Cover songs

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Let’s hear it for cover songs. Everyone loves when a musical artist somehow re-crafts a beloved song with a creative new spin. Covers illustrate the multifaceted nature of music and lyrics. A simple tweak of the melody or alteration of the singing style can create whole new layers of complexity in regards to what a song means – without even changing the lyrics! Sometimes, covers even surpass the originals in terms of popularity and critical acclaim.

When artists choose to try their luck with a cover, it can sometimes be a gamble, especially if the band or musician behind the original version is an esteemed figure. However, the below musicians took a risk and it really paid off. What are the best cover songs?

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Let’s get it started with Cover Songs. Great songs that are redone by other artists. When you hear the lyrics, “I fought the law and the law won,” which artist comes to mind? If you’re musically inclined, a certain English punk-rock band likely pops into your head. And the crunchy guitar riffs and raw power of “American Woman” probably conjure the image of a flashy rock star and his Flying V guitar. But get this, neither tune was written by the artist you associate the song with.

Jimi Hendrix’s rowdier, louder, and punchier electrified version of Bob Dylan’s classic song, released in 1968, blew even the original songwriter away. “It overwhelmed me,” Dylan later said, about hearing Hendrix’s cover for the first time.