Rox-‘Crazy’
The London singer/songwriter has been up and coming, creeping slowly up the ladder of the music industry for the past two years. Seal’s ‘Crazy’ has been a popular cover song, with artists such as Alanis Morissette often attempting to match Seal’s original success. Rox’s version outshines any previous attempts as she delicately controls the song, releasing her soulful tones towards the end. Due to the song not being released as an ‘official’ single, it has had no airplay and is virtually unknown outside of her fanbase. However, its is definitely a cover worthy of your ears!
John Legend & the Roots-‘I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free’
The collaborative album entitled Wake Up! is a mixture of soul, gospel and funk covers. Roberta Flack, Marvin Gaye, and Bill Withers are among the legendary artists that JL & the Roots attempt to enhance and update. The difficulty was actually choosing a specific song. However, Nina Simone’s original ‘I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free’ from her infamous “Silk & Soul” album Wake Up! is a strong album of soulful, memorable covers, and the cover of Simone is a highlight.
Imelda May-‘Tainted Love’
Despite releasing her debut No Turning Back in 2003, the Irish jazz singer’s hard work has paid off. Later… with Jools Holland has showcased her talent and her third album, Mayhem, has secured her a wider fanbase. Her cover of ‘Tainted Love’ was originally recorded by Gloria Jones in 1965, but more famously known as the best selling single of 1981 by the pop duo Soft Cell. Imelda May triumphs with her bluesy influence dominating the former pop song, creating a beautifully modern cover of a song written 46 years ago with a rockabilly twist that reinvents the track for 2012.
Nirvana -‘The Man Who Sold the World’A David Bowie original that Nirvana successfully imprinted their husky rock-esque vocals upon. Lulu also covered the song in 1974, a cover that David Bowie produced, and sang backing vocals on. Nirvana received considerable radio airplay upon the release of the 1993, Unplugged in New York, where the track was recorded officially following their MTV ‘Unplugged’ appearance. This cover is memorable because it shows a rare side to Cobain, illustrating his talent beyond the resounding grunge that Nirvana had pioneered.
Vampire Weekend-‘Everywhere’
Perhaps one of the biggest songs ever written being beautifully covered. Vampire Weekend excel throughout the definitive 1988 Fleetwood Mac tune. They rejuvenate the song through a quirky vocal which splits Fleetwood Mac devotees between satisfaction and disappointment. The song has not received a significant publicity, however it’s a worthy and interesting cover of a world renowned song. The Manhattan sowetto vibe transcends the fame of the original and making it all their own.
James Vincent McMorrow-‘Higher Love’
McMorrow is a part of the new breed of folk that has developed over recent years. He joins Bon Iver and Ray LaMontagne in his vocal approach, and ‘Higher Love’ does not fail to capture the vulnerable yet haunting quality of his voice. Still relatively unknown, this cover is a highlight and a contrast from the soulful 1986 original. This is a gentle and graceful cover that transforms the song drastically. A cover that captures relaxingly poignant lyricality and spirit.
Love Song Covers that are…Hopelessly Devoted To You
The Civil Wars-Dance Me To The End Of Love
An admirable cover of Leonard Cohen, fuelled with harmonies from Joy Williams and John Paul White. The definition of a romantic song.
José González Heartbeats
Admittedly, not the most original suggestion as it is one of the most played covers. However, its beauty exceeds the popularity and revolutionises The Knife’s original version.
Amy Winehouse- Cupid
Miss Winehouse may be well known for her cover of ‘Valerie’, but it’s her Sam Cooke cover of ‘Cupid’ that shines. The reggae vibe throughout the song is heightened by her soulful vocal, where the lyric, “Cupid please hear my cry” expresses the hardships of finding love