Unforgettable Cover Versions That Surpassed Their Originals
Unforgettable Cover Versions That Surpassed Their Originals
Every once in a while, a cover version of a song becomes more popular and well-known than the original. This phenomenon can be attributed to the unique interpretation and presentation of the cover, revitalizing the song in a way that resonates with new audiences while maintaining the original's charm. This article will explore some of these unforgettable cover versions.
Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" - A Cinderella Story Reimagined
Whitney Houston's rendition of Dolly Parton's classic "I Will Always Love You" is a prime example of a cover that eclipsed the original. Originally recorded by Parton for her album Me Him in 1974, the song was not a hit. However, Houston's powerful and emotional rendering of the song, featured as the closing track on her album The Bodyguard, catapulted it to the top of charts around the world. Whitney Houston's version of "I Will Always Love You" sold over 15 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling singles in history.
Billy Idol's "Mony Mony" - A Genre-Bending Hit
When Tommy James and the Shondells released "Mony Mony" in 1968, it became a moderate success, reaching number one in the UK and number three in the US. Years later, in 1981, Billy Idol took the same song, giving it an edgy rock and roll twist, propelling it to the number seven spot on the Billboard dance chart. In 1986, the British reggae/pop band Amazulu also released their version, which made it to number thirty-eight in the UK and number nine in New Zealand. However, it was Billy Idol's live version in 1987 that truly made waves. His energetic live rendition hit number one on the Canadian charts and the US Hot 100, pushing Tiffany's version of another Tommy James and the Shondells hit, "I Think We're Alone Now," to second place.
Whimsical Parodies and Retro Revivals
The comedy world has also seen many successful parodies of popular songs. Primarily, "Alimony," a song by Weird Al Yankovic from his 1988 album "Alain The Goal-y-mpians," is a hilarious take on "Mony Mony" but played with a more serious tone. Yankovic's knack for satirical and playful song parodies has attracted a wide audience, and "Alimony" is no exception. Another charming example of a cover that outshone its original is Fred Eaglesmith's remake of "Alcohol and Pills," originally performed by Kipp Murray. Eaglesmith's version gave a fresh twist to the song, cementing it in the modern music scene and giving it new life decades after the original's release.
Conclusion
These cover versions demonstrate the power and versatility of popular music. They not only pay homage to the original artists but also often introduce the song to new audiences. It's a testament to the enduring nature of these songs and the ability of music to evolve and be reimagined across different eras and styles.