The art of the cover song is a special kind of creative alchemy. It takes the familiar and reimagines it in a way that makes us hear it with fresh ears—and sometimes, the cover becomes so iconic that it overshadows the original. For music enthusiasts, these interpretations represent a fascinating marriage of originality and homage. Here are 12 covers that elevated the originals to legendary status.

1. "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley

Original by Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen’s version of “Hallelujah” is poetic but understated, and it went largely unnoticed when it was first released in 1984. Enter Jeff Buckley in 1994, whose hauntingly beautiful rendition introduced the song to a new generation. Stripped down to just Buckley’s voice and electric guitar, his emotional performance imbues the song with almost spiritual intensity. Buckley’s version is now considered the definitive take, earning its place in film and TV soundtracks for its poignant resonance.

2. "All Along the Watchtower" by Jimi Hendrix

Original by Bob Dylan

Jimi Hendrix's explosive interpretation of Bob Dylan’s storytelling ballad transformed it into a psychedelic masterpiece. With searing guitar riffs and raw energy, Hendrix gave the 1967 track a sense of urgency and power that Dylan himself later admitted he couldn’t match. Hendrix’s version has become so synonymous with the track that many forget it wasn’t his originally.

3. "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston

Original by Dolly Parton

When Whitney Houston recorded “I Will Always Love You” for The Bodyguard soundtrack in 1992, she turned Dolly Parton’s tender country ballad into a powerhouse pop anthem. With soaring vocals and unmatched emotion, Houston’s version became a pop culture phenomenon, earning Grammys and cementing its spot as one of the best-selling singles of all time.

4. "Respect" by Aretha Franklin

Original by Otis Redding

Otis Redding wrote “Respect” as a plea for validation, but Aretha Franklin turned it into a feminist and civil rights anthem. Her spirited vocal delivery and addition of the iconic “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” spelling transformed the song into a universal declaration of empowerment. Franklin’s version topped charts and redefined the song’s meaning—not to mention her own musical legacy.

5. "The Man Who Sold the World" by Nirvana

Original by David Bowie

David Bowie’s 1970 version of “The Man Who Sold the World” is enigmatic and otherworldly, but Nirvana stripped it down for their 1993 MTV Unplugged performance, giving the song a raw, grunge-infused vulnerability. Kurt Cobain’s haunting voice gave this track a whole new weight, introducing it to a wider audience who may not have been familiar with Bowie’s version.

6. "Hurt" by Johnny Cash

Original by Nine Inch Nails

Few cover songs carry the emotional heft of Johnny Cash’s rendition of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt.” Recorded near the end of Cash’s life in 2002, his interpretation feels like a heart-wrenching goodbye, with every lyric of regret and pain landing like a gut punch. Even Trent Reznor, the song’s writer, admitted that Cash’s version now feels like its true form.

7. "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Sinéad O'Connor

Original by The Family (written by Prince)

While Prince wrote and originally recorded “Nothing Compares 2 U” with his side project The Family, Sinéad O’Connor’s version took the song to unparalleled emotional heights. The 1990 cover, paired with a stark, tearful music video, turned it into a global hit. O’Connor’s raw delivery makes each lyric of heartbreak feel personal, immortalizing the track.

8. "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles

Original by The Isley Brothers

The Isley Brothers recorded the original version of “Twist and Shout,” but The Beatles injected it with an infectious energy that became a hallmark of their early career. John Lennon’s raspy vocals (reportedly recorded in one take) make the 1963 cover feel urgent and celebratory, earning its place as one of the band’s most beloved songs.

9. "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell

Original by Gloria Jones

Gloria Jones’ 1965 recording of “Tainted Love” is a lively Northern Soul track that didn’t receive much attention until Soft Cell reimagined it in 1981. Their synth-heavy, brooding cover captures the song’s themes of toxic love in a way that resonated with the new wave era. Soft Cell’s version became an international hit and defined their career.

10. "With a Little Help from My Friends" by Joe Cocker

Original by The Beatles

The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band version of “With a Little Help from My Friends” is classic pop charm, but Joe Cocker’s soulful, blues-infused cover turned it into something entirely new. His raspy vocals and impassioned delivery made the 1968 track a standout, famously performed at Woodstock that same year.

11. "Valerie" by Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse

Original by The Zutons

The Zutons’ 2006 version of “Valerie” is a fun indie rock tune, but when Mark Ronson teamed up with Amy Winehouse to cover it in 2007, it became a neo-soul anthem. Winehouse’s smoky vocals and Ronson’s polished production fully reimagined the song, making it a lively hit that became more celebrated than the original.

12. "Me and Bobby McGee" by Janis Joplin

Original by Roger Miller (popularized by Kris Kristofferson)

While Kris Kristofferson’s version of “Me and Bobby McGee” has its charm, Janis Joplin’s 1971 rendition is electrifying. Her raw, bluesy vocal performance captures the song's joy and heartbreak, bringing it to life in a way few artists could. It became her signature track, released posthumously just days after her untimely passing.

What makes a great cover? It’s not just about technical skill but about reinterpreting a song in a way that feels personal and revelatory. These 12 covers didn’t merely replicate the originals—they reinvented them, introducing new layers of emotion, artistry, and meaning. They remind us of music's incredible adaptability and its timeless ability to connect across generations.