Best Cover Versions of Your Favorite Songs

Imitation is the finest form of flattery. Many musical artists find the best way to pay tribute to their favorite artists is to cover their song and offer their own twist to the original. Some covers fall flat of the original, but some are truly tributes to the original artist and live on multiple times.

Hurt by Nine Inch Nails, covered by Johnny Cash- A haunting end to Trent Reznor's concept album The Downward Spiral, Hurt was covered in 2002 as his final hit before his death. A seemingly odd pairing, both Cash and Reznor are independent thinkers who act on passion and instinct rather than public opinion. An ode to love loss, Cash's lifelong love, June Carter Cash died shortly after the songs success, while Cash himself died shortly after her. This final addition to the Cash legacy is heralded by Trent Reznor saying that Hurt is no longer his song. Paired with an amazing video showing Cash in his last throws of life, Hurt is a song cover that is as good as its original. "Everyone I know, goes away, in the end."

This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody by Talking Heads, covered by the Arcade Fire- Originally released in 1983, Talking Heads created a New Wave Indie excitement, the Arcade Fire were the best choice to cover as Indie darlings over 20 years later. Their live version includes vocals from David Byrne himself, a true validation of their cover. The slower, sadder, string laced and rock tumbler vocals give this version a life its own. "Sing into my mouth."

Monkey Gone to Heaven by the Pixies, covered by PJ Harvey- Referencing environmental concerns and a connection to the divine and sacred, Monkey was a fun Pixies classic. Covered by the alternative queen PJ Harvey of Pixies proportions, Monkey was given new life in the voice of a woman. Matching Pixies screams in the middle, Harvey goes louder and shriller, to our delight. "Got killed by 10 million tons of sludge from New York and New Jersey."

Free Fallin by Tom Petty, covered by Stevie Nicks- A wholehearted American classic, Free Fallin embraces simplicity in riffs and sounds, a rock and country twinched mix of love story a la Americana. Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty collaborated numerous times, and although Nicks' version is all her own, you can tell she connects with Petty on a deep and intimate level. We've all been to Reseda, the valley, Ventura Boulevard and Mulholland with Petty and Nicks, even if we havn't. "He's a bad boy, for breaking her heart."

Across the Universe by The Beatles, covered by Rufus Wainwright- Who hasn't covered this song? The one that stands tallest of all has to be Rufus Wainwright's covered as part of the all Beatles covers soundtrack to heart grabbing film I Am Sam. Wainwright's voice is breathtaking in this cover. This song becomes his own, taking it and adding a Rufus stylized folkness. "Nothing's gonna change my world."

Wonderwall by Oasis, covered by Cat Power- A song covered by such artists as Richard Cheese, Beastie Boys, Radiohead as a joke and even swinging jazz Paul Anka, Wonderwall gave Oasis its only top ten US hit and remains a 1990's staple of the times, while Cat Power gave the song a whole new vibe and excitement in mellow glory. A slower reinvention of the song was what Wonderwall needed to be a true tribute of a cover. Cat Power is critically acclaimed and can stand up with talent to the sometimes egocentric Gallagher brothers. "Said maybe, you're gonna be the one to save me."

Nothing Compares 2 U by Prince, covered by Sinead O'Connor- Made famous by O'Connor's melancholy cover, Nothing Compares 2 U struck personal emotions with references to a mother, of which Sinead admits to having personal demons. This is one of the most known covers, yet one that few realize was originally penned and performed by Prince. Rolling Stone placed the Sinead version at 162 of its 500 greatest songs. The tear jerking video accompaniment provided a visual match to the song's intensity. "All the flowers that you planted Mama, in the backyard, died when you went away."

Because the Night by Patti Smith, covered by 10,000 Maniacs- Perhaps one of the best known covers, Because the Night was written by Patti Smith and Bruce Springsteen, and originally performed by Smith, though also performed in a show stopping live version by Springsteen. 10,000 Maniacs, helmed by Natalie Merchant's one-of-a-kind vocals, performed Because the Night as part of their MTV Unplugged special. Their version actually eclipsed that of Smith's and gained remarkable radio and television play. The strings and vocals deserve much of the credit for the success. Though any and all versions of Because the Night are special due to the brilliance and timelessness of the song itself, thanks to Smith and Springsteen. "Take me now baby here as I am. Hold me close and try to understand...Love is a banquet, on which we feed."

Jamie by Weezer, covered by Dashboard Confessional- A little known song by both artists, Jamie is a sweet little love song that deserves special recognition. Dashboard's Chris Carrabba obviously holds Weezer as one of his influences, covering another song of Weezer's with his former band Further Seems Forever and touring with the nerdy alternative heros. Jamie stands proud as anthem of want. Perfect guitars and Carrabba's soothingly kind voice force us to wonder who this Jamie was, and who Carrabba would place in Jamie's place as his own song? "You've got the Beach Boys, Your friend's got the Stones."

Landslide by Fleetwood Mac, covered by Smashing Pumpkins- Penned by Stevie Nicks and originally released in 1975, Landslide is a landmark song reaching chart success with Fleetwood Mac in 1975, the Dixie Chicks, Sheryl Crow, Fleetwood Mac in 1997 and the Smashing Pumpkins as well as a staple among Stevie Nicks' solo tours. Ambiguous in nature, Landslide allows multiple interpretations, Stevie Nicks admits this song has to do with her relationship with bandmate Lindsey Buckingham. The Smashing Pumpkins cover holds true to the acoustic nature of the song, and Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan's voice mixes well with the melodies. This version, as well as the original are must hears. "Children get older, and I'm getting older too."

No doubt artists will continue creating renditions of their favorite songs. You make your own cover song every time you sing alone in the car or shower. These songs, both originals and their best cover versions are songs to be appreciated. Maybe sometimes newer is better, or at least as good.