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 were significantly changed. Music re-construction.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 better the original or the cover.
It's about how different both versions are and if the cover sounds decent - like a "new" song you don't know or without comparing it with the original.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Iron Maiden's classic was fully transformed. Just play the sample. The genre and tone were changed completely.
The cover sounds vulnerable, not angry.
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.
The Newcomers
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.
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.
Originally a metal song by Megadeth.
The cover isn't metal and features female vocals. The cover sounds more soothing and beautiful than angry.
Sounds nothing like the Black Eyed Peas.
I applaud Alanis for this cover.
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.
Originally by 50 Cent, Timbaland, and Justin Timberlake.
While the original version was also a moderate success here, Belgian singer Milow's version was even bigger two years later. It was almost unavoidable. His version was sung over a very stripped-down, minimalistic guitar instrumental. In fact, no one would notice it's the same song apart from the lyrics.
Originally by Michael Jackson.
Marc Terenzi, or simply Terenzi, is an American singer, but he is mostly known in Germany because he was once married to the wonderful Sarah Connor. Later on, he was engaged to the model and reality TV star Gina-Lisa Lohfink. During his marriage to Connor, he released two moderately successful albums. He then became a TV personality, mostly known for his former relationships. In 2017, he participated in the German edition of "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here," a highly popular and hyped show over here, and won. On his second and so far last album, he released this pop rock ballad version of "Billie Jean."
Britney, what those guys did to your song...
This cover of an angry thrash metal song sounds pretty happy in this ska arrangement, LOL.
I recognize the original because I've listened to it a million times, but I can still say it's very different. Believe it or not, I like this cover - for making me smile.
I forgot about this! I think it's hilarious!