Some of the classic songs that we love are actually not as original as we think they are. Here’s a list of songs that have achieved wide acclaim and recognition, but had been previously recorded by a different artiste. The songs have not been ranked in any particular order.
Also Read: Here’s India’s Top 10 Songs Of 2020 According To Spotify Wrapped
- I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston
This song is so strongly tied to Houston’s career that hearing it immediately brings back images of her melting out this number in the film Bodyguard, in which she also starred. Surprisingly enough, it was originally performed by country heavyweight Dolly Parton. Although kudos goes to Parton for writing such a powerful song, it was Houston who made this song one of the most recognizable pop songs of all time.
- I Love Rock and Roll by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
This classic rock song by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts is groovy enough to get anyone’s head bobbing. But the rock group actually doesn’t deserve all the credit, as the song was originally done by 70s rock group The Arrows.
The original is a rocking track in its own right, but we still can’t get enough of the Blackhearts’ steel sound and Jett’s unhinged vocals.
- Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
This classic 80s pop jam is toe-tapping to the core. As if the happy-go-lucky style and sound weren’t enough to get you hooked, that uber-catchy melody will have you bobbing your head to the infectious beat. But if electric pop isn’t you thing, then you might prefer the little-known original version. Starkly different than Lauper’s more popular version, this punk tune was the inspiration for the melody and the chorus, but that grungy, in-your-face attitude had no place in Lauper’s style.
With both versions being excellently made, we think the credit should pretty much be split evenly.
- Dazed and Confused by Led Zeppelin
It is no secret that Led Zeppelin is known to not only be one of the best rock bands of all time, but also a game changer in the birth of hard rock. Therefore, the fact that one of their biggest hits is not an original one does take us by surprise.
Just a few years prior to the release of Led Zeppelin’s version, the original track was released by folk rock singer Jake Holmes. However, the song is most widely remembered for Robert Plant’s ear-blasting vocals and that addictive guitar riff laid down by Jimmy Page.
- If I Were a Boy by Beyonce
The ballad is a powerful number that draws attention to the cultural disparity between men and women. The show-stopping track is one of the most powerful hits from the I am Sasha Fierce album, which is why we didn’t see it coming that it’s a cover song of a song by BC Jean.
Jean wrote the ballad originally, but had it denied by a record label. Jean’s track has slightly more raw vocals and feels more personal, but when once listen’s to Beyoncé’s version, one simply can’t deny her talent.
