Covers are a quick way to let fans know your inspirations. Most of the time, a cover is expected. You can at least see how an artist decided to revamp a song. However, there are times when a cover comes out of left field. We may not have been expecting the country covers below, but we’re sure glad we have them.
Videos by American Songwriter
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“A Lesson in Leavin” – Sierra Ferrell and Nikki Lane
Original: Jo Dee Messina
The first entry on our list of country covers we didn’t know we needed is a recent release from Sierra Ferrell and Nikki Lane. Their rendition of Jo Dee Messina’s “A Lesson in Leavin” is every bit as comforting as the original, albeit with some alt-country appeal. While Messina is firmly in the mainstream, both Ferrell and Lane operate on the fringes of country. Their edgy voices somehow only amplified this tried-and-true hit. Though we will always revisit the original, we have no complaints about this reimagining of a classic.
“Fast Car” – Luke Combs
Original: Tracy Chapman
The whole world needed to hear Luke Combs sing Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” we just didn’t know it. Combs dusted off this late ’80s track in 2023, earning one of his biggest hits to date. It wasn’t an expected country cover, and that’s likely what earned it so much traction in the first place. Then, of course, Combs’ always-impressive vocals helped seal the deal. Combs’ rendition earned him another No. 1 and gave props to Chapman’s perennial songwriting.
“Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Kacey Musgraves
Original: Elvis Presley
For the 2022 Elvis Presley biopic, Kacey Musgraves covered the timeless “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” In contrast to The King’s original version, Musgraves’ vocals are tender and intimate. It’s a simple country cover that has innate soothing qualities. It doesn’t muster the same southern soul that Presley was peddling, but if you’re gonna cover a song as famous as this one, you might as well leave your mark. Musgraves certainly did that.
“Hurt” – Johnny Cash
Original: Nine Inch Nails
We’re not sure anyone saw Johnny Cash’s country cover of “Hurt” coming. The country icon delivered a haunting version of this alt-rock classic in 2002. Despite the unusual choice, it was well received by his audience. In hindsight, it’s no wonder this cover did as well as it did. There wasn’t a song that Cash touched that didn’t turn to gold. This is just one example of his unparalleled ability to affect his listeners emotionally.
Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns
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