• It’s a rare occasion for a cover song to be better than the original, or for that matter, even tolerable. YouTube, while it is responsible for launching several successful music careers, has also provided the opportunity for some truly awful singers to grab an acoustic guitar and give Poker Face their best shot. So to save you the time of wading through all the trash, here are twenty of the best cover songs that you might have missed.



    20. James Morrison – Man in the Mirror (Michael Jackson Cover)

    Morrison takes one of Michael Jackson’s most loved songs and adds his soulful touch to it. Obviously no one is going to outdo MJ but Morrison creates a track with heart that makes a great accompaniment to the original.

  • 19. The Cab – Disturbia (Rihanna Cover)

    The Cab transitions Rihanna’s hit from R&B to Rock seamlessly while still maintaining the eerie atmosphere that made the original so popular.

  • 18. Natasha Bedingfield – Chasing Cars (Snow Patrol Cover)

    I was never a big fan of the original Snow Patrol version of this song but when Natasha Bedingfield performed it for the Radio1 Live Lounge it felt like it was overflowing with heart and passion. Maybe it was the feminine touch but either way, she does a brilliant job.

  • 17. Passion Pit – Tonight, Tonight (Smashing Pumpkins Cover)

    Although you won’t recognize the song without reading the title first, Passion Pit puts their own spin on one of the most recognizable rock songs of all time and creates something news and fantastic.

  • 16. Family Force 5 – Bulletproof (La Roux Cover)

    If you enjoyed the original version of Bulletproof, then you’ll love what Family Force 5 did with this cover. It’s dirty with hard hits and a little synth. You really can’t go wrong.

  • 15. Tonight Alive – Little Lion Man (Mumford and Sons Cover)

    If you’re a little burned out on the nonstop Mumford and Son playlist the radio seems to be stuck on, check out what Tonight Alive does with their debut single. Maybe it’s my soft spot for female led punk bands but I really enjoyed this cover.

  • 14. Mateo – Forever (Drake Cover)

    Mateo sits down at the piano and completely strips down Drake’s huge hip hop single. It’s short and sweet so you may need it on repeat for a few plays.

  • 13. Hugo – 99 Problems (Jay-Z Cover)

    Who knew that a hip hop song could translate so well to folk? Hugo replaces bass and pro tools with banjos and steel guitars in this 2010 cover. It did get some recognition as it was the closing credits song to the 2011 Fright Night remake but everyone owes it to themself to hear this incredible rendition.

  • 12. Woe, Is Me – Tik Tok (Ke$ha Cover)

    Woe, Is Me has an unfair advantage because with a Ke$ha song, you can only get better. Nonetheless the Atlanta band blends punk with a little scream-o to create the most fun you can have with a Ke$ha song. Seriously though, it’s good.

  • 11. Matisyahu – Use Somebody (Kings of Leon Cover)

    Matisyahu has to be one of my top five favorite Hebrew rappers. In this 2010 cover he delivers an amazing performance finished off with a little beatboxing. If Acoustic Jewish Beatboxing doesn’t do it for you then I’m out of ideas.

  • 10. Jessie J – We Found Love (Rihanna Cover)

    Another Radio 1 Live Lounge performance features Jessie J stripping down Rihanna’s club hit into a dynamic vocal performance while still keeping it funky and light. It’s fun while not being over the top and could definitely hold its own against the original.

  • 9. Mayday Parade – Somebody That I Used to Know (Gotye Cover)

    As popular as the original Gotye performance is, it’s a little slow and drags just a bit. Mayday Parade takes that framework and goes nuts on it. If you aren’t a fan of screaming vocals in punk this is the track for you. The vocals are surprisingly polished and strong.

  • 8. Damien Rice – Creep (Radiohead Cover)

    While it doesn’t surpass the original by any means, Rice puts his own flavor on this acoustic cover and creates a hauntingly beautiful rendition that even Radiohead fans can enjoy and appreciate.

  • 7. The Civil Wars – Billie Jean (Michael Jackson Cover)

    The duet has a little bit of fun here with a classic Michael Jackson cover full of unique harmonies and runs that doesn’t take itself too seriously. For an honorable mention also check out Chris Cornell’s cover of Billie Jean.

  • 6. 30 Seconds to Mars – Bad Romance (Lady Gaga Cover)

    You really can’t compare this Jared Leto version to the Lady Gaga track because they’re so different on every level. That being said I prefer this grainy, heartfelt rendition to the polished feel of the original.

  • 5. Ellie Goulding – High for This (The Weeknd Cover)

    While Ellie Goulding definitely doesn’t take this track to new territory, her voice is so gorgeous you can’t help but appreciate what she’s done. It has a few more bells and whistles than the original and is definitely worth giving a listen.

  • 4. Say Anything – Got Your Money (Ol Dirty Bastard Cover)

    Delivering what is definitely the most fun cover on the list, Say Anything “raps” through the ODB hit while keeping in completely tongue in cheek. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll fall in love. Or at least smile.

  • 3. Bon Iver - I Can't Make You Love Me (Bonnie Raitt Cover)

    Taking a complete 180 from the Say Anything cover, Bon Iver makes us wish we were dead, but in a good way. As if the Bonnie Raitt wasn’t emotional enough, wait until you hear what Justin Vernon does simply sitting in front of a piano. Absolutely brilliant.

  • 2. Prince – Creep (Radiohead Cover)

    It’s Prince so not much more needs to be said. Prince, who is not a fan of others creating their own version of his songs, performed this rare cover at Coachella in 2008. The guitar solo finale is worth the price of admission.

  • 1. Johnny Cash – Hurt (Nine Inch Nails Cover)

    If I told you Johnny Cash would be at the top of this list covering a Nine Inch Nails song you would call me crazy. That is, until you’ve heard it. In what many people consider his farewell song, Cash makes the Trent Reznor track his own and evokes such emotion out of it. Cash passed away shortly after, only making it that much more powerful.

    Next: Hit Songs Originally Written As Jokes