17 Worst Cover Songs: Top Fails

Hey there, music lovers and fellow DJs! It’s TBone here from Level Tunes, and today I’m diving into something a little different but equally fascinating – the 17 worst cover songs ever recorded. Now, you might wonder, why focus on the worst?

Well, as a DJ and a music fanatic, I’ve always believed that understanding what doesn’t work in music is just as important as celebrating what does.

These cover songs are unique examples of how an attempt to reinterpret a classic can go humorously off the rails. My aim here is to explore these missteps in a light-hearted way, reminding us that music, at its core, is an art of experimentation. So, buckle up for a journey through some cringe-worthy, yet oddly entertaining musical moments!

Here are the worst cover songs that you can check out:

List Of Worst Cover Songs

Worst cover songs in a list format:

1. “American Pie” by Madonna

Artist: Madonna
Album: Music
Year: 2000
Label: Maverick, Warner Bros.
Madonna’s cover of Don McLean’s iconic “American Pie” stirred quite the controversy upon its release. Featured on her 2000 album “Music,” under Maverick and Warner Bros., this rendition stripped away the original’s folksy charm, replacing it with electronic beats and a pop flair. While Madonna is undoubtedly a pop legend, her take on this classic song felt like a misfit, losing the nuanced storytelling that made the original so beloved. The cover received mixed reviews, with some critics pointing out that its high-energy pop style clashed with the song’s reflective lyrics. It serves as a classic example of how transforming a genre can either make or break a song.

2. “Behind Blue Eyes” by Limp Bizkit

Artist: Limp Bizkit
Album: Results May Vary
Year: 2003
Label: Flip, Interscope
Limp Bizkit’s rendition of The Who’s “Behind Blue Eyes,” featured on their 2003 album “Results May Vary” under Flip and Interscope Records, was met with raised eyebrows. Fred Durst’s vocal delivery and the added electronic elements gave the song a distinctly nu-metal feel, which was a stark departure from the original’s introspective and emotive rock tone. While the band was known for their innovative fusion of genres, this particular cover was criticized for lacking the emotional depth and complexity of The Who’s version. The addition of a spoken word interlude further divided listeners, making it a memorable but controversial reinterpretation.

3. “Hallelujah” by Justin Timberlake

Artist: Justin Timberlake
Album: N/A (Live Performance)
Year: 2010
Label: N/A
Justin Timberlake’s live cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” in 2010 was a bold move. While Timberlake is undoubtedly a talented performer, his version of this deeply spiritual and haunting song felt somewhat out of his comfort zone. The original’s raw emotional power and Cohen’s distinctive voice were hard to match, and Timberlake’s pop-star polish seemed to gloss over the song’s profound melancholy. Though well-intentioned and performed with sincerity, this rendition didn’t quite capture the essence of Cohen’s masterpiece, serving as a reminder that some songs are best left in their original form.

4. “Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Sheryl Crow

Artist: Sheryl Crow
Album: The Globe Sessions
Year: 1999
Label: A&M
Sheryl Crow’s cover of Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child o’ Mine” appeared on her 1999 album “The Globe Sessions,” released under A&M Records. While Crow is an acclaimed artist in her own right, her interpretation of this hard rock anthem was met with mixed feelings. Her version transformed the song into a softer, more acoustic-driven track, which some felt lacked the raw energy and guitar prowess of the original. The decision to downplay the iconic guitar riff in favor of a more laid-back arrangement left many fans of the original feeling that something vital was lost in translation.

5. “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by William Shatner

Artist: William Shatner
Album: The Transformed Man
Year: 1968
Label: Decca
William Shatner’s cover of The Beatles’ “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” featured on his 1968 album “The Transformed Man” under Decca Records, is often cited as one of the most peculiar covers ever recorded. Shatner’s dramatic spoken-word performance, devoid of conventional singing, turned the psychedelic masterpiece into an almost unrecognizable theatrical piece. His unique interpretation, though bold and inventive, was a far cry from the whimsical and imaginative spirit of the original. This cover has since become a cult classic for its sheer oddity and is a testament to how drastically a song can be transformed through an unconventional approach.

6. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston

Artist: Whitney Houston
Album: The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album
Year: 1992
Label: Arista
Whitney Houston’s rendition of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You,” featured in the 1992 film “The Bodyguard” and its soundtrack under Arista Records, is an example of a cover done exceptionally well. Houston transformed this country ballad into a soul-stirring pop power ballad. Her vocal range and emotional depth brought a new dimension to the song, earning it widespread acclaim and a spot in the annals of great cover songs. Unlike many covers that fail to do justice to the original, Houston’s version is celebrated for its unique interpretation and has become as iconic as Parton’s original.

7. “Oops!… I Did It Again” by Richard Thompson

Artist: Richard Thompson
Album: 1000 Years of Popular Music
Year: 2003
Label: Cooking Vinyl
Richard Thompson’s cover of Britney Spears’ “Oops!… I Did It Again” on his 2003 album “1000 Years of Popular Music” released by Cooking Vinyl, took the pop anthem into a completely different realm. Thompson transformed the song into a folk-rock number, stripping away the original’s glossy pop production. While his version was praised for its clever musicianship and witty reinterpretation, it stood in stark contrast to the upbeat and catchy nature of Spears’ hit. This cover showcased Thompson’s skill as an artist but also highlighted how changing a song’s genre can result in a vastly different musical experience.

8. “Imagine” by A Perfect Circle

Artist: A Perfect Circle
Album: eMOTIVe
Year: 2004
Label: Virgin
A Perfect Circle’s cover of John Lennon’s “Imagine” on their 2004 album “eMOTIVe,” under Virgin Records, took a darker, more somber approach to the classic song. This rendition was heavier and more ominous, a stark contrast to Lennon’s hopeful and serene original. While some appreciated the band’s attempt to bring a different perspective to the song, others felt that the gloomy tone was at odds with the message of peace and unity that Lennon’s version so beautifully conveyed. It’s a prime example of how a cover can divide opinions, depending on how drastically it deviates from the spirit of the original.

9. “You Shook Me All Night Long” by Celine Dion

Artist: Celine Dion
Album: N/A (Live Performance)
Year: 2002
Label: N/A
Celine Dion’s live performance of AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long” in 2002 was a surprising choice for the powerhouse vocalist known for her ballads. Her rendition of this hard rock classic was an unexpected departure from her usual style. While Dion’s vocal abilities are unquestionable, her version lacked the gritty, raw energy that is so central to AC/DC’s appeal. The performance, though technically proficient, seemed to miss the mark in capturing the essence of the original, illustrating how certain songs are deeply tied to the specific style and energy of the artists who created them.

10. “Stairway to Heaven” by Dolly Parton

Artist: Dolly Parton
Album: Halos & Horns
Year: 2002
Label: Sugar Hill, Blue Eye
Dolly Parton’s cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” on her 2002 album “Halos & Horns,” released under Sugar Hill and Blue Eye Records, brought a country twist to this rock epic. While Parton is a legendary figure in country music, her rendition of this rock anthem was met with mixed reactions. Her version replaced the original’s mystic rock vibe with a more bluegrass and country feel, complete with banjos and fiddles. While innovative and a testament to Parton’s versatility, some felt that it lacked the epic and otherworldly quality that made Led Zeppelin’s version so iconic. This cover serves as a fascinating example of how genre-crossing can produce unexpected and divisive results.

11. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Miley Cyrus

Artist: Miley Cyrus
Album: N/A (Live Performance)
Year: 2011
Label: N/A
Miley Cyrus’s live cover of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” in 2011 was a bold attempt to tackle one of grunge’s most iconic tracks. While Cyrus is known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, her pop-infused rendition of this Nirvana classic was met with mixed reviews. Fans of the original appreciated the tribute but felt that the raw, angsty spirit of the grunge era was somewhat lost in Cyrus’s more polished and mainstream style. This performance exemplified the challenges artists face when covering songs deeply rooted in a specific cultural and musical movement.

12. “Born to Run” by Frankie Goes to Hollywood

Artist: Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Album: Welcome to the Pleasuredome
Year: 1984
Label: ZTT, Island
Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s version of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run,” included in their 1984 album “Welcome to the Pleasuredome,” released under ZTT and Island Records, turned this quintessential American rock anthem into a synth-pop track. The band’s distinct style and heavy use of synthesizers created a stark contrast with Springsteen’s original, known for its raw energy and powerful storytelling. While Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s cover was an interesting reinterpretation, many felt it lacked the emotional depth and driving force that made Springsteen’s version a classic.

13. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Starfucker

Artist: Starfucker
Album: Jupiter
Year: 2009
Label: Badman Recording Co.
Starfucker’s rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” featured on their 2009 album “Jupiter” under Badman Recording Co., transformed the 80s pop anthem into an indie-electronic track. The band’s use of synthesizers and a laid-back tempo gave the song a chilled, almost dreamy vibe, which was a significant departure from Lauper’s upbeat, energetic original. While some praised the band’s creativity and fresh take, others missed the vibrant, empowering spirit that made the original a pop culture staple.

14. “Mrs. Robinson” by The Lemonheads

Artist: The Lemonheads
Album: It’s a Shame About Ray
Year: 1992
Label: Atlantic
The Lemonheads’ cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson,” included in their 1992 album “It’s a Shame About Ray,” released under Atlantic Records, infused the folk-rock classic with a grunge-pop twist. While the band maintained the catchy melody, they added a rougher edge typical of early 90s alternative rock. Some fans appreciated this modern update, but others felt that the gentle, nuanced storytelling of the original was overshadowed by the more aggressive sound of The Lemonheads. This cover highlights how genre influences can significantly alter the tone and feel of a song.

15. “Comfortably Numb” by Scissor Sisters

Artist: Scissor Sisters
Album: Scissor Sisters
Year: 2004
Label: Polydor
The Scissor Sisters’ version of Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb,” from their 2004 self-titled album under Polydor, is a prime example of a cover that completely reimagines the original. Their disco-infused, upbeat take on this classic rock song was a sharp turn from the original’s haunting, melancholic vibe. While the Scissor Sisters’ version was praised for its creativity and boldness, many Pink Floyd fans felt that it strayed too far from the introspective and immersive quality that defined the original. This cover is often cited as an example of how drastically changing a song’s genre and mood can be polarizing.

16. “The Sound of Silence” by Disturbed

Artist: Disturbed
Album: Immortalized
Year: 2015
Label: Reprise
Disturbed’s cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” on their 2015 album “Immortalized,” released under Reprise Records, brought a heavy metal edge to the folk classic. While the band was praised for their powerful and emotive rendition, some purists felt that the dramatic, orchestral arrangement and David Draiman’s intense vocal delivery overshadowed the original’s subtle and poignant simplicity. This cover divided audiences, with some applauding its boldness and others lamenting the loss of the original’s quiet introspection.

17. “Blue Monday” by Orgy

Artist: Orgy
Album: Candyass
Year: 1998
Label: Elementree, Reprise
Orgy’s rendition of New Order’s “Blue Monday,” featured on their 1998 album “Candyass” under Elementree and Reprise Records, transformed the synth-pop classic into a nu-metal track. The band’s use of heavy guitar riffs and an aggressive rhythm section gave the song a completely different energy from the original’s iconic danceable beat. While some listeners enjoyed this heavier, darker take, others felt that it lacked the nuanced electronic sophistication that made New Order’s version a groundbreaking hit in the 80s. This cover serves as an example of how genre fusion can produce unexpected and controversial results.

Fun Facts: Worst Cover Songs

“American Pie” by Madonna

Fun Fact: Madonna’s cover of “American Pie” was actually a suggestion by her then record producer, William Orbit. He thought it would be interesting to reinterpret this classic through Madonna’s unique pop lens. The music video for the song featured a variety of scenes depicting American life, emphasizing a sense of unity and diversity.

“Behind Blue Eyes” by Limp Bizkit

Fun Fact: The original song by The Who was about a character from their rock opera “Lifehouse,” which was never completed. Limp Bizkit’s version includes a unique addition – a spoken interlude containing a hidden message. When played backward, it reveals a recipe for making chocolate chip cookies!

“Hallelujah” by Justin Timberlake

Fun Fact: Justin Timberlake’s live performance of “Hallelujah” alongside Matt Morris on the “Hope for Haiti Now” telethon became a viral sensation. This rendition, while divisive among fans of the original, helped raise significant funds for the Haiti earthquake relief efforts in 2010.

“Sweet Child o’ Mine” by Sheryl Crow

Fun Fact: Sheryl Crow’s version of “Sweet Child o’ Mine” was actually part of the soundtrack for the film “Big Daddy,” starring Adam Sandler. Her cover even won a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, showcasing her ability to transform a hard rock song into a softer, more acoustic sound.

“Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by William Shatner

Fun Fact: William Shatner’s spoken-word approach to “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” is often humorously cited as one of the most “unintentionally psychedelic” versions of any Beatles song. Shatner himself later admitted that he had never actually heard the original song before recording his cover.

“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston

Fun Fact: Whitney Houston’s cover of “I Will Always Love You” was almost not recorded. Kevin Costner, who starred with Houston in “The Bodyguard,” suggested the song to her. It went on to become one of the best-selling singles of all time and Houston’s signature song.

“Oops!… I Did It Again” by Richard Thompson

Fun Fact: Richard Thompson’s cover of Britney Spears’ “Oops!… I Did It Again” is part of his project “1000 Years of Popular Music,” where he explores the evolution of music over centuries. His eclectic choices, ranging from medieval music to modern pop, highlight the timelessness and adaptability of music across genres.

“Imagine” by A Perfect Circle

Fun Fact: A Perfect Circle’s darker version of “Imagine” was a deliberate choice to reflect the post-9/11 world climate. The band wanted to present a more realistic and somber interpretation of the song, contrasting with John Lennon’s idealistic vision.

“You Shook Me All Night Long” by Celine Dion

Fun Fact: Celine Dion’s live rendition of “You Shook Me All Night Long” was a duet with Anastacia during the VH1 Divas Las Vegas concert. This performance showcased Dion’s versatility as an artist, stepping out of her usual genre to take on a classic rock anthem.

“Stairway to Heaven” by Dolly Parton

Fun Fact: Dolly Parton’s decision to cover “Stairway to Heaven” was a bold move, given the song’s iconic status in rock history. Parton not only added bluegrass elements but also received permission from Led Zeppelin to slightly alter the lyrics, adding a gospel-like choir towards the end of her version.

Hope this list of worst cover songs will help you make a better decision in the future when you’ll choose the tracks for your playlist.

Thanks for reading.

TBone