1. “Yesterday” – The Beatles
There’s something heartbreakingly universal in “Yesterday,” a song that marries simplicity with an aching nostalgia. Paul McCartney’s delicate vocal and gentle guitar captured loss and regret in a way that instantly clicked with people worldwide. This song has been covered over 2,000 times, from soulful renditions to orchestral takes, and even reggae versions. Each cover brings a new perspective, but the original’s wistful beauty still makes it the gold standard.
2. “Hallelujah” – Leonard Cohen
Technically folk-rock, but “Hallelujah” makes this list for its haunting lyrics and evocative melody, creating a spiritual experience. The most famous cover is by Jeff Buckley, whose raw, emotionally charged rendition arguably made the song even more iconic. There’s also John Cale’s version, heard in Shrek, which helped popularize it further. Yet Cohen’s original, with its stripped-back voice and poetic lyrics, remains unmatched in its solemn beauty.
3. “All Along the Watchtower” – Bob Dylan
Dylan’s lyrics painted vivid, mysterious imagery, but it was Jimi Hendrix’s blistering cover that gave this song its lasting power in rock history. Hendrix’s version, full of raw energy and inventive guitar work, is widely considered to surpass the original. The song has since been covered by countless rock legends, from U2 to Pearl Jam, but no one’s managed to capture the sheer intensity Hendrix brought to it.
4. “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” – The Rolling Stones
With that gritty guitar riff and Mick Jagger’s brash vocals, the Stones brought out the rebellious spirit in all of us. This song is covered across genres because it’s more than just rock; it’s an anthem for wanting more out of life. Otis Redding’s soulful version is one of the most famous covers, bringing out the song’s frustration in a totally new way. But for all the renditions, the rawness of the Stones’ original remains unmatched.
5. “Imagine” – John Lennon
“Imagine” became more than a song—it’s a plea for peace and unity. John Lennon’s simple, unadorned piano and vocals give it an earnestness that resonates deeply. The song has been covered by everyone from Elton John to Lady Gaga, and each version tries to bring out its message. Yet Lennon’s voice, so closely tied to the ideals of the ‘60s and ‘70s, remains irreplaceable, making the original the definitive version.
6. “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” – Bob Dylan
Dylan strikes again with “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” which feels like a ballad of finality, both mournful and reflective. It was famously covered by Guns N’ Roses, who added a rock ‘n’ roll grit that made it resonate with a whole new generation. Others have taken it on, from Eric Clapton to Avril Lavigne, but none seem to bring out the raw simplicity Dylan originally intended.
7. “Twist and Shout” – The Isley Brothers / The Beatles
The Beatles didn’t write this one, but their cover turned it into one of the most iconic rock songs of all time. The raw enthusiasm in Lennon’s vocals in their version is infectious—it’s rock and roll joy at its purest. Everyone from Bruce Springsteen to Chaka Khan has covered this, but the Beatles’ cover, full of spontaneity and that “live” feel, has become the definitive version.
8. “House of the Rising Sun” – Traditional / The Animals
While “House of the Rising Sun” was originally an old folk tune, The Animals’ 1964 version transformed it into a rock classic. The dark, moody organ intro and Eric Burdon’s intense vocals make this version hauntingly unforgettable. While Dylan, Joan Baez, and Dolly Parton (among many others) have all given their own spins on this song, The Animals’ rendition is still the version that defines it.
9. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses
Who could forget that intro riff? Slash’s guitar and Axl’s vocals made “Sweet Child O’ Mine” an instant anthem. It’s a song about young love, passion, and the thrill of life. Artists as varied as Sheryl Crow and the band Taken by Trees have covered it, each bringing a different tone to the song. But the original captures that rock spirit and a little bit of wild edge that no one else has fully recaptured.
10. “Proud Mary” – Creedence Clearwater Revival
John Fogerty’s swampy, soulful “Proud Mary” captured something so Americana, it practically oozes Mississippi River vibes. But when Tina Turner took it and added her signature fire, it became an unforgettable rock-soul crossover. Turner’s powerful vocals and high-energy arrangement made her version iconic. Yet CCR’s original has that laid-back Southern groove that’s hard to beat.
11. “The Times They Are A-Changin'” – Bob Dylan
A protest anthem of the ‘60s, “The Times They Are A-Changin’” became one of Dylan’s most important songs, giving voice to an entire era. Artists like Simon & Garfunkel, Bruce Springsteen, and even Billy Joel have covered it, but Dylan’s poignant voice and his folk sound embody the song’s historical weight. Each cover captures a new era’s struggles, but none can quite capture the original’s raw power.
12. “With a Little Help from My Friends” – The Beatles / Joe Cocker
The Beatles’ original was a sweet, friendly tune with Ringo Starr on lead vocals. But Joe Cocker’s soulful, impassioned cover turned it into something much more intense. Cocker’s version at Woodstock was pure rock spirit, taking a simple tune and turning it into a blues-rock masterpiece. Both versions are iconic, but Cocker brought a depth that turned it into an anthem for camaraderie.
13. “You Really Got Me” – The Kinks
The Kinks’ original had a rawness and energy that helped shape early rock. When Van Halen covered it years later, they added their own fiery guitar solos, turning it into a hard rock classic. Each version represents its own era—the Kinks’ original had that pioneering, garage-rock feel, while Van Halen’s is all about flashy, high-octane fun.
14. “Black Magic Woman” – Fleetwood Mac / Santana
While Fleetwood Mac released it first, Santana’s version took “Black Magic Woman” into new territory with his smooth, Latin rock style. Santana’s cover brought a new level of moodiness and mystique that made it unforgettable. Both versions are classics in their own right, but Santana’s turned it into a cross-genre sensation that introduced the song to a much broader audience.
15. “Mr. Tambourine Man” – Bob Dylan / The Byrds
Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man” was poetic and dreamy, with that signature folk sound. But when The Byrds covered it, they transformed it into a jangly, feel-good anthem with that famous twelve-string guitar sound. While Dylan’s original captured the introspection of the ‘60s, The Byrds’ version brought it into the mainstream, giving it a timeless, universal feel.
These songs continue to inspire covers, speaking to the universality and timelessness of their melodies, lyrics, and emotions. The originals have a charm that’s hard to match, but every cover brings out something new, reminding us of why we loved these songs in the first place.
