7 Classic Rock Covers Better Than the Originals

Music has a unique way of creating something new from the old, and sometimes a cover version of a song can even outshine the original. Here are seven classic rock covers that managed to surpass their predecessors, offering a fresh perspective and sound that resonated more deeply with audiences.

1. ‘All Along the Watchtower’ by The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Originally penned and performed by Bob Dylan, “All Along the Watchtower” is a solid folk-rock track with a bluesy twist. Featured on Dylan’s 1967 album ‘John Wesley Harding,’ the song was a perfect illustration of his lyrical prowess. Yet, when Jimi Hendrix got his hands on the song, he transformed it into something entirely his own. With a burst of electric charm and whirlwind guitar solos, Hendrix delivered a stronger, more intense, and ultimately definitive rendition that still stands as one of his greatest recordings.

2. ‘Black Magic Woman’ by Santana

Fleetwood Mac originally captured their audience with “Black Magic Woman” in 1968, creating a mystical blend of blues and rock. The song was vibrant with smoky vocals and prominent guitar riffs by Peter Green. However, when Santana released their version just a couple of years later, they infused it with an authentic Latin feel that was irresistibly dynamic. Carlos Santana’s fiery guitar solo, combined with Gregg Rolie’s passionate vocals, elevated the tune from simmering to an outright sizzle, making it a centerpiece in Santana’s celebrated career.

3. ‘Blinded by the Light’ by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band

Bruce Springsteen’s debut album, ‘Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J.,’ in 1973, introduced “Blinded by the Light” as a modest and raw exposure of his potential. It was Springsteen’s unvarnished vocal delivery and minimalistic instrumentation that first brought this song to life. Yet, it was Manfred Mann’s Earth Band who, in 1976, breathed epic grandeur into the song with their grandiose rock arrangement, boosting it to the top of the charts – an accolade that eluded Springsteen as a solo artist.

4. ‘Me and Bobby McGee’ by Janis Joplin

Kris Kristofferson is a revered songwriter whose tunes were often popularized by other singers, thanks mainly to his modest vocal talent. “Me and Bobby McGee” is one such song that found immortality through someone else’s voice – the incomparable Janis Joplin. Joplin’s raw, emotionally charged rendition, which appeared on her ‘Pearl’ album released posthumously, raced up to the number one spot, turning Kristofferson’s narrative into a legendary anthem of freedom and heartache.

5. ‘Mr. Tambourine Man’ by The Byrds

There’s no doubt that Bob Dylan’s version of “Mr. Tambourine Man” is a powerful, poetic ramble. His original acoustic version meanders beautifully for over five minutes. In contrast, The Byrds took the song, electrified it, and trimmed it down to a concise, catchy single. The Byrds’ harmonized, jangly rendition gave rise to the folk-rock genre and shot straight to number one, securing its place in music history as the definitive version of the song.

6. ‘Woodstock’ by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Joni Mitchell, inspired by stories of the legendary 1969 festival, wrote “Woodstock” as a reflective piece on the generation’s longing for peace and unity. Though she didn’t attend, her then-boyfriend Graham Nash’s experiences fueled her writing. Mitchell’s recording is poignant and contemplative. However, the interpretation by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young injected a sense of celebration into the song with an electric arrangement that calls to mind the festival’s spirited atmosphere. Their cover is both joyous and robust, a fitting tribute to an iconic event.

7. ‘The Man Who Sold the World’ by Nirvana

David Bowie’s work on ‘The Man Who Sold the World’ showcases him at an emerging point in his career – a prelude to future stardom. His original version, steeped in early-70s experimentation, is certainly intriguing but lacks the haunting resonance that would come later. Nirvana’s acoustic interpretation, captured on their ‘MTV Unplugged in New York’ album, uncovers a new depth within the song. Their stripped-down performance presents a stark and intense version, demonstrating the timeless quality of Bowie’s composition.