10 Song Covers That Are Better Than Their Originals | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

10 Song Covers That Are Better Than Their Originals

You know, if you're not one of those people who hates song covers.

39
10 Song Covers That Are Better Than Their Originals
Techzono

It's common knowledge among my friends that I have a deep love for good song covers. Several years ago, back when I had an MP3 player, a friend commented that I had more song covers than I did originals in my playlist. I contested the point at the time, but I later realized that she was right. I know that there are many people who think song covers are from Satan, so if you're one of those people, feel free to click away now. However, if you also enjoy good song covers, then here are ten of them that I think are better than their originals (in no particular order).

1. "Kiss the Girl" -- Chase Holfelder

Chase Holfelder likes to take songs in a major key and arrange them in a minor key. For those of you who aren't musically inclined, that basically means that he gives the songs a darker feel. This is my favorite of his major-to-minor covers, and it'll give you a good idea of what it feels like to make that change.

RELATED: A Quick Guide To Chords

2. "Just a Dream" -- Kurt Hugo Schneider feat. Sam Tsui and Christina Grimmie

Kurt Hugo Schneider is well known for his song covers, and this is perhaps the most popular of his arrangements, especially since the tragic death of featured vocalist Christina Grimmie (RIP). She and Sam Tsui are both powerhouse vocalists, and they certainly blew me away in this powerful, yet beautiful, arrangement.

3. "Let It Go" -- Alex Boye feat. One Voice Children's Choir

It was, perhaps, inevitable that a cover of Frozen's hit song would appear on this list. Of all the covers available of this song, this is definitely my favorite. If you haven't seen this video, and if you don't yet hate this song, it's worth a watch.

4. "She's So High" --Alex Goot

As much as I love the original version of this song, I can't help but love this version more. Perhaps it's because I'm a sucker for piano. I also think that the piano fits the song better than guitar, but you're free to disagree with me.

5. "Dark Horse" -- Peter Hollens feat. Sam Tsui

In addition to being a sucker for piano, I'm also a sucker for a cappella music. This cover of Katy Perry's "Dark Horse" uses no instruments other than the human voice, and just like all good a cappella, I can't help but appreciate it...perhaps a bit too much.

6. "Heartless" -- Kris Allen

Kris Allen originally performed a shorter version of this cover on season eight of American Idol, and it blew everyone away. After defeating Adam Lambert for first place on the show, he included a full cover of the song on his first album. Both versions can be found on YouTube, but I've included the album version here.

7. "Chandelier" -- PVRIS

Brought to you by the album series Punk Goes Pop, this version of Sia's hit song provides a bit more edge to the already upbeat track. I know of many exceptional covers of this song, but I think this one is my favorite. If you're a fan of this song, though, I encourage you to check out the Sara Bareilles live cover of it and Jordan Smith's performance of it from The Voice.

8. "Lean On" -- Pentatonix

I suppose this item could simply be titled, "Any Cover by Pentatonix." This a cappella group proved that fame can come without the use of instruments. After winning The Sing-Off, this group rocketed to fame with their unique a cappella style, reaching platinum status with their Christmas album, That's Christmas to Me. "Lean On" is, perhaps, my favorite song off their latest album. If you're not familiar with this group, I strongly encourage you to check them out.

9. "Love the Way You Lie" -- A Skylit Drive

Another one of my favorite Punk Goes Pop covers is this one right here. Again, the punk style gives the song more drive and more edge. Add a bit of screaming (but not too much), and you've got what I consider to be an exceptional cover.

10. "Toxic" -- Glee Cast (Season 5 Version)

For Glee's 100th episode, the creators decided to have fans vote on their favorite past Glee performances. The top numbers were revamped for this special episode, and from this came my favorite Glee number of all time. The show's first performance of Toxic was good, but this one far surpassed it in my opinion. The arrangement is considerably slower than Britney does it, but the Latin feel that has been added here makes it more provocative than the original. I absolutely love this cover, so if you're not too busy calling me a heathen for enjoying a cover of one of Britney's biggest hits...give it a listen.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

2717
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

17178
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments