There are many songs that are timeless classics. Because of this, one would usually agree that a classic song should never be covered. However, with the evolution of music and every artist aiming to stay current, covering a song is completely inevitable. Through the years, we’ve heard covers that are extremely good, ones that are extremely bad, and ones that are downright phenomenal. Phenomenal covers were once presumed to be impossible to create. Despite this, there are a few who did the unthinkable by creating covers so great that the originals seem obsolete. As a result, here are six covered songs that were more successful than the original.
“Walk This Way” – Run DMC
In the 1980s, no hip-hop artists seemed to be dominating the industry like Run-DMC. Hailing from Hollis, Queens, Joseph “Run” Simmons, Daryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell were the epitome of hip hop royalty. During a time when hip-hop was barely respected as an art form, Run-DMC defied the odds with their mega-hit “Walk This Way“. Featured on their 1986 hit album, Raising Hell, the single was produced by Rick Rubin. The single was also a continuation of the group’s use of rap rock, which became a popular subgenre. To date, many hip-hop artists have adopted this sound, creating a multitude of hip-hop hits.
Originally recorded in 1975 by the pioneering rock band, Aerosmith, “Walk This Way” was written by lead vocalist Steven Tyler and lead guitar player Joe Perry. With its boisterous, melodic content, the rock classic was released as the second single from their album Toys in the Attic (1975). In 1977, the song peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming was one of many hits created by the group in the 1970s. After a seven-year absence from the spotlight, “Walk This Way” marked a major return for Aerosmith, as they had been largely out of commission due to issues within the band.
Run-DMC’s version was played on both urban and rock radio stations, becoming an international hit and reaching number 4 on the Billboard charts. It was also the first hip hop singles, one of the first big hip hop singles in the UK, peaking at number 8. In 1987, “Walk This Way” won both groups a Best Rap Single at the 1st Annual Soul Train Music Awards.
“I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
We’ve heard it everywhere: Movies, commercials, and television shows. A song that every rock music lover sang with the utmost excitement each time its searing guitar riffs blared through the airwaves. Perfectly delivered with Joan Jett’s feminine, yet brash and raspy tone, “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” remains a pop culture staple.
Written by Jake Hooker and Alan Merrill, the platinum hard rock anthem was originally recorded in 1975 by British rock band, the Arrows. While touring with her band, the Runaways, in 1976, Jett became interested in covering the song. This was after seeing the Arrows perform it on their weekly self-titled UK television series.
Released in 1981 as the lead single from her album of the same title, “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” became Jett’s biggest and highest-charting hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The hit remained atop the chart for seven weeks. In 2016, Jett’s version was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and remains an eternal classic.
“Respect” – Aretha Franklin
All hail the Queen! In the 1960s, hardly anyone was belting out soulful tunes like Aretha Franklin. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, the Queen of Soul has released many hits that we all know and love. With so many classics to choose from, none seem to stand out more than “Respect”. Originally performed in 1965 by soul legend Otis Redding, “Respect” was actually an up-tempo, horn-driven tune told from a male point of view. A crossover hit, the song was released on Redding’s third album, Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul.
Once Franklin rearranged it in 1967, the rest became history as she created what became known as, her “signature song. Becoming a feminist anthem for the 1970s second-wave feminism movement, “Respect”, became one of the biggest R&B songs, not only for Franklin, but also for the entire era. Although the music and lyrics in both versions slightly differ, they both showcase the significance of respect in relationships. In 1968, “Respect” went on to earn Franklin two Grammys at the 10th Annual Grammy Awards for “Best Rhythm & Blues Recording” and “Best Rhythm & Blues Solo Vocal Performance, Female“. Still heard in multiple places today, Franklin’s version of “Respect” remains one of the best and most powerful songs in R&B history.
“Twist and Shout” – The Isley Brothers
In the ’60s and ’70s, no one knew how to ignite a party like Cincinnati natives, the Isley Brothers! With a hit-filled career spanning over several decades, the soul kings have one of the longest, most diverse, and most influential careers in music history. Written by Bert Berns aka Bert Russell and Phil Medley, “Twist and Shout” was originally recorded in 1961 by Detroit-based group the Top Notes. With its authentic Doo-Wop vibe, the original version went largely unnoticed. This changed in 1962, once reworked by the Isley Brothers. With lyrics soulfully delivered by lead singer Ronald Isley, the Gospel tinged rendition was featured on their album, Twist & Shout.
The classic hit was covered by multiple artists including the Beatles, whose 1963 version was a major hit also. Setting the tone for the multitude of hits to follow, “Twist and Shout” became the Isleys’ first single to reach the Top 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
“The Greatest Love of All” – Whitney Houston
A true testament to self-love and self-empowerment, “The Greatest Love of All” remains one of the world’s most beloved songs. Performed in almost every talent show, the song has also been covered by some of the biggest names in music. Of all of the covers that exist, none have ever held a candle to the masterpiece delivered by none other than Whitney Houston. Known to the world as “The Voice”, Houston’s pristine pipes were unanimously known as the best in music history. Originally recorded in 1977 by soul jazz musician George Benson, the Linda Creed-written single peaked at number two on the US Hot Soul Singles chart that same year.
Composed by Michael Masser, the inspirational ballad was originally written and recorded to be the theme of the 1977 Muhammad Ali biopic, The Greatest. Although the song made a decent impact, nothing compared to the arrival of Houston’s version. Released on March 18, 1985, on her platinum self-titled debut album, the emotional ballad broke multiple barriers. Peaking at number one in the United States, “The Greatest Love of All” also topped the charts in Australia and Canada. The mega hit also reached the top 20 in most countries, including the UK, Sweden, and Italy.
“I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston
Another classic example of a perfectly delivered cover was “I Will Always Love You”. Released on November 2, 1992, for the The Bodyguard Soundtrack, Whitney Houston’s version was released to astounding acclaim. The lead single from the soundtrack, the monumental love ballad, was originally written and sung by Dolly Parton in 1973. The song was from 1974 album, Jolene. In 1994, “I Will Always Love You” won the Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 36th Annual Grammy Awards.
Additionally, the song received the Favorite Soul/R&B Single and Favorite Pop/Rock Single Awards at the 21st American Music Awards. The mega hit gave Houston her tenth number one single and stayed at number one for fourteen consecutive weeks. Ultimately, “I Will Always Love You” sold over 24 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling singles of all time. Although covering songs is a common practice in the music industry, it’s very seldom that covers surpass their predecessors. Regardless, if covered properly, a true classic can never lose its luster.
