Covering a song is easy as it is only copying something that has been laid on tape. Any musician who has the patience to learn a song can replicate pre-existing music and play it the way it was done before.
The real challenge, however, is turning the song into something new - something fresh to the ears of people who have heard the original version countless times before. Or to surprise those who get familiar with the cover first when they someday discover the original.
Here are five that rise above:
JEFF BUCKLEY - HALLELUJAH
Originally written & performed by Leonard Cohen
The 90s shooting-star owned this song by making it somber, more soulful and yearning.
JOHNNY CASH - HURT
Originally written & performed by Nine Inch Nails
The Man In Black, with his age & wisdom, took this heart-wrenching piece and sang it as if all the words were his.
RYAN ADAMS - WONDERWALL
Originally written & performed by Oasis
Heart-on-sleeve alt-country rocker brings out an ambient and sadder version of this Britpop tune.
CIBO MATTO - ABOUT A GIRL
Originally written & performed by Nirvana
Two awesome Japanese girls pay tribute to a late grunger named Kurt by re-shaping his most-pop song into a bossa nova magnificence.
THE WHITE STRIPES - ONE MORE CUP OF COFFEE
Originally written & performed by Bob Dylan
A sweeping epic by Mr. Zimmerman, Jack & Meg give a muscular rendition that blows you away.
