3 of the Best 1980s Covers by Country Music Artists

With its shimmering synths and outright rejection of genre markers, the music popularized in the ’80s seemingly shares few commonalities with the string-drenched solemnity often found in country. However, sometimes these two genres collide, and magic happens. Here are three times that country artists successfully dipped their toes into 1980s new wave..

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1. “The Promise,” Sturgill Simpson (2014)

In this age of crossover acts, perhaps no one balances traditional outlaw country vocals with modern sensibilities more expertly than Sturgill Simpson. Still, ol’ Johnny Blue Skies doesn’t need anything other than his voice and some minimalistic beats to absolutely nail When In Rome’s 1988 New Wave hit “The Promise.”

Recorded for his 2014 album Metamodern Sounds in Country Music, Simpson’s acoustic rendition of “The Promise” is definitely a slow burn. However, trust me when I say the payoff is worth it. Just wait until you reach his anguished cry during the song’s final chorus.

[RELATED: 3 Face Melting Covers Sturgill Simpson Has Played on Tour]

2. “Dancing With Myself,” Maren Morris (2024)

Along with Generation X bassist Tony James, Billy Idol penned the 1980 New Wave bop “Dancing With Myself.” The pair were inspired after witnessing a young crowd at a Tokyo discothèque dancing with their own reflections in the mirrored walls.

More than 40 years later, singer-songwriter Maren Morris reimagined “Dancing With Myself” as a dreamy, meditative ode to enjoying your own company. In her capable hands, the 2024 version becomes a celebration of the kind of self-actualization that only quality time with yourself can bring.

Morris, 35, said that recording the song brought out “a cathartic color I hadn’t seen in myself yet.”

“Nothing scares me anymore,” added the “My Church” singer.

3. “Personal Jesus,” Johnny Cash (2002)

Once Johnny Cash decides to cover your song, that is no longer your song. Just ask Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor. The Man in Black was in his twilight years when he stamped this ’80s classic with his unique country music flavor. Cash covered Depeche Mode’s 1989 hit “Personal Jesus” for his final studio album, 2002’s American IV: The Man Comes Around.

Cash’s plaintive, bluesy spin on the electronic classic “really propelled the song to another dimension,” said Depeche Mode singer Dave Gahan in 2017.

Featured image by Erika Goldring/WireImage