Cover songs versus the original track, which ones are better?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparative quality of cover songs versus their original versions. Participants explore which covers are considered better or worse, including both singles and album tracks, and express personal opinions on various songs and their interpretations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the quality of a cover depends on personal judgment and taste, while others argue for an independent standard of "better."
  • Several examples of covers and originals are presented, with participants expressing preferences and discussing the emotional impact of different versions.
  • There are claims that some covers add new interpretations or arrangements, while others feel certain covers do not justify their existence compared to the originals.
  • Participants mention specific songs and artists, such as "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails and Johnny Cash, and "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles, highlighting varying opinions on their respective covers.
  • Some participants express a desire for arguments or reasoning behind preferences, while others emphasize the subjective nature of musical appreciation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach consensus on the criteria for evaluating covers versus originals. Multiple competing views remain regarding the subjective nature of musical quality and the validity of personal taste in judgments.

Contextual Notes

Discussions include references to specific songs and artists without resolving the subjective interpretations or emotional responses elicited by different versions. The conversation reflects a range of personal experiences and preferences, which may not align universally.

Who May Find This Useful

Music enthusiasts, fans of specific artists, and those interested in the dynamics of musical interpretation and cover songs may find this discussion engaging.

  • #1,711
The Mario Bros theme. This is crazy:

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  • #1,712
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  • #1,713
rcgldr said:
Nick Drake - Road (1972)

Josh Turner Guitar - cover of road (2025)

Tuning: G string tuned down to E, then all strings detuned about 1/4 step (original probably post edit pitch | speed change, Josh just detuned his guitar), capo on 3rd fret. Main riff is a 32 note pattern, the other 2 riffs only slightly less.
One to check for sure. Thanks
 
  • #1,714
One woman band. I like her drumming the most.

 
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  • #1,715


 
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  • #1,716
These two are great.

 
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  • #1,718
Her singing is pretty good but the piano playing is what does it for me. In the right hands, of all instruments the pianoforte can produce the most beautiful of sounds.

 
  • #1,719


 
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  • #1,720
Hornbein said:



Nice sound. Described as British, location is Spain and they sound Irish!
 
  • #1,721
Hornbein said:
Orig



The historical name was actually John Wesley Hardin. Maybe Bob didn't want to give a boost to rival Tim Hardin. Or maybe he wanted to get away from his prior ersatz West Virginia accent.

Cover by Dead & Company


If we're doing covers of All Along The Watchtower, I have to mention Bear McCreary's version from the Battlestar Galactica soundtrack.

In the story the song was not written by a human, but by an ancestor of the human-like branch of the Cylons. Or possibly by God (even if he doesn't like it when you call him that). It's not really clear, which I'm afraid was quite common towards the end of the series IMO. But I think McCreary did a good job of making it sound slightly alien, basically by using slightly unfamiliar instruments for a very familiar song.
 
  • #1,722
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Better_Run (1966)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rascals ( the Young Rascals )

(1966) THE RASCALS(VIDEO CLIP)- "YOU BETTER RUN" (LYRICS)

- You Better Run - The Rascals - Greek Theatre - Los Angeles CA - Oct 10 2013
- Felix Cavaliere Looks At the Young Rascals Hit "You Better Run"
- THE RASCALS HALL of FAME INDUCTION SPEECH by STEVEN VAN ZANDT


(1966) Listen featuring Robert Plant - You Better Run (1966)


(1966) the in-be-tweens - you better run. [this band became Slade]


(1980) Pat Benatar - You Better Run (Official Music Video) - Benatar Giraldo

- "YOU BETTER RUN" -- Pat Benatar, acoustic and bluesy in 2011 (start at &t=3m10s )

KAT MEOZ - You Better Run (Cover)


Pat Benatar - You Better Run (Live Cover) at Whisky A Go-Go - Jill Marie Burke & Yoyoka
 
  • #1,723
 
  • #1,724


jimi lives
 
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  • #1,725
 
  • #1,726


 
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  • #1,727
Wannabe:

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System of a Down:

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Wannabe in the style of System of a Down:

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  • #1,728
 
  • #1,729
The original by Chris Kenner isn't much good.

 
  • #1,730
 
  • #1,731
 
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  • #1,732
The only electric guitar solo to have both a brand of beer and a Hollywood movie named after it. If there is ever a "best eguitar solo" contest this would get a lot of votes. There are endless covers, some almost exact.



 
  • #1,734
Hornbein said:


Josephine Alexandra -- Sweet Child of Mine


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_Child_o'_Mine (1987)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guns_N'_Roses


(2024) Sweet Child O' Mine | Mad Carrot Kids Cover (Guns N' Roses)

- (2024) 7 yo Kids Band Rocking on Street, Sweet Child O'Mine | Mad Carrot Cover | GunsNRoses
- (2023) instrumental Sweet Child O’ Mine Guns N' Roses Cover | Mad Carrot | 6 yr-old drummer & 9 yr-old guitarist

20230428 Sweet Child O’ Mine - Guns ‘N Roses (Performed by PettyRock) at Siam Indy Stage


Metalachi performs a live cover of Sweet Child O' Mine (Guns N Roses).

- (studio version) Sweet Child O' Mine - Metalachi

The Heimatdamisch: Sweet Child o' Mine (Guns n' Roses)

- THE HEIMATDAMISCH: Sweet Child o' Mine (live)

(2015) Luca Stricagnoli - Sweet Child O' Mine (Guitar)




Honorable mention:

SWEET CHILD O' MINE (Guns N Roses) Acoustic cover by KNULP

Banda do Sul feat. Natascha - Sweet Child o Mine (from Bossa n´ Roses)
- Bossa n' Roses playlist

Gregorian - Sweet Child Of Mine (Masters Of Chant VII) (Official Audio)
 
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  • #1,735
John Mayer roolz

 
  • #1,736

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  • #1,737
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kickstart_My_Heart (1989)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mötley_Crüe

Mötley Crüe - Kickstart My Heart (Official Music Video)




(2025) Kickstart My Heart - Mötley Crüe - Cover by Evlee. (with the period in the URL)

- (2024) Kickstart My Heart - Mötley Crüe - Guitar by Evlee
- (2023) Kickstart My Heart - Mötley Crüe - Evlee (Guitar Cover)
(some forum references to "Evlee")

Motley Crue - Kickstart My Heart (cover by The Voodoo Child)

(some thread references to "Voodoo Child")

(2025) MÖTLEY CRÜE - KICKSTART MY HEART | DRUM COVER ( El Estepario Siberiano )


(2025) Mötley Crüe - Kickstart My Heart by Rolling Quartz 롤링쿼츠 for US & Canada Tour 2025 미국 캐나다 투어 기념


(2017) KICKSTART MY HEART - MÖTLEY CRÜE COVER - THE WARNING

(some old references to "The Warning" #1687 #1549 #542 )
 
  • #1,738
robphy said:
(2025) Mötley Crüe - Kickstart My Heart by Rolling Quartz 롤링쿼츠 for US & Canada Tour 2025 미국 캐나다 투어 기념
There is no way this singer speaks English. All I can hear is "Can't start my cart!" 😆 But still a fun band to listen to.
 
  • #1,739
I usually like metal version of songs but I've never been a fan of Slayer. So this "demetalized" version of Raining Blood got my seal of approval.


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The original:

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  • #1,740
jack action said:
There is no way this singer speaks English. All I can hear is "Can't start my cart!" 😆 But still a fun band to listen to.
Catchy tune.

 

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