“Imitation is the highest form of flattery.” – proverb. Many singers have covered other people’s songs over the years. A lot of artists cover other singer’s songs because they love the song so much or they admire the original singer that they would like to be like them.
However, there are covers that are so famous that many people think that that version is the original. A lot of fans may be shocked to find out that the cover they’ve been listening to for years is a cover, especially when that version is always the one that is played.
Some songs have been covered so many times, you don’t know where the song originated. Here Are the Top 5 Songs You May Not Have Known Were Covers.
“Year 3000” by the Jonas Brothers, originally by Busted
One of the Jonas Brothers’ most popular songs, “Year 3000” is actually a cover. The British band, Busted, originally recorded the song. Of course, the JoBros had to change some lyrics of the song to make it more ‘Disney-friendly.” So essentially, the song became their own, when the lyrics were changed. “Year 3000” was the Jonas Brothers’ first single to chart. They also covered “What I Go To School For” from Busted.
For Busted, “Year 3000” was the second single off their debut album. It reached number 2 on the UK and Irish singles charts. The song was written by James Bourne and was inspired by his obsession with “Back to the Future.”
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, originally by Dolly Parton
This one was very shocking to find out. Whitney Houston made this song so iconic when she recorded it for the movie, “The Bodyguard.” The song won many Grammy Awards. Her version spent 14 weeks at number one and is one of the best-selling singles of all time. It holds the record for being the best-selling single by a female in history.
However, Dolly Parton originally wrote and sang the song. Parton re-recorded it for the movie, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” therefore, the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country songs twice. She wrote the song as a farewell to her former partner and mentor for several years, Porter Wagoner, when she decided to pursue a solo career.
I Want Candy by Aaron Carter, originally by The Strangeloves and Bow Wow Wow
As a child, “I Want Candy” was always sung by Aaron Carter but actually originated from the group, The Strangeloves. He released it as his seventh overall single and his second single from his album, Aaron’s Party (Come Get It). The song became popular when he performed it on “Lizzie McGuire.” Carter remixed it once again on his 2018 album, LoVE.
Even before Aaron Carter got involved, the group BowWowWow covered the song. It was their first and only single from their EP, “The Last of the Mohicans.” The song barely scraped the top 50 but became a new wave classic.
The Strangeloves version reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Three writers/prdoucers had decided to write the song together and form the group, Strangeloves. “I Want Candy” became their most popular song.
“I Love Rock n Roll” by Joan Jett and the Heartbreakers, originally by The Arrows
Joan Jett and the Heartbreakers made “I Love Rock n Roll” one of the most popular rock songs of all time. It was released as the first single on their debut album. It was her highest-charting hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and the number 3 for 1982. Her version was certified platinum and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2016.
Originally recorded by the Arrows, the song was released in 1975 as a knee-jerk response to the Rolling Stones’ “It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll (But I Like It).”
Another popular version of the song was recorded by Britney Spears.
“Tainted Love” by Soft Cell, originally by Gloria Jones
Soft Cell made this song extremely popular. This was another case in which we thought this was the original version. They released it in 1982. It peaked at number 64 on the Billboard charts.
However, before SoftCell released their version of it, Gloria Jones originally recorded the tune. It was more upbeat and had more of a Motown beat. It failed to chart.
What other popular covers do you know of?