Mike's Top 5 Cover Songs That Might Just Outshine the Originals

Welcome back to "Mike's Favorite Things," where today we're strumming through a playlist that's sure to spark debate. Music is a personal journey, and cover songs often walk a fine line between flop and phenomenal. So here I am, armed with nothing but my passion for tunes, diving into my top 5 cover songs. Some may say my tastes are eclectic, and they're not wrong! From Sinatra's classics to the rock vibes of Gary Clark Jr., here's a tour through cover tracks that have not only done justice to the originals but sometimes, just sometimes, might have edged them out.

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1. "My Way" by Frank Sinatra / "A Mi Manera" by Gipsy Kings
​Starting strong with "My Way," a song that's practically an anthem for doing life on your terms. Frank Sinatra’s 1969 rendition is iconic, embodying the spirit of self-assured swagger. Then enter the Gipsy Kings with "A Mi Manera," adding a flamenco flair that transforms this classic. The passion in their interpretation is palpable—even if, like me, you don't speak Spanish, you feel every word.  First heard this song in 2023, and said to myself..."I know this song, but why"  Took me a bit to figure it out.

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2. "American Girl" by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers / Dierks Bentley
​Tom Petty's "American Girl" is a rock staple, a song that's as American as apple pie. It's my favorite Petty track, thanks to its unforgettable riff and its appearance in 'Silence of the Lambs.' Fast forward to 2024, and here comes Dierks Bentley with his country rendition. It’s fresh, it’s heartfelt, and it resonates with Petty’s southern roots, giving it a new lease on life in bars across Nashville.  I look forward to hearing all the covers on the Petty Country album coming out in a couple of months...An while my frined Carol R isn't going to be happy about the inclusion on this list, i think it is worthy.

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3. "Come Together" by The Beatles / Gary Clark Jr.
​The Beatles might just be the Mount Olympus of music, and "Come Together" is a testament to their enduring genius. Yet, Gary Clark Jr. took this classic and infused it with a gritty blues twist that it feels tailor-made for. His version is a robust reimagination that pays homage yet stands boldly as its own. It’s bluesy, it’s brazen, and it’s utterly brilliant.  I have since downloaded some other Gary Clark Jr songs, and this guy is really great.

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4. "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson / Alien Ant Farm
​Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" is sleek, it's catchy, and it's Michael at his best. Then came Alien Ant Farm, turning this pop masterpiece into a rock sensation. Their rendition is unexpected, a little irreverent, and a lot of fun. It’s one of those covers that you didn’t know you needed until you heard it, and then it’s on repeat.  Couldn't tell you another song by these fellas, but this one is an instant classic.  And the fact that AAF leaned into it...well, that's a great homage.

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5. "Baby I Love Your Way" by Peter Frampton - "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd / Will to Power
​This medley by Will to Power is a bold mashup of two monumental songs. Frampton's soft rock ballad meets Skynyrd’s guitar-heavy anthem in a blend that could have gone horribly wrong but instead landed just right in 1988. It’s a cover that captures the essence of both originals while creating something uniquely memorable.

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Honorable Mentions
​Not all great covers could make the top five, but they deserve a shoutout:

• Eric Clapton's reimagination of Layla:  I made the mistake of suggesting that the remake could be as good as the original.  oops
• ​Whitney Houston’s rendition of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You".  At the time, I didn't know this was a Dolly song.  Both women should take a bow for this one...well, I guess only Dolly can now...right?
• The Fugees' take on Roberta Flack’s "Killing Me Softly":  Still love both songs.
• The White Stripes (and Beyonce’s) fiery versions of Dolly Parton's "Jolene": Detroit's own White Stripes kicked ass with this one.
• Phil Collins’ energetic cover of The Supremes' "Can't Hurry Love":  Both songs are classics.

So, there you have it, folks! My roundup of cover songs that dare to rival their originals. Love them? Hate them? Think I've lost my musical marbles? Drop your thoughts below, challenge my picks, or share your favorites. Let’s keep the music debates as spirited as our tunes!

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