When most of the music on the radio is essentially the same, it’s refreshing to hear artists being honest about stealing the work of others. Here are eleven great covers of songs we know and love. -Somaya Abdullah
1. Don’t Tell Em - Lorde
Lorde awkwardly covered Jeremih’s “Don’t Tell Em” for BBC Radio 1. Warbly low vocals and jolting, seizure-like dance moves join together in what can only be described as a tremendous success. Though R&B isn’t exactly the “rock” artist’s (http://www.axs.com/news/lorde-wins-vma-for-best-rock-video-but-is-royals-really-rock-18695) forte, the realm of expansive, slow but beat-heavy music is one that she regularly explores in her songs (almost all of her songs on “Pure Heroine” feature at least one bass drop, and trap influences), and it’s clear that she brings her expertise to this one as well.
2. Whatever You Like [Explicit] - Anya Marina
NY singer-songwriter Anya Marina’s crooning one-hit wonder is a tender, sexy take on T.I.’s sugardaddy anthem “Whatever You Like”. A combination of low breathy rapping and tinny melodies demonstrate her range. Paired with a simple acoustic and drum background, the song bridges hip-hop and folksy acoustic. The song rose in popularity after appearing in a steamy scene on Gossip Girl.
3. Drunk In Love (Remix) [Explicit] - the Weeknd
If Bey is Queen, The Weeknd rivals Jay-Z for the title of King. Abel Tesfaye‘s signature hypersexual vocals, falsetto, and resounding bass add drama and anticipation to the summery jam. Come to think of it, he adds a lot to the song, perhaps most notably his choice to replace almost all of the verses besides the chorus with his own raps about “Percocets, Adderall, Ecstasy, pussy, money, weed” and resisting drama and corruption in the music business.The ascent of the song from slow and cinematic to rhythmic and danceable through layering of electronic instrumentals and drums is perfect.
4. No Angels - Bastille
I don’t usually listen to any Bastille, but this song is a standout. Moody instrumentals and passionate vocals star in the unexpected hybrid of TLC’s “No Scrub” and the xx’s “Angels”. Bastille frontman Dan Smith’s soft voice has little resemblance to the “No Scrubs” or “Angels” singers. But it works. His British accent certainly does. The result is a melancholy paradox, including the lyrics “I don’t want your number, no” and “...being as in love with you as I am...”. Warning: It gets easily stuck in your head.
5. Un-thinkable (I’m Ready) - City & Colour
Darkness and lightness mix in City & Colour’s heartfelt Alicia Keys cover, one of those songs that sounds sad at first but is actually reassuringly happy. Musician Dallas Green opts to stay true to his vulnerable style rather than venturing into the unknown territory of a different genre, but he does what he does well. I grew up listening to Alicia Keys, and am not sure I could honestly say that the cover is better than the original. But this is a gorgeous, acoustic-heavy song that can fill a silence between loved ones like honey.
6. Summer Wine - Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey has called herself a “gangster Nancy Sinatra”. You can hear the resemblance in her cover of Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood’s “Summer Wine”, a song about a woman seducing a man with mysterious summer wine, and stealing his possessions while he sleeps or lays unconscious. Del Rey’s voice is more cutesy and dreamy than Sinatra’s classic movie vocals, making for a loungey, trippy contemporary version. Barrie-James O’Neill’s sexy appearance in the song and video is an added plus.
7. I Can’t Make You Love Me - Bon Iver
Bon Iver’s understated cover of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is heart-wrenchingly sad, yet not too melodramatic to be completely disgusted about crying to after a breakup. While Bonnie Raitt’s original is perfect in a slightly poised way, John Vernon’s manages to achieve both a confessional and resigned tone. It is intimate to the point where you can hear the intakes of breath between singing. The contrast between Raitt and Vernon’s different, yet both smoky and flowy voices, is striking. The acoustic guitar in Bon Iver’s is a pleasant contemporary trade for the original 1991 instrumental.
8. Say My Name/Cry Me a River - The Neighbourhood
This stripped down mash-up has a perfect moody instrumental, complete with bluesy electric guitar. But a steady beat keeps it from getting quite too sleepy. The song is surprisingly loyal to the originals, channeling Justin Timberlake’s debonair-and-hurt tone and Destiny’s Child’s rhythmic melodies, with added brooding angst (this is The Neighbourhood). This song is really highlighted by Jesse Rutherford’s smooth yet tender voice.
9. I Kissed a Girl - William Fitzsimmons
I’m a big fan of William Fitzsimmons, and this cover is no exception. Fitzsimmon’s soft voice brings shyness and humility to the famous Katy Perry song, as does the summery and evocative guitar and shaker instrumental. Obviously having the song be redone with male vocals strips it of some of its meaning, but Fitzsimmons hastily makes amends with his talent. The song is leisurely, but not slow, so listening to it doesn’t make you too sleepy.
10. Iron Man - The Cardigans
The Cardigans lend their dreamy vocals to Black Sabbath’s hit. The melodic update is a huge jump from the original rock song. This version, with guitar, plenty of cymbal crashes, and what may be a sitar appearance, is airy and jazzy, the perfect soundtrack for a cute adventure or a lazy day.
11. Hold On We’re Going Home - Pia Mia, Lykke Li, and starRo and Iman Europe
Obviously there’s something about Drake’s “Hold On We’re Going Home” that has inspired tons of artists to cover it, and do a pretty dang good job too. While I don’t truly think anything can beat @champagnepapi, these three covers come close. Though pretty commercial, Pia Mia’s poppy and feminine rendition showcases her beautiful voice, while Lykke Li’s low-key cover is the perfect soundtrack for late-night adventures with a couple good friends. starRo and Iman Europe’s lush synthy version, meanwhile, is so chill it’s insane, I’m talking perfect for a beautiful warm sunny afternoon, or really anytime. Europe’s deep rich voice takes it to a new level.
Lorde awkwardly covered Jeremih’s “Don’t Tell Em” for BBC Radio 1. Warbly low vocals and jolting, seizure-like dance moves join together in what can only be described as a tremendous success. Though R&B isn’t exactly the “rock” artist’s (http://www.axs.com/news/lorde-wins-vma-for-best-rock-video-but-is-royals-really-rock-18695) forte, the realm of expansive, slow but beat-heavy music is one that she regularly explores in her songs (almost all of her songs on “Pure Heroine” feature at least one bass drop, and trap influences), and it’s clear that she brings her expertise to this one as well.
2. Whatever You Like [Explicit] - Anya Marina
NY singer-songwriter Anya Marina’s crooning one-hit wonder is a tender, sexy take on T.I.’s sugardaddy anthem “Whatever You Like”. A combination of low breathy rapping and tinny melodies demonstrate her range. Paired with a simple acoustic and drum background, the song bridges hip-hop and folksy acoustic. The song rose in popularity after appearing in a steamy scene on Gossip Girl.
3. Drunk In Love (Remix) [Explicit] - the Weeknd
If Bey is Queen, The Weeknd rivals Jay-Z for the title of King. Abel Tesfaye‘s signature hypersexual vocals, falsetto, and resounding bass add drama and anticipation to the summery jam. Come to think of it, he adds a lot to the song, perhaps most notably his choice to replace almost all of the verses besides the chorus with his own raps about “Percocets, Adderall, Ecstasy, pussy, money, weed” and resisting drama and corruption in the music business.The ascent of the song from slow and cinematic to rhythmic and danceable through layering of electronic instrumentals and drums is perfect.
4. No Angels - Bastille
I don’t usually listen to any Bastille, but this song is a standout. Moody instrumentals and passionate vocals star in the unexpected hybrid of TLC’s “No Scrub” and the xx’s “Angels”. Bastille frontman Dan Smith’s soft voice has little resemblance to the “No Scrubs” or “Angels” singers. But it works. His British accent certainly does. The result is a melancholy paradox, including the lyrics “I don’t want your number, no” and “...being as in love with you as I am...”. Warning: It gets easily stuck in your head.
5. Un-thinkable (I’m Ready) - City & Colour
Darkness and lightness mix in City & Colour’s heartfelt Alicia Keys cover, one of those songs that sounds sad at first but is actually reassuringly happy. Musician Dallas Green opts to stay true to his vulnerable style rather than venturing into the unknown territory of a different genre, but he does what he does well. I grew up listening to Alicia Keys, and am not sure I could honestly say that the cover is better than the original. But this is a gorgeous, acoustic-heavy song that can fill a silence between loved ones like honey.
6. Summer Wine - Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey has called herself a “gangster Nancy Sinatra”. You can hear the resemblance in her cover of Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood’s “Summer Wine”, a song about a woman seducing a man with mysterious summer wine, and stealing his possessions while he sleeps or lays unconscious. Del Rey’s voice is more cutesy and dreamy than Sinatra’s classic movie vocals, making for a loungey, trippy contemporary version. Barrie-James O’Neill’s sexy appearance in the song and video is an added plus.
7. I Can’t Make You Love Me - Bon Iver
Bon Iver’s understated cover of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is heart-wrenchingly sad, yet not too melodramatic to be completely disgusted about crying to after a breakup. While Bonnie Raitt’s original is perfect in a slightly poised way, John Vernon’s manages to achieve both a confessional and resigned tone. It is intimate to the point where you can hear the intakes of breath between singing. The contrast between Raitt and Vernon’s different, yet both smoky and flowy voices, is striking. The acoustic guitar in Bon Iver’s is a pleasant contemporary trade for the original 1991 instrumental.
8. Say My Name/Cry Me a River - The Neighbourhood
This stripped down mash-up has a perfect moody instrumental, complete with bluesy electric guitar. But a steady beat keeps it from getting quite too sleepy. The song is surprisingly loyal to the originals, channeling Justin Timberlake’s debonair-and-hurt tone and Destiny’s Child’s rhythmic melodies, with added brooding angst (this is The Neighbourhood). This song is really highlighted by Jesse Rutherford’s smooth yet tender voice.
9. I Kissed a Girl - William Fitzsimmons
I’m a big fan of William Fitzsimmons, and this cover is no exception. Fitzsimmon’s soft voice brings shyness and humility to the famous Katy Perry song, as does the summery and evocative guitar and shaker instrumental. Obviously having the song be redone with male vocals strips it of some of its meaning, but Fitzsimmons hastily makes amends with his talent. The song is leisurely, but not slow, so listening to it doesn’t make you too sleepy.
10. Iron Man - The Cardigans
The Cardigans lend their dreamy vocals to Black Sabbath’s hit. The melodic update is a huge jump from the original rock song. This version, with guitar, plenty of cymbal crashes, and what may be a sitar appearance, is airy and jazzy, the perfect soundtrack for a cute adventure or a lazy day.
11. Hold On We’re Going Home - Pia Mia, Lykke Li, and starRo and Iman Europe
Obviously there’s something about Drake’s “Hold On We’re Going Home” that has inspired tons of artists to cover it, and do a pretty dang good job too. While I don’t truly think anything can beat @champagnepapi, these three covers come close. Though pretty commercial, Pia Mia’s poppy and feminine rendition showcases her beautiful voice, while Lykke Li’s low-key cover is the perfect soundtrack for late-night adventures with a couple good friends. starRo and Iman Europe’s lush synthy version, meanwhile, is so chill it’s insane, I’m talking perfect for a beautiful warm sunny afternoon, or really anytime. Europe’s deep rich voice takes it to a new level.
