20 Amazing Cover Songs Better Than the Originals

In some cases, the cover becomes the more iconic and well-remembered version, leaving the original artist to collect their royalty checks with mixed emotions as they watch another artist or band take the song and make it their own.

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Here is a list of 20 fantastic cover songs that were arguably better than the originals.

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Taken from The Isley Brothers' eponymous album of rock covers, Taking It Back, “Lay Lady Lay” was written by Bob Dylan. His poetic wordsmithery and trademark graveled singing tone was taken down a whole new road by the famous Motown family.

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Soft Cell and Marc Almond fans look away now. This controversial choice was a perfect vehicle for the tattooed, pasty performance artist Marilyn Manson.

As excellent as Depeche Mode's original song is, there is no disputing that Johnny Cash made “Personal Jesus” one of his personal best.

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So iconic has Nirvana's “The Man Who Sold The World” become — aided by Nirvana's MTV Unplugged live album release so close to Kurt's death — that one is forgiven for thinking of this song as a Nirvana original.

Futureheads' take on “The Hounds Of Love” is something to behold. They replace Bush's trademark haunting vocals and analog synth with Telecasters, a polyrhythmic acapella intro, and live drums to complete the revamp.

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Bob Dylan's version of this big band romantic number conquers the peak of greatness. The song's music is simple, with Dylan giving it his standard treatment but adding a new level of the ethereal.

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20 Amazing Cover Songs Better Than the Originals

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In some cases, the cover becomes the more iconic and well-remembered version, leaving the original artist to collect their royalty checks with mixed emotions as they watch another artist or band take the song and make it their own.

Here is a list of 20 fantastic cover songs that were arguably better than the originals.

Taken from The Isley Brothers' eponymous album of rock covers, Taking It Back, “Lay Lady Lay” was written by Bob Dylan. His poetic wordsmithery and trademark graveled singing tone was taken down a whole new road by the famous Motown family.

“Lay Lady Lay” the Isley Brothers 1971. (Bob Dylan, 1969)

Soft Cell and Marc Almond fans look away now. This controversial choice was a perfect vehicle for the tattooed, pasty performance artist Marilyn Manson.

“Tainted Love” Marilyn Manson, 2001. (Gloria Jones, 1976)

As excellent as Depeche Mode's original song is, there is no disputing that Johnny Cash made “Personal Jesus” one of his personal best.

“Personal Jesus” Johnny Cash, 2002. (Depeche Mode, 1989)

So iconic has Nirvana's “The Man Who Sold The World” become — aided by Nirvana's MTV Unplugged live album release so close to Kurt's death — that one is forgiven for thinking of this song as a Nirvana original.

“The Man Who Sold the World” Nirvana. 1993. (David Bowie, 1970)

Futureheads' take on “The Hounds Of Love” is something to behold. They replace Bush's trademark haunting vocals and analog synth with Telecasters, a polyrhythmic acapella intro, and live drums to complete the revamp.

“The Hounds of Love” Futureheads, 2004. (Kate Bush, 1986)

Bob Dylan's version of this big band romantic number conquers the peak of greatness. The song's music is simple, with Dylan giving it his standard treatment but adding a new level of the ethereal.

“You Belong to Me” Bob Dylan, 1994. (Joni James, 1952)

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