Mike’s Top Cover Songs, Part Deux: The Sequel Strikes Back!

Welcome back to "Mike's Favorite Things," where today we’re rocking through another playlist of cover songs that just might outshine their originals. After my first post, the feedback was incredible, and many of you pointed out some fantastic tracks I missed. So, here's a sequel to that hit list, diving into more cover songs that have made their mark in music history.

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1. "Walk This Way" - Aerosmith / Run DMC Feat. Aerosmith
This groundbreaking collaboration between Aerosmith and Run DMC revived Aerosmith's classic, blending rock and hip-hop in a way that was unheard of in 1986. The fusion not only brought "Walk This Way" back into the limelight but also helped it soar higher on the charts than its original release. It's a quintessential example of how crossing genre boundaries can create a seminal moment in music history. I remember watching RUN DMC and The Beastie Boys live in Detroit as a teen, and that energy still resonates with me today. Big props to Rick Rubin for his vision on this one...without him, neither Aerosmith or Run DMC would have seen the vision!

And let's be honest, those ADIDAS in the video were awesome.

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2. "Jolene" - Dolly Parton / Beyoncé
Dolly Parton’s "Jolene" has been covered by many, but Beyoncé’s rendition adds a layer of soul and depth that reflects her personal touch. Performing with the kind of emotion that hints at deeper personal stories, Beyoncé turns "Jolene" into a powerful narrative about love and vulnerability. While the White Stripes gave the song a raw rock twist, Beyoncé brought it back to its roots with a soulful twist.  Maybe I can soon be counted as part of her "Bey Hive".

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3. "Hard to Handle" - Otis Redding / The Black Crowes
Otis Redding originally sang "Hard to Handle" with a classic soul vibe that made it a hit. However, when The Black Crowes covered it in 1990, they injected a raw, gritty rock energy that completely transformed the song. Chris Robinson's distinctive voice and the band’s dynamic performance arguably elevated the track beyond its original incarnation, making it a staple on rock radio and a highlight of their debut album.

While the Otis Redding version is very good and a classic, The Black Crowes killed it here...almost to the point where this is the only version worthy of my playlist.

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4. "Hallelujah" - Leonard Cohen / Jeff Buckley
Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" was beautiful in its original form and largely ignored...but it gained iconic status through Jeff Buckley's haunting rendition. Buckley’s version, released posthumously, transformed the song into a poignant, emotional experience that many find more compelling than Cohen's. It’s a masterpiece of vocal delivery and arrangement that resonates with listeners on a deeply personal level, becoming a cultural phenomenon in its own right.  Guys like John Legend hail this as his favorite...and it is a shame that Buckley was not able to grace us with his talent any longer.
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5. "Stairway to Heaven" - Led Zeppelin / Heart (and others)
Heart's tribute to Led Zeppelin during the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors brought the house down. Ann and Nancy Wilson, accompanied by a full choir and orchestra, delivered a powerful rendition of "Stairway to Heaven" that even had Robert Plant teary-eyed. Their performance is remembered not just for its emotional depth but also for its flawless musical execution, making it one of the most respected covers ever performed.  This version gets me emotional while listening, and in my opinion, is better than the original...and that's tough.

There is a lot of star power on that stage

PS:  you can find the song without the video on your favorite music streaming service so you can put this on your playlist.

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6. "You Should Be Dancing" - Bee Gees / Foo Fighters (as The Dee Gees)
Foo Fighters, under the pseudonym The Dee Gees, brought a rock flair to the disco classic "You Should Be Dancing". Dave Grohl's infectious enthusiasm and the band's energetic performance infused the song with a new vibe that complements the original's danceable beats. This cover is a testament to the Foo Fighters' versatility and ability to cross genres effortlessly.  There is a reason that Grohl may be the coolest guy on planet earth

I played this for some friends recently, and was told that I am crazy for liking this.  I don't speak with those people anymore.

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7. "I Will Survive" - Gloria Gaynor / Cake
Cake's rendition of "I Will Survive" turns the disco anthem into a gritty, alternative rock track. While it’s Gloria Gaynor’s least favorite version, due to its altered lyrics (swearing), Cake's cover has found its own audience who appreciate its boldness and stylistic twist.

It’s defiant, it’s raw, and it completely reimagines the disco classic into something that's unmistakably Cake.  If you haven't listened to Cake, then do yourself a favor and pull up a couple of their tracks on Spotify or Apple Music.

And if you notice at 2:19 in Cake's version, you will see something else that is my favorite thing...

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More Honorable Mentions...

• "All Along the Watchtower" - Bob Dylan / Jimi Hendrix Experience: Hendrix took Dylan’s original and turned it into a monumental electric anthem, making it almost synonymous with his name.
• "The Man Who Sold the World" - David Bowie / Nirvana: Nirvana's unplugged performance introduced a whole new generation to Bowie’s work, highlighting Kurt Cobain's raw emotional depth.  And Grohl is in there...looking not so cool.

Thanks for joining me on this sequel journey through cover tracks that have captivated audiences and sometimes even surpassed the originals in popularity or impact. Do you agree with these picks? Got more covers that deserve recognition? Let’s keep the debate lively and the music playing. Drop your thoughts below, share your favorites, and as always, stay tuned for more of Mike's favorite things in music and beyond!