. As described by Time magazine, "Cohen murmured the original like a dirge, but … Buckley treated the … song like a tiny capsule of humanity, using his voice to careen between glory and sadness, beauty and pain… It's one of the great songs." Need I say more?
5. Wonderwall – Ryan Adams (Oasis)
To even think about attempting to cover one of the most iconic songs in British music history was a risk to say the least. This was a risk that Ryan Adams took, turning the song that we all know and love on its head, and into something that I cannot do justice in a few lines of an article. Take my word for it, it’s worth a listen.
Ella Stanbrook
