Top 10 Cover Songs Of All Time 10. Ahmet & Dweezil Zappa - Baby One More Time The Zappa boys' version of this song made me realize that if you add a powerful, violent, driving, almost sexy guitar riff to any song, even "oh baby baby" songs, it could be something of a masterpiece. This cover also made me realize just how much Britney Spears blew as a musician. 9. Mary J. Blige - I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues Whoever thought that an R&B diva could do such a wonderful cover of a 70's Elton John song? Somehow, it just all works out. Her sultry voice adds so much to an already beautiful love song, and her jazzed-up vocal ad-libs also spice it up and add a modern feel. 8. David Bowie & Annie Lenox - Under Pressure Of course, Annie Lenox is no substitute for Freddy Mercury, but the cover of "Under Pressure" from the Freddy Mercury memorial concert made a fitting tribute to one of the greatest rock musicians ever. Indubitably, Freddy would have been proud. 7. Matchbox 20 - Time After Time Rob Thomas has such a heart-wrenching voice. Though his voice probably isn't as clear nor as purely melodically pleasing as Cyndi Lauper's, it's definitely sensual, and as you listen to the song, you can't decide whether you want to put your arm around him and comfort him, or go to bed with him. 6. 10,000 Maniacs - Because The Night The piano intro gives me chills when I listen to it. Enough said. 5. Masters of Chant - Scarborough Fair "Scarborough Fair" is just one of those songs that translate so well into Gregorian Chant. The breathy, almost whispered, yet totally masculine vocals turn a simply beautiful song (made of course, into an anti-war song by Simon and Garfunkel) into an eerie, haunting tour de force. 4. Oleta Adams - Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me Yes, this is the second Elton John cover by an African-American female artist I have on this list, but Adams is completely deserving of this spot. Her soulful voice exudes emotion, and her gospel rendition adds a very nice touch. 3. Ari Hest - Landslide I was floored when I heard his cover. "Beautiful" is the only way to describe it. Though it's usually blasphemy to say that the cover is better than the original, Hest's cover easily outdoes Stevie Nicks' version. 2. Disturbed - Shout Tears for Fears wrote this song about expressing your innermost anger and unleashing it on the world, and while it's a good song, it became an 80's pop anthem. Disturbed channels the anger of the lyrics that Tears for Fears wanted to convey, and perfects the expression thereof. 1. Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah Without a doubt, much superior to Leonard Cohen's original version. Indeed, it's not even right to compare the two; Buckley's cover can easily stand on its own. While the Rufus Wainwright cover (used in the Shrek soundtrack) isn't too shabby, Buckley flawlessly captures the heartbreak and subtle bitterness of the lyrics. This song always moves me to tears, and evokes emotions that softly, yet persistently, tug at the soul. If there were ever an all-purpose breakup song that encompassed the anger, grief, resentment, fear, and baggage that marks many a breakup, this would, unequivocably, be it. back to thoughts home