The Beatles are hallowed ground. It takes a pretty confident artist to try and cover one of their tunes. The foursome’s original versions are undisputed classics. Though their renditions will always be the definitive, there are a few covers that almost measure up to the original. Find five such covers below.
[RELATED: The Beatles’ 4 Feature Films Ranked]
Videos by American Songwriter
1. “Yesterday” (Ray Charles)
Ray Charles covered a few Beatles songs in his time, but none stand up against his rendition of “Yesterday.” While Paul McCartney’s intimate vocals in the original version of the song are affecting enough, the emotion of the song is revved up by Charles’ soul-touching voice.
2. “We Can Work It Out” (Stevie Wonder)
Stevie Wonder adds a little funk to “We Can Work It Out.” While the original version of the song treks along with a steady rhythm, Wonder’s rendition is chock full of surprises and ad-libs. A solo from Wonder’s trademark harmonica adds something innate to this cover.
3. “Across the Universe” (Fiona Apple)
Fiona Apple delivered a dreamy cover of the Beatles’ “Across the Universe” in 1998. Her rendition speaks to the timeless nature of the Beatles’ catalog. In the accompanying music video, Apple floats around a diner that is slowly being destroyed around her. Listening to this cover feels much the same: a gentle, floating feeling that drowns out the noise of the world.
4. “All My Loving” (Amy Winehouse)
Amy Winehouse covered this early Beatles cut on BBC Three in 2004. As with every song Winehouse ever touched, this cover is pure gold. Who better to carry on the crooning tradition of the Beatles’ earliest offerings than Winehouse?
5. “In My Life” (Madison Cunningham)
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Madison Cunningham covered the Beatles classic “In My Life” in 2021. Her slow, acoustic version of the song leaves nothing to distract from the powerful lyrics. Cunningham’s stunning vocals are just the ticket for this nostalgic and comforting track.
(Photo by John Pratt/Keystone/Getty Images)
More Features
-
Photo by Doug Griffin/Toronto Star via Getty Images -
American singer, songwriter and musician Tom Petty (1950-2017) attends a press conference for his debut solo album 'Full Moon Fever', 1989. (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images) -
(Original Caption) A singer called Joni. Joni Mitchell, Canadian singer-songwriter, United Kingdom, 1968. The guitar-pickin' gal is Joni Mitchell, a long blonde haired Canadian folk singer. Pictured last night outside the Revolution club, Joni is here (until 1st October) for radio, television and concert appearances. Apart from concert appearances, 25 year old Joni will be heard on "Top Gear" on Radio One and "The Monday Show" on BBC 1. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) -
English rock band the Beatles arrive at London Airport from the USA, with their manager Brian Epstein (1934 – 1967, in coach doorway), 2nd September 1965. From left to right, John Lennon (1940 – 1980), George Harrison (1943 – 2001), Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. (Photo by George Stroud/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) -
Musician Willie Nelson attends 24th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 10, 1989 at Disney Studios in Burbank, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) -
George Jones, who released several country songs about whiskey -
Elvis Presley and Scotty Moore (left) performing on The Milton Berle Show at NBC's Hollywood studio, Los Angeles, California, 5th June 1956. Presley performed 'I Want You, I Need You, I Love You' and 'Hound Dog'. Press reaction to his performance was largely negative with his gyrating movements during 'Hound Dog' proving particularly controversial. (Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) -
BERKELEY, CA – SEPTEMBER 1977: Linda Ronstadt performs at the Greek Theater on September 17, 1977 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ed Perlstein/Redferns/Getty Images)