As someone who strongly believes that music is universal, I feel it especially shows in covers. For some, the original song is given a different spin like Alien Ant Farm’s cover of Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal – MJ liked what they did with the song. Then there are covers that shouldn’t have happened like Ginuwine’s cover of Prince’s When Doves Cry. Prince didn’t give permission to this cover being made & he rightfully did not like it. And he’s certainly not the only one. Overall, I don’t have an issue with cover songs, as long as it’s done well. With that being said, MoonChyld’s Entertainment would like to present a list of some of our Favorite Song Covers. Let’s Go!!!
Lenny Kravitz – American Woman (1990) / Original Artist – The Guess Who (1970)
The multi-talented artist recorded this song for the Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me soundtrack. While the original version by The Guess Who is a bit faster, Lenny still holds true to their musical concept with minimal change. Lenny adds his own sensual style on the guitar at the bridge like the rock god that he is, making it still a banger in rock music to this day. To emphasize the impact of the song, he performed the song with Prince at Paisley Park for the concert film Rave Un2 the Year 2000. Iconic performance indeed.
Muse – Feeling Good (2001) / Original Artist – Cy Grant for the 1964 musical The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Amel of the Crowd. Nina Simone recorded it first in 1965 for her album I Put a Spell on You
Feeling Good has been covered by various artists like Michael Bublé & Chloe Bailey aka Chlöe, this version is the one that gets me. The first time I heard this was in the first season of the hit BBC series Luther starring Idris Elba; I recommend checking out this series. It definitely succeeds in catching the listener’s attention with the song staring out on an organ-style keyboard, giving it a sultry smooth vibe with a raw & gritty ending.
Various Artists – Wake Up Everybody (2004) / Original Artist – Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes (1975)
During the time of the 2004 Presidential Election between President George W. Bush (R) & Senator John Kerry (D), Babyface & Russell Simmons got together to produce the remake of the Bluenotes classic written by the writing team McFadden & Whitehead & Victor Carstarphen. The purpose of the song & accompanying music video was to encourage younger generations to go out & vote; make their voices heard. Among the plethora of artists featured in the song were Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx, Ashanti, Eve with standout performances by Jadakiss, Brandy & Jaheim; the latter sounding a lot like legendary former lead singer Teddy Pendergrass. Another stand out is Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Missy Elliott dropping some serious bars bringing the track home influencing the necessary act to vote; sampling her song Wake Up from the album, This Is Not a Test! While this version is 19 years old, it is still so relevant. Especially with the political climate being the way it is today.
Boyz II Men – Time After Time (2009) / Original Artist – Cyndi Lauper (1984)
The trio, known for their a cappella skills, utilized this talent while covering the Cyndi Lauper hit. Nathan Morris did double duty by adding bass along with his baritone voice. This version gives a vibe that would be fitting of an acoustic guitar; but it wasn’t needed in this instance. Going back to their early days as a group at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative & Performing Arts, they are showing their impeccable skills reminiscent of the a cappella group Take 6. You can find this on their 3rd album titled Love which has a track list of well done covers; Iris is my favorite on the album.
Honorable Mention: Phenomenal Jazz singer Cassandra Wilson covered this song as well and it was featured in the motion picture soundtrack for the 2002 film Brown Sugar. She took it somewhere else with her calm velvet voice.
Masha – Werewolves of London (2014) / Original Artist – Warren Zevon (1978)
I became aware of this cover by way of an extended promotional music video for Three Olives Vodka on YouTube. The artist featured as a sensually innocent Litte Red Riding Hood to James Lee Taylor’s Werewolf is Latvian-born American singer-songwriter Masha. Her voice brings sexiness to the rock classic. She walks around the foggy streets of London telling the story of these alluring beings, we see one who entices his prey with Three Olives Vodka martinis. If there was a kickass way to promote your product, this is a great example to inspire from. I do believe that the late Warren Zevon would have been both flattered & impressed with the new life this campaign has brought the song. This is some great vodka by the way, I highly recommend it.
D’Angelo – She’s Always in My Hair (1997) / Original Artist – Prince (1985)
Long before he made his tribute performing Sometimes It Snows in April with Prince cover band Princess (Maya Rudolph & Gretchen Lieberum) on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2016, the Brown Sugar singer-songwriter covered this B-side to Raspberry Beret. This rendition of the 1985 track was featured at the start of Scream 2 with an edgier guitar groove while staying true to the genius that is Prince. It was also featured on the motion picture soundtrack, which is why I bought & still have the CD. If you listened to D’Angelo’s music back in the 90’s, you could hear the influential elements of the Purple One. By my estimation, he’s one of the few who could pull off a cover of this magnitude.
Denmark + Winter – Don’t Fear The Reaper (2016) / Original Artist – Blue Oyster Cult (1976)
In the 3rd season finale of the CW hit series The Originals (S3, Ep22 – The Bloody Crown), I took notice of what the song was when the second line of the song was sung out. I was transfixed after that; the scene where the song was featured played a part in that was well. This version is a great example of a cover song done the right way. This also brings about a point that some of the best non-mainstream songs are featured on television shows, in film and yes… commercials. The track is a great discovery, proving that music supervisors should be recognized more. The song has been in my music rotation ever since.
Chanté Moore – I Want to Thank You (1994) / Original Artist – Alicia Myers (1982)
Known to have a sultry voice with a range of over 4 octaves, Chanté Moore took a lot of us back to our early childhood days covering the Alicia Myers contemporary gospel hit for her sophomore album A Love Supreme. She also recorded a cover mashup of Deniece Wiliams’ Free & The Commodores’ Sail On. The singer-songwriter continues belting out to sellout crowds & it’s certain that when she performs these tracks, it will be well received.
Marilyn Manson – Tainted Love (2001) / Original Artist – Gloria Jones (1965)
A lot of us 80’s kids are familiar with the Soft Cell version of this song; Marilyn Manson took it to another level. Taking from the melody of Soft Cell’s cover, Manson added some enticing techno rock to it. It definitely brought about a vibe in Not Another Teen Movie during the scene where Catherine Wyler (Mia Kirshner) walks down the hall ready to devour just about anyone that moves, including her brother. The music video brings the point home.
Lauryn Hill – Can’t Take My Eyes Off You (1998) / Original Artist – Frankie Valli (1967)
The Fugees 2nd album The Score may have solidified their position in music by making one of the greatest hip-hop albums & the legacy of being one of the greatest hip-hop groups of all time; Lauryn Hill came into her own as a solo artist. Not realizing until I saw the film Jersey Boys, that this was a cover & a lovely one at that. Originally recorded by Four Seasons frontman Frankie Valli, Hill honored the crooner’s style while staying true to her neo soul vibe.
Betty ft. Pam Grier – Some Kind of Wonderful (2005) / Original Artist – Soul Brothers Six (1967)
The groundbreaking series the L word brought the alt-rock band Betty into the lives of those who were unaware of their talent, including mine. Not only did they perform the theme song to the Showtime hit series, but they have also made several appearances. Their first being the re-opening of The Planet, Kit Porter (Grier) acquired the club from the previous owner. Durning their inaugural performance, Kit is called up to the stage to join them in a bluesy funk soul rendition of this song. This was a good moment to see Pam’s singing abilities for viewers who only knew her as an actress.
Fun Fact: The song Long Time Woman from the 1971 film The Big Doll House was also featured in the 1997 film Jackie Brown. Both starred Pam Grier & she is singing that song.
Tommy Lee – Love Train (2006) / Original Artist – The O’Jays (1972)
During the closing credits of Final Destination 3, you’ll hear a rockin cover of The O’Jays hit from the Mötley Crüe drummer. I consider this cover surprisingly impressive. Well…maybe not surprised because a true musician would be, can be, open to genres other than the primary one that they’re in; I enjoy that. I was however impressed with the rock vibe Tommy gave this soulful song. Makes one wonder how a live performance with him & The O’Jays would be like. Anything is possible.
Love Spit Love – How Soon Is Now? – 1996 / Original Artist – The Smiths (1985)
If you’ve seen The Wedding Singer (1998) with Adam Sandler & Drew Barrymore, then you’ve heard the original recording of this song. In 1996, a cult classic movie called The Craft brought about a cover version by Love Spit Love that set the tone of the story about 4 high school friends & their desire to feel accepted in their own way. They turn to magic that is witchcraft – one of them being a natural witch. In keeping with the tone of how the song was used, it would go onto be used for the original inception of the WB series Charmed. The vibe of this song is a mystical one. On one hand, you are one with the celestial elements. On the other hand, you are a person looking for love; for someone to be with.
I am human and I need to be loved
Just like everybody else does
The synthesized rhythm pulls the listener in and relaxes the mind. Then the lyrics take you to another place.
Johnny Cash – Hurt (2003) / Original Artist – Nine Inch Nails (1995)
Music producer Rick Rubin crossed musical paths with the legendary Man in Black on what would be his final studio album. American IV: The Man Comes Around is the award-winning album that has the NIN cover as the second single release & the video takes it to a deeper place. Trent Reznor, NIN front man & writer of the song, was reportedly flattered yet a little concerned that it may have a gimmicky vibe. Over time & after watching the video, he told Alternative Press that he was deeply moved and found Cash’s cover beautiful and meaningful saying “that song isn’t mine anymore.” One would hope that he knows deep down that we wouldn’t have this amazing song had he not written it. It was a great song to use for Hugh Jackman’s film Logan as well.
Anya Marina – Whatever You Like (2009) / Original Artist – T.I. (2008)
As if we couldn’t bump to this chart-topping song enough, a singer-songwriter by the name of Anya Marina recorded a cover version that conveyed the emotion needed for the moment when it was featured in Gossip Girl (Season 3, Episode 9 – They Shoot Humphreys, Don’t They?). T.I. is telling his girl that he doesn’t have a problem with getting her whatever makes her happy because she’s making him happy. Now with this cover, being featured in the series the way it was, you have to check out the scene to see what I mean.
Adele – Make You Feel My Love (2008) / Original Artist – Bob Dylan (1997)
Revered as one of the greatest singers in the industry, Adele’s version of this beautiful song was a part of her multi-platinum debut album 19 which also has the Grammy Award winning hit single Chasing Pavements. Her voice is one that can calm a baby into a sound slumber. I consider this track to be a musical message you can send to someone you want to express your feelings to.
Various Artists w/Quincy Jones – Birdland (1989) / Original Artist – Weather Report (1977)
For his album Back on the Block, former jazz musician turned legendary music producer/arranger Quincy Jones teamed up with friends – singers Ella Fitzgerald & Sarah Vaughan and musicians George Benson, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, James Moody& Joe Zawinul who wrote the song that paid homage to the New York jazz club of the same name. Having grown up on Jazz music, this is one of my favorites as it’s attached to some great childhood memories. The vocal talents of both Fitzgerald & Vaughan are a nice touch as well as the fusion vibe it brings much like the original. It should come to no surprise that this song won the Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement; it is after all The Dude.
Amber Riley & Chord Overstreet from Glee – Human Nature (2012) / Original Artist – Michael Jackson (1983)
As part of a tribute episode aptly called Michael, Mercedes (Riley) & Sam (Overstreet) perform my favorite song from the record-breaking Thriller album. Their rendition of the Toto inspired song (the band provided the music to MJ’s track) was a bit similar to that of the Boyz II Men cover from their Throwback Vol.1 album. With regard to the acoustic & vocal melody. It’s a beautiful cover & I believe that The King of Pop would have loved it.
Yellowcard – Don’t You (Forget About Me) (2005) / Original Artist – Simple Minds (1985)
In part of celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the John Hughes classic film The Breakfast Club, the cast was honored with The Silver Bucket Award at the MTV Movie Awards in 2005. Before Oscar winner Hilary Swank presents them with the award, she introduces rock band Yellowcard who pay tribute to the 80’s generation defining film by covering the song that still resonates to this day. When this song is played, you’re taken back to the time you saw this movie for the first time & the song became a part of the soundtrack of your life. The way they included clips from the film to the performance enhanced the song more.
Rose Cousins – Don’t Stop (2017) / Original Artist – Fleetwood Mac (1977)
This is one of those covers one would come across while going down a rabbit hole of videos & reels on social media. The Dairy Farms of Canada presented a promotion to bring about a positive view of their cheeses. With the calming vocals of Rose Cousins covering the song that was written by the late great Christine McVie. The origin of the song is about the breakup McVie’s marriage with bassist John McVie. The way this is used in the animated short Mia & Morton (above) changes the tone to something rather inspiring with regard to not giving up on your passions, your dreams. The video will definitely pull at your heartstrings.
Justin Moore – Home Sweet Home (2014) / Original Artist – Mötley Crüe (1985)
As I stated earlier, a true musician would be open to genres other than the primary one that they’re in; it’s also a plus when the ear is sharp. As part of the tribute album Nashville Outlaws: A Tribute to Mötley Crüe, country star Justin Moore definitely heard the country music tone with this power ballad. The song already has some edge to it & yet Justin added more edge. To add the cherry to this country-rock sundae, the band makes a cameo in the video w/lead singer Vince McNeil joining in on the song making it a duet.
Tori Amos – Smells Like Teen Spirit (2015) / Original Artist – Nirvana (1991)
This cover is one that somehow slipped under my musical radar. Thanks to a friend, that has been resolved. Tori is an underrated artist in my opinion, she more than deserves to get her flowers and then some. The first cover I heard her do was R.E.M.’s Losing My Religion for the Higher Learning Motion Picture Soundtrack in 1995. So, to have been made aware of this track and hear her fluttery voice cover this iconic grunge rock song, it was very pleasing to the eye. I feel she did an excellent job, and I wouldn’t expect anything less from her.
Issac Hayes – Walk on By (1969) / Original Artist – Dionne Warwick (1964)
Known by fans & fellow musicians as Black Moses, Issac Hayes gave the Warwick original written by Burt Bacharach & Hal David a deep soulful emotion of a man dealing with the heartbreak of losing the one he loved. Starting with a deep guitar feel and vocals worthy of listening to while sipping on Kentucky Burbon. The song was revived when it was featured in the Hughes Brothers film Dead Presidents in 1995 & the 5th season of the L word (episode 12 – Loyal & True) in 2008. Hayes is remembered for his stellar abilities as a musician, singer-songwriter, producer & innovator; this is an excellent example of those skills.
Pam Grier ft Nona Hendryx & BETTY – Transformation (2006) / Original Artist – Nona Hendryx (1983)
What do you get when you put a 70’s movie queen, a rock star & one of the baddest female bands in the studio? A kickass cover of an 80’s track! In season 3 of the groundbreaking Showtime series the L word (episode 8 – Latecomer), Kit Porter (Grier) is in the studio with Nona Hendryx, BETTY & her boyfriend Angus laying down the track of the Hendryx 1983 hit – with the original artist herself joining in on the cover. It’s a killer performance that is very poignant for the moment that it’s being used in the episode. Definitely one worth re-watching. It’s also a song that is worthy of being a mainstay on the playlist as it is an empowering song.
Neoni – Carry On Wayward Son (2018) / Original Artist – Kansas (1976)
For anyone who has watched the series Supernatural, you know that a season isn’t complete without having this song played at some point; mostly it’s at the start of a new season or the season finale. The musical sister duo Neoni did a beautiful cover, fitting for the final moments of the series finale.Thanks to the show, a new generation of people has discovered Kansas by this one song. Even after the show ended, this song alone is a conversation piece, and you just may find a fellow Winchester.
These covers not only shows respect to the original artists, it’s also a testament to their musical mark on the world. I find it to also be – at times – how it would sound in a different way. Like a different tempo if you will, while still being respectful to the original. I am aware that there are so many covers to listen to & check out. I would like to know what some of your favorite covers are.
Thant’s my opinion & everyone is entitled to one.
T.S. Jones
Moonchyld's Entertainment 
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