Cover Story: 7 Cover Songs Better Than Their Originals: From Paramore to the Jonas Brothers

Covers are a great way for musicians to pay tribute to the artists they admire. But some acts elevate songs by other performers and make them even better (or come really close). Sometimes, the changes in vocal performances, interpretations, and production in cover songs can show audiences all that they never knew they were missing in some of their favorite tracks. 

 Written by Myah Taylor

Photo courtesy of BBC Radio 1

Some cover performances can put lesser-known artists on the map or revitalize forgotten songs, while others can emphasize a musician’s creativity, innovation, or versatility. Check out these seven cover songs that either rival or eclipse their original versions:

1. Adele— “Make You Feel My Love” (Bob Dylan Cover)

“Make You Feel My Love” is a heartfelt track from legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan’s 1997 album Time Out of Mind. Since its release, it’s been covered by a range of artists from Garth Brooks to Kelly Clarkson. But Adele’s soulful version of Dylan’s poetic lyrics definitely takes the cake. Adele has made the track her own—most people probably don’t know it’s not one of her originals.

2. 5 Seconds of Summer— “I Miss You” (Blink-182 Cover)

Perhaps no group could have captured the lovelorn angst of Blink-182’s 2000s hit better than Australian pop-rockers 5 Seconds of Summer. While Blink’s original performance is difficult to top, 5SOS’s cover is very convincing. Luke Hemmings and Co.’s version of “I Miss You” is lighter compared to Blink’s more serious take on the song, but it’s still just as emo and fun. Utilizing varied phrasing, vocal harmony, and new rhythms, the members of 5SOS add more layers to “I Miss You,” creating a memorable interpretation of a pop-punk classic. 

3. Paramore— “Passionfruit” (Drake Cover)

Drake’s 2017 summer jam had all of the right pieces: atmospheric production, moody lyrics to induce all the feels, and a good vibe. But one thing was missing: a good vocal performance to match the beautiful sounds weaving throughout the track. Paramore lead singer Hayley Williams’ rendition breathes life into “Passionfruit” with a melodic vocal performance, as guitarist Taylor York mimics synth sounds on his six string. And at the end of the cover, Williams teases another Drake song: “Hold on We’re Going Home.”

4. Whitney Houston— “I Will Always Love You” (Dolly Parton Cover)

Houston’s best-selling single from the 1992 drama The Bodyguard has completely outshined Dolly Parton’s original. The late icon established herself as one of music’s greatest voices on this stunning cover song. At this point in music history, “I Will Always Love You” is just as much Houston’s song as it is Parton’s, as the former had a hand in popularizing it worldwide.

5. Amy Winehouse & Mark Ronson— “Valerie” (The Zutons Cover)

The contralto truly outdid herself on her Mark Ronson-produced cover of English indie rock band The Zutons’s “Valerie.” Winehouse’s version is a more soulful take on the Zutons’s rock performance, and Ronson opts for jazzy, 50s sounding production rather than guitars. Ronson and Winehheouse’s “Valerie” climbed to No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart in 2007 and has since remained one of the late singer’s staple performances.

6. Aretha Franklin— “Respect” (Otis Redding Cover)

Queen Aretha Franklin took an Otis Redding song about women respecting their men and transformed it into a female empowerment anthem. Public opinion would say her iconic version is a lot better. Adding “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” to the original lyrics was a special touch that has cemented “Respect” as one of the great classic songs and Franklin as a pivotal figure in music.

7. The Jonas Brothers— “Year 3000” (Busted Cover)

The Jonas Brothers’ first big hit wasn’t an original work. Yet, when many fans think of the best tracks from their discography, their cover of British pop-punk band Busted’s 2002 song “Year 3000” usually comes to mind. The Jo Bros’ version of “Year 3000” showcases Kevin, Nick, and Joe in all of their boyish, 2000s glory. Their rendition amped up the guitars, polished the production, and strayed away from the sound of the punk-leaning original. The brothers also altered a few lyrics to make the song more kid-friendly. “Year 3000” is a classic hit and nostalgia trip that has surpassed its original in popularity. The track is basically the Jonas Brothers’ song at this point. While Busted was initially mad about the lyrics change, the band understood who the Jonas Brothers’ target demographic was. Also, the Brit rockers have been collecting royalty checks for years, so they can’t be too mad.

Honorable Mentions: John Mayer “XO” (Beyonce Cover), Coldplay “We Found Love” (Calvin Harris & Rihanna Cover), James Bay “Hymn for the Weekend” (Coldplay Cover), Alicia Keys “Songs I Wish I Wrote” Grammy Performance (Various Artists), John Mayer “Free Fallin” (Tom Petty Cover)

This article was added to Cover Story after its publication, upon the creation of the Cover Story series.