No matter the genre, music is full of cover songs. Some artists record covers as an homage to those who inspired them. Others just like the song and want a version in their catalog. Sometimes, fans will enjoy the cover more than the original. Rarely, the secondhand rendition of the song eclipses the original completely. In fact, some readers might be surprised to learn that the more familiar versions of the songs below aren’t the originals.
Videos by American Songwriter
Today, we’ll be taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting some classic songs and the rock-solid originals that inspired them.
1. “Fancy” by Reba McEntire
You don’t have to be a country music fan to know Reba McEntire’s signature song “Fancy.” McEntire released her version of the song in 1990 as a single from her album Rumor Has It. The track went to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The song also spawned an iconic music video that gave viewers more of the story. Additionally, it is a staple of McEntire’s concert setlists.
Bobbi Gentry wrote and recorded “Fancy” in 1969. It was a crossover hit for Gentry, landing in the top 40 of the Billboard country chart as well as the all-genre Hot 100. Check out Gentry’s version below.
2. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
If you read the title for this entry and immediately heard Aretha Franklin spelling “Respect” in your mind, you’re not alone. Released in 1967, Franklin’s cover of the song is nothing short of iconic. She swapped the gender, rearranged the music, and created a feminist anthem.
The Queen of Soul changed the lyrics beyond swapping the gender in her signature song. She added the iconic spelling section of the hit and the “sock it to me” lines.
Otis Redding released the original version of the song in 1965 as a single from his album Otis Blue. It was a crossover hit for the soul icon. “That’s one of my favorite songs because it has a better groove than any of my records. It says something, too,” Redding said of Franklin’s version of the song.
3. “Hurt” by Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash released his version of “Hurt” in 2002 as a single from American IV: The Man Comes Around. The album was the last to come out before his passing. While the song wasn’t a huge chart hit, many agree that is among Cash’s finest work. The emotional turmoil of mourning June Carter Cash and his failing health weighed heavy in his voice, transforming the song.
Written by Trent Reznor, Nine Inch Nails released the song as a promotional single from their 1994 album The Downward Spiral.
Reznor was reluctant to allow Cash to cover the song when initially contacted by Rick Rubin. It was one of the most personal songs he had ever written and worried that the country icon’s cover would seem gimmicky. Then, he heard the song. “Hearing it was like someone kissing your girlfriend. It felt invasive,” he said. However, after seeing the video, he changed his mind. “It felt like a warm hug. For anyone who hasn’t seen it, I highly recommend checking it out. I have goosebumps right now thinking about it,” Reznor said.
4. “All Along the Watchtower” by Jimi Hendrix
The Jimi Hendrix Experience released their version of “All Along the Watchtower” in 1968. It would go on to be Hendrix’s only top-40 hit in the United States. His cover was faster and heavier than the original version of the song and included multiple solos from the legendary guitar player.
Bob Dylan wrote and recorded “All Along the Watchtower” for his 1967 album John Wesley Harding. While several artists have released cover versions of the song, Dylan was most impacted by Hendrix’s cut. In fact, he played it in Hendrix’s style during concerts for years, essentially covering the cover of his song.
Featured Image by Evening Standard/Getty Images
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