Cover Songs That Don’t Make Me Want To Die in a Fire

Absolutely inspired by thoughtcatalog‘s 7 Seriously Dope, Outside The Box Covers To Jumpstart Your Weekend, this is a list of covers to make you wish you never heard the original. Seriously, where have you been all my life? Why someone else got famous with these songs is beyond me, and totally blows my mind because, hey fuckers, these are way better.

Boyfriend (Justin Bieber) by Issues

I’m not sure if I enjoy this purely because it’s hysterical or if there’s actually something that works… Either way, fuck you biebs.

Down with the Sickness (Disturbed) by Richard Cheese

There’s is seriously nothing I don’t love about this sweet jazzy bit. Like “get ready to die” just sounds so good being sung out as smooth jazz. Thank my lifelong obsession with horror/zombie films for this one, because Dawn of the Dead was made perfect by this little gem.

I Will Survive (Gloria Gaynor) by Cake

I have loved this for many many years, and I’m not stopping any time soon.

Hurt (Nine Inch Nails) by Johnny Cash

Chances are a lot of you didn’t know this was a cover and that’s because it’s freaking brilliant. It’s epic. Dunno why, but it’s chilling. There’s a devastating and quiet sorrow and I just can’t even.

The Pursuit of Happiness (Kid Cudi) by Lissie

Okay this is a bit of an exaggeration because I will never stop loving the original, but she killed it.

We Can’t Stop (Miley Cyrus) by Bastille

Obsessed.

Such Great Heights (The Postal Service) by Iron & Wine

Slow and kind of heartbreaking but a lot prettier than the original, though I still give it up for the postal service. I love when you can appreciate both versions of a cover. (I lied when I said the covers all make you wonder how anyone else did them in the first place, oops)

Valerie (The Zutons) by Amy Winehouse

And in turn, Naya Rivera’s cover too. Because who the heck are the Zutons anyway…

Mad World (Tears for Fears) by Gary Jules

Perfectly creepy.

Got Yo Money (Ol’ Dirty Bastard) by Say Anything

I’m sensing a theme with myself and the hysterical covers of songs that make you realize how ridiculous the originals were in the first place.

Boyz in the Hood (Eazy-E) by Dynamite Hack

Another comical cover of a rap song that works so much better.

I Can’t Make You Love Me (Bonnie Raitt) by Bon Iver

Hi, okay, most heartbreaking song like ever in the world and universe.

Happy Together (The Turtles) by Filter

From Baz Luhrman’s Great Gatsby… Gives me chills.

Holy Diver (Dio) by Killswitch Engage

Just here for general badassery.

Mirrors (Justin Timberlake) by Ellie Goulding

I just love her, okay?

Skinny Love (Bon Iver) by Birdy
By Emily’s request.

I have a general rule that says don’t you dare fucking touch a Bon iver song because you can’t improve on perfection, but I will allow this. I just pretend it’s a new song so my heart doesn’t break.

You know what, just do yourself a favor and go check out BBC’s Live lounge, because at this point I’m just about to write every song that’s ever been covered on there.

Radio 1’s YouTube channel is here. You can find the Live Lounge playlist from there.