7 Recent Covers of Pop Hits That May Be Better Than the Originals
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Artists are always covering the songs of other musicians as a way to pay homage or put their own spins on classic jams or songs. Lately, there has been a spate of really good covers that put fresh twists on the songs. Sam Smith has done a couple and completely made them his own, while Meghan Trainor also surprised us by taking on another current pop hit. Ready to hear your new favorite versions of your favorite songs?
"Shake It Off" by Meghan Trainor
Trainor just entered the pop culture landscape with her hit "All About That Bass," but it was her cover of Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" that really made us realize her talent.
"How Will I Know" by Sam Smith
Sam Smith is becoming known not only for his painfully soulful voice but also for his masterful covers. A couple months ago he blew us away with his cover of Whitney Houston's "How Will I Know," remaking the usually upbeat pop song into a beautifully bittersweet ballad.
"Latch" by Daniela Andrade
Cover aficionado Sam Smith isn't immune to his songs being covered; up-and-coming singer Daniela Andrade put her soft touch on "Latch" and comes away with a gorgeous result.
"XO" by John Mayer
It doesn't seem like folky Mayer would be the right person to cover Beyoncé's ballad, but his moody, acoustic-guitar accompanied version is actually lovely and totally fresh.
"Chandelier" by Sara Bareilles
The singer-songwriter paid homage to Sia's Summer hit "Chandelier," slowing it down in a solo performance.
"Billie Jean" by The Civil Wars
You've never heard Michael Jackson like this before. The folk duo puts their spin on the pop hit, and it's so spare and haunting, you'll forget it was once MJ's.