Everything old is new again – that saying is so true, especially when it comes to covers, also known as song remakes. If it seems like that “new” song on the radio sounds awfully familiar, it’s probably because it’s actually a remake of a song you already know. Some covers are terrible, an insult to the original; others are so fantastic, they’re almost unrecognizable. Those reinterpretations make me giddy – they’re so much fun! Here are a few of my favorites, song remakes that are, in most cases, even better than the original.
1. Jose Gonzalez – Heartbeats
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On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
Topping my list of song remakes that are better than the original – WAY better – is this heart-breaking song by Jose Gonzalez, originally a bad, bad dance track by The Knife. When Gonzalez sings it, you feel his loss. When The Knife sings it, you cringe and change the track.
2. The Bangles – Hazy Shade of Winter
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On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
I’m an '80s girl, so of course I adore The Bangles. But I’m also a huge Simon & Garfunkel fan, so this remake has me torn. I love it – it’s totally guitar-driven and fast-paced and seems made for the soundtrack to Less Than Zero.
3. Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah
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On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
I don’t have the words to describe Jeff Buckley’s voice, its range and intensity and magic – a listen through his Grace album should suffice. The best demonstration of his talents is his cover of Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah." His voice soars, and it’s almost guaranteed to make you cry. Right. In. The feels.
4. Elwood – Sundown
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On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
Gordon Lightfoot’s original is a classic, but Elwood brings it to a new generation with his cover. It’s a little 1990s hip-hoppy boy-bandish, but I like it. Listen to both and decide which you like best.
5. Jerry Douglas Feat. Mumford & Sons – the Boxer
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On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
Another Simon & Garfunkel cover, and this one’s amazing, too. Of course, just about everything Mumford & Sons does is amazing, including this song. It has the same raw, cynical feel, more of an update than a make-over.
6. Sonic Youth – Superstar
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On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
I never understood how creepy this song is, til I heard the Sonic Youth cover on The Carpenters’ tribute album “If I Were a Carpenter.” It’s chilling and haunting in a way the lovely, sweet-voiced Karen Carpenter couldn’t express.
7. Johnny Cash – Hurt
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On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
I guess I never realized Johnny Cash’s range, or that I didn’t really understand what, exactly, Trent Reznor was trying to express in his original. But Cash gives the song depth and subtlety, instead of just anger and, well, hurt.
8. Sinead O'Connor – Nothing Compares 2 U
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On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
If you’re not misty-eyed by the end of this song, or MY GOD, the video, you’re heartless indeed. I didn’t realize this was a song originally done by Prince, but O’Connor perfected it, made it her own. Even just reading the lyrics gives me a lump in my throat.
9. Neverending White Lights – Age of Consent
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On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
I can’t really say this version of the song is “better” than the original – I love New Order – but it’s certainly got a completely different feel to it, and I like it! If you’re also a New Order fan, Frente’s remake of “Bizarre Love Triangle” is worth a listen, too.
Which of these remakes do you like better than the original? Or is there a great cover I left off my list? Do tell!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes a song remake better than the original?
- A song remake can be better due to updated vocals, modern production, or a fresh artistic interpretation that resonates more with today's audience.
- Are song remakes popular among women listeners?
- Yes, many women enjoy remakes as they often blend nostalgia with contemporary sounds, making old favorites feel new again.
- How can I find remakes of my favorite songs?
- You can explore streaming platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, where playlists often feature popular remakes alongside originals.
- Do song remakes always keep the original lyrics?
- Not always; some remakes update or change lyrics to fit modern contexts or the artist's style better.
- Can remakes introduce me to new artists?
- Absolutely! Remakes often help listeners discover emerging talents who reinterpret classic hits in unique ways.
- Are remakes usually better produced than originals?
- Often yes, since newer recordings benefit from advances in technology and production techniques.
- Do I need to like the original to enjoy a remake?
- Not necessarily; some remakes stand on their own and can be appreciated regardless of familiarity with the original.
- How do remakes impact the legacy of the original song?
- They can revive interest in the original, introducing it to new generations while keeping its legacy alive.
- Is it common for remakes to cross music genres?
- Yes, many remakes reinvent songs by blending or changing genres, offering fresh and exciting versions.
- Where can I share my favorite remakes with others?
- Social media platforms and music forums are great places to share and discuss your favorite song remakes.