10 Times Artists Covered Classic Songs And Totally Made Them Their Own
Yes, Miley can absolutely crush some classic country tunes.
1. Florence + The Machine covering "Silver Springs" live
This just seems like a cover that could be nothing but perfection, because Florence Welch is so obviously influenced by Stevie Nicks. They have similarly room-filling vocal abilities and basically all of the same dance moves.
Stevie Nicks would be proud.
2. Speaking of Stevie Nicks, here's The Smashing Pumpkins covering "Landslide," also by Fleetwood Mac
The distinct sound of this version comes from the tone of Billy Corgan's voice, which is as wispy and thin as it is powerful - quite distinct from but no less impressive than Nicks' voice.
Here's the Fleetwood Mac live rendition of "Landslide" for reference
Also, because it's just an amazing performance. Which version do you prefer?
3. Ryan Adams covering Oasis' "Wonderwall," live and solo acoustic at the 2015 Glastonbury Festival
Adams' restraint and quiet picking in this version actually makes it better than the original in my opinion.
4. At the 2016 BRIT Awards, Lorde sang David Bowie's "Life on Mars"
It's hard to call this a cover because she's actually backed by David Bowie's band, but I think it counts anyway because it's an incredible, purist (not over-the-top like Lady Gaga's tribute) homage to the late Starman.
5. Cake's cover of "I Will Survive" is quirky, weird and surprisingly cool
Who would've thought a semi-dweeby speak-singing rock band could kill a classic disco song as well as this?
6. Prince's rendition of "A Case of You," originally written and recorded by Joni Mitchell
It just feels so... Prince.
7. Time for a major genre change: Ben Folds' cover of Bitches Ain't Shit by Dr. Dre
This cover is dripping with humor and irony, mainly because Folds basically completely rewrote the melody and rhythm into a melancholic, bittersweet pop song. When contrasted with the lyrical content - well, you get it.
Here's Dr. Dre's original off "The Chronic"
Notice the stark contrast. Which version do you prefer? Can you even really compare the two that closely?
8. Miley Cyrus' cover of this Dolly Parton classic is so, so good
Say what you will about Miley, she's got great pipes.
9. An early Grizzly Bear recording shows the band's take on the classic Yes song "Owner of a Lonely Heart"
This is, again markedly different from the original. You can probably see how this contributed to the later recordings of Grizzly Bear - the multi-part harmonies are there, as is the droning ambience.
10. Bon Iver and Bonnie Raitt are basically a match made in heaven
This song will make you weep heartbreaking tears.