10 Songs You Didn’t Know Were Covers

One night, I was scrolling through the front page on Reddit, when I noticed a thread about songs people enjoyed that were actually covers of other songs. Being a music lover myself, this immediately sparked my interest. I opened the thread and begin scrolling, and boy, did I find some good ones. Here’s a top 10 list of songs you probably didn’t realize were covers!

1. “Don’t Cha” – The Pussycat Dolls (originally performed by Tori Alamaze)

This classic by The Pussycat Dolls is actually a cover. Turns out the original artist, Tori Alamaze, came out with this single, but it didn’t fly so The Pussycat Dolls picked it up. We’re all thanking them for doing it because this is a JAM!

2. “Everytime We Touch” – Cascada (originally performed by Maggie Reilly)

The original song has a completely different vibe than the dance/electronic bop we know now! It is much slower, but still a great song!

3. “I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston (originally performed by Dolly Parton)

Who knew this iconic song was originally sung by Dolly Parton? Maybe you did, maybe you didn’t, but my girl Whitney sure sings a killer cover. 

4. “Smoke 2 Joints” – Sublime (originally performed by The Toyes)

For all you reggae/ska lovers out there, I’m sure you’ve heard this Sublime song, but you probably didn’t know it was originally performed by reggae band The Toyes. In my opinion, both versions are equally as good!

5. “Respect” – Aretha Franklin (originally performed by Otis Redding)

This soul-pop song was originally performed by singer Otis Redding. While not as catchy as Aretha’s, it still deserves some R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

6. “Mad World” – Gary Jules (originally performed by Tears for Fears)

While this cover isn’t as spunky as the original, we all get the need for that sad, in your feelings song. Especially in this crazy world we live in!

7. “All Along the Watchtower” – Jimi Hendrix (originally performed by Bob Dylan)

Now I love me some classic Bob Dylan, as I’m sure many classic rock lovers do, but Jimi Hendrix’s cover of his song is nothing short of amazing. Move over harmonica, I’m here for some shredding guitar!

8. “I Love Rock n’ Roll” – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts (originally performed by The Arrows)

Put another dime in the jukebox baby! Originally performed by English band The Arrows, both versions have a similar feel to them.

9. “Red Red Wine” – UB40 (originally performed by Neil Diamond)

Originally sung by the same man who sings “Sweet Caroline,” this version takes on a nice reggae vibe and makes you want to sit back in the sun with a drink in hand. 

10. “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper (originally performed by Robert Hazard)

Last, but certainly not least, is “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” Ironically, it was first performed by a man: Robert Hazard. He sure knows what us ladies want!

I hope you enjoyed this list of songs you didn’t realize were covers, and now you have some fun facts to share with friends. 

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