Top 10 Cover Songs that Sound Completely Different Than the Original

It's when it's hard to recognize the original, or you do, but it still sounds like a different song because the genre or the tone was significantly changed. Music reconstruction.

Remember, this list isn't about the best covers or covers better than the original (though some of the cover songs could be). But you can comment on whether you like the original or the cover better.

It's about how different both versions are and whether the cover sounds decent, like a "new" song you don't know, without comparing it to the original.

The Top Ten

  1. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Tori Amos

    Tori Amos - almost all her covers are innovative and unique.

    I think she takes the cake in this category - making very different covers. And her covers are good.

    Artists known for unique-sounding covers that are also quite good include Tori Amos, Hellsongs, Flametal, and Northern Kings.

    Oh my. Yes. It sounds entirely different. Nirvana made it sound angry. This version... I don't know how I feel after this!

  2. I Should Be So Lucky - Northern Kings

    Originally, it's a fast, upbeat pop song by Kylie Minogue. The cover is very slow and dark, and it sounds creepy and threatening. The genre and tone were changed completely. The style of this cover version is close to doom metal.

  3. Raining Blood - Tori Amos

    If you heard this song before the original, you'd be shocked to learn the original is a metal song.

    Slayer's signature song sounds like...well, just listen to the song sample. Nothing in common with the original. Probably only the lyrics remind you of it. Complete transformation. It's a haunting rework.

  4. Billie Jean - Chris Cornell

    One of my favorite covers of all time (originally by Michael Jackson).

    Chris Cornell's rendition is incredible. He changed the genre and style, making the song sound darker and more emotional than the original. I adore Cornell's raspy voice in this song.

    This cover exists only as live versions, including the one on the song sample, from a live show in Sweden in 2005-2006.

    R.I.P. Chris. I still forget he died.

  5. Everything I Own - Vanessa Hudgens

  6. Hurt - Johnny Cash

    Originally by Nine Inch Nails. Both versions are well-known, so no explanation is needed.

    A great example. I'm more familiar with this version, and it's also one of my dad's favorite songs.

  7. Can’t Help Falling in Love - A*Teens

  8. My Humps - Alanis Morissette

    Sounds nothing like the Black Eyed Peas.

    I applaud Alanis for this cover.

  9. Run to the Hills - Hellsongs

    Iron Maiden's classic was fully transformed. Just play the sample. The genre and tone were changed completely.

    The cover sounds vulnerable, not angry.

  10. (I Can't Help) Falling in Love with You - UB40

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Viva Las Vegas - Shawn Colvin

  12. ?

    Puttin' On the Ritz - Taco

    13. The Contenders

  13. How You Remind Me - Avril Lavigne

  14. Can’t Help Falling in Love - Lick the Tins

  15. Can't Help Falling in Love - Ariel, Zoey & Eli

  16. Womanizer - The All-American Rejects

    Britney, what those guys did to your song...

  17. Gin and Juice - The Gourds

    I forgot about this! I think it's hilarious!

    Originally a Snoop Dogg song.

  18. Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - Emily Browning

    Originally by Eurythmics.

    The upbeat '80s electro-pop song was turned into a haunting, surreal, yet completely calm nightmare. It was recorded for the magnificent and horribly underrated movie Sucker Punch, where it plays during the opening scene. It really fits the tone of the movie.

    Thanks, Martin. This one is very interesting too.

  19. Symphony of Destruction - Hellsongs

    Originally a metal song by Megadeth.

    The cover isn't metal and features female vocals. The cover sounds more soothing and beautiful than angry.

  20. Aces High - Flametal

    Iron Maiden's instrumental cover, flamenco style on flamenco guitars.

    I actually like this cover - very creative, and the guitars are very well played by Benjamin Woods.

  21. I’m Gonna Be Your God - Slayer

  22. Wrecking Ball - August Burns Red

    Everyone knows the original by Miley Cyrus. For the rest, just play the sample.

  23. Engel - Annett Louisan

    Originally by Rammstein.

    In 2016, German chanson singer Annett Louisan released a cover album containing ten covers of popular German songs, adapted in her petite, soft style. Rammstein's signature song "Engel" is one of them and arguably underwent the biggest genre transformation.

    She was inspired by her participation in the third season of the popular show "Sing meinen Song," where a handful of famous German singers are challenged to sing each other's songs.

  24. Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - Marilyn Manson

  25. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - Devo

    Originally by The Rolling Stones.

  26. Style - Ryan Adams

    He covered the entire album, actually. This is definitely pretty different from the original. It's more of a rock or alternative song.

    Taylor Swift cover from 2015.

  27. Crazy in Love - Emeli Sandé & the Bryan Ferry Orchestra

8Load More
PSearch List