Song Covers

During my many searches to discover new songs, I've come across many covers of songs that already exist. A "cover" is when a band or artist records a song that was previously played by another band/artist. After listening to many different covers, I've come to the realization that for the most part, I like them more than I like the original song. Weird, I know. Here's a list of a few songs (in no order) that were covered by a different artist and why I enjoyed their version better. 

[DISCLAIMER: I'm not a musician, nor will I ever be. This list is based purely on my untrained opinion!]

Taylor Swift - Mine
Maroon 5 Cover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as1jRmJ_Y-w&feature=related
I'm not a fan of Taylor Swift's music, but I must admit that some of her songs are catchy. That being said, Maroon 5, my favorite band, covered one of her catchier songs and made it something that I enjoy listening to. Adam Levine's voice gives this song a wonderful feel!

Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
Relient K Cover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wqt8gPrn6GY
I actually enjoy Gnarls Barkley's version of "Crazy". When it first came out in 2006, it was definitely a song I often jammed out to. Last year, Relient K released an album full of covers and this particular song was on it. I love what they have done to the song! It sounds more punk than pop and just gives it a fun feel.  

Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind
Ed Sheeran Cover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhksb2nUjzQ
First off, Alicia Keys is an amazing artist; anything she sings will sound amazing, no matter what. That being said, Ed Sheeran is just as amazing as she is. He's a British artist I'm absolutely obsessed with, and personally, I think anything he sings will sound perfect, and so far he has not disappointed. He has covered many songs and they're all just as perfect. His voice is perfectly suited for this song!

John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John - You're the One That I Want
The Lennings Cover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBh7_OJsuQo
This is a slow and steady version of the Grease classic everyone knows and loves. The slow rhythm might take some getting used to, but The Lennings are a very talented band and this song is proof of that. 

Adele - Rolling in the Deep
John Legend Cover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejQ08ddAdQU
Yes, I know what you're thinking: Everyone and their brothers covered this song. You're right, everyone did. I'm pretty sure this has got to be the most covered song of all time. For some reason, a lot of people believed they could do outdo Adele and sing this song better, or just as well, than she had. John Legend actually achieved that. His soulful voice gives this song so much feeling. I always get goosebumps listening to it!

Lady Gaga - Alejandro 
All-Time Low Cover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf36LNFxUBk
I'm sure everyone has a Lady Gaga song they can't help but sing along to if it's on the radio. I personally am not a huge fan of her, but I can't deny that I sing along every single time I hear any of her songs. They're catchy! Alejandro is definitely one of the ones that gets stuck in my head the longest, and apparently All-Time Low agrees. They did an excellent cover of this song.

Frank Ocean - Thinking About You
Justin Bieber ft. Jaden Smith Cover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC_OUv0js6o
I've often heard people say that Justin Bieber sounds like a girl when he sings, but this song is quite the contrary. Frank Ocean is a master at what he does, and this song is no different, but Justin's newly deep voice and Jaden's surprising rapping abilities make this an enjoyable cover. 

R. Kelly - Remix to Ignition
Meg & Dia Cover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z42QJ1i3e4
This song has been a favorite of mine for a long time, but when I stumbled upon Meg & Dia's version, I just fell in love. It's hard not being obsessed with it. I love how their choice of instruments are a guitar, a piano, hands clapping together, and a basketball. A BASKETBALL. Excuse me while I'm impressed out of my socks. 

Katy Perry - Teenage Dream
Boyce Avenue Cover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAUMU3QQE6w
Boyce Avenue has covered tons and tons of songs and I have yet to find one I don't like. Though I love all their covers, this song in particular got to me. I really like Katy Perry's version, and I especially love Glee's cover of it, but Boyce Avenue added their own twist to it. They changed the words so that it sounds as if a guy is singing this to a girl. It sounds so personalized and okay, I'm charmed. 

Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe
fun. Cover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIiSHeIwkIQ
I love love love "Call Me Maybe". I'm a total pop junky and I am not ashamed of loving all those overrated songs the hipsters roll their eyes at. That being said, I bet even hipsters rejoiced when they heard fun.'s version of "Call Me Maybe". fun. recently hit mainstream with their song "We Are Young," and now we all get to listen to wonderful covers like this. Their indie sound is just so addicting!