Top 10 Best Cover Songs of the 2010s
Now, who doesn't love a good cover? When executed correctly, a cover song can breathe new life into a classic, introduce an old gem to a new audience, or offer a completely different take on a beloved track.The 2010s, in particular, were a hotbed for innovative, exciting, and downright beautiful cover songs. From indie artists strumming out acoustic versions of pop hits in their bedrooms to major stars reimagining iconic tunes on world stages, the last decade gave us some truly memorable reinterpretations.
So, what makes a cover song great? Is it the ability to stay true to the original while adding a unique twist? Or maybe it's about completely transforming the song into something new and unexpected. Perhaps it's the emotional connection the artist makes with the song, transforming it into something deeply personal. Whatever your criteria might be, this list aims to celebrate the best cover songs of the 2010s.
2013. Excellent Black Sabbath cover. Havok is a newer thrash metal band. No disrespect to Black Sabbath, but I like the cover better than the original. I love the double bass drumming they added.
By the way, Children of the Grave is my favorite Black Sabbath song with Ozzy.
2015. Simon & Garfunkel cover. For me, this is a good cover but not excellent. The best thing about the original are the vocal harmonies. Unfortunately, David D. skipped namely the best part.
#9? Best cover EVER, vote this baby to the top!
Disturbed may not be the best band but this is great, even I'll say that.
Everyone needs to listen to this cover of Fleetwood Mac. It is one of the most chilling songs I've ever heard. It cuts very deep.
2014. Falco cover by a German metal band. The original is sick! And the cover, too! The song refers to Mozart.
Deep Purple cover. It's a live version that was so good it was included in the tribute album "Re-Machined: A Tribute to Deep Purple's Machine Head." Chickenfoot is the band of Joe Satriani.
I really dig this cover. Joe Satriani's playing here is awesome, and the whole band is riding on full cylinders.
Better than one hundred percent of Taylor Swift's songs about nothing interesting.
2018.
A really good cover. Originally by Toto, 1982.
This is actually a really good cover.
2013.
Thin Lizzy cover. The best song on Megadeth's album Super Collider, LOL. Super Collider was really bad.
The Newcomers
Blind Guardian cover, 2013.
Blind Guardian went death metal. Melodic death metal.
Avicii cover.
Home Free is an American a cappella group of five vocalists. They are truly incredible singers.
2014. Bee Gees rock/metal cover. Love it. Play the sample to hear the vocals without the original falsetto. Sounds better to me.
Cheers for introducing me to this song. Nice cover!
A cover of a song by the Cranberries.
It's like a tribute to Dolores O'Riordan, who died in 2018 at 46. She was the singer for The Cranberries. R.I.P. Dolores.
This is probably the best cover this year, and just so, so good anyways.
2012. Deep Purple cover. It was on the album "Re-Machined: A Tribute to Deep Purple's Machine Head."
2014.
Rainbow cover.
That's very interesting. I know Meryl Streep sang ABBA in the film Mamma Mia, but still. And Cher still has it at her age! Amazing.
Thanks for this song, Martin! And for all other songs you added to this list!
Both versions were big hits in Austria, with this cover version being slightly more successful, topping the charts while the original peaked at number two. Both versions receive a lot of airplay now, the original in The Magician Remix.
I personally prefer the cover version on any level. The vocals, overall guitar-based style, and whistle segment are outstanding.
