A few days back, social media was ablaze with the fact the Natalie Imbruglia’s Torn was a cover. The song was originally recorded by Danish singer Lis Sørensen. After two years, it was recorded again by Cutler and Preven’s American alternative rock band Ednaswap.
A lot of us were shookt!!!
However, something like this is not very uncommon. Here are 10 other popular songs that you probably did not know were covers.
10. Killing Me Softly
Originally by Roberta Flack, Killing Me Softly was covered by The Fugees in 1997. Although Roberta’s version is a timeless classic, Lauryn Hill’s version is even more striking. Hence, even if the time of The Fugees as a group was short, they will forever be remembered for this song.
9. I Will Always Love You
Although Dolly Parton’s farewell song for Porter Wagoner is amazing, it was Whitney Houston’s rendition that etched into hearts to forever. Due to this, Whitney’s version has become popular such that it was copied in many singing competitions. The cover was just glorious and truly memorable.
8. Respect
Most of us probably know this song as Aretha Franklin’s hit. Yet, it was an original song by legendary musician Otis Redding. However, since Aretha has a powerhouse of a voice, she made a one of a kind rendition of the song that is more memorable than ever. Even today, many still sing this song and often we think it is an Aretha original.
7. Girls Just Want To Have Fun
Popularized by Cyndi Lauper, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun is an original by Robert Hazard. He wrote and recorded it as a demo in 1979. However, it was a perfect first solo song for Cyndi, which earned her nominations such as two Grammys for the song, including Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Performance.
6. Don’t Turn Around
Swedish pop group Ace of Base released a hit single titled “Don’t Turn Around” in 1994. However, it was originally for Tina Turner but the writers of the song were disappointed when the record label relegated it to the B-side of the single “Typical Man” in 1986. Neil Diamond also did a cover of the song in 1992 but Ace of Base’s version was more popular.
5. Don’t Cha
Yeah, most of us think this pop song is by the Pussycat Dolls but this is originally by Tori Alamaze. It was Tori’s first single but it wasn’t as successful as expected. Hence, Tori gave the rights to the Universal Music Group. Later on, Pussycat Dolls made their version, which became a hit.
4. I Swear
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16yarf4ZCwA
The song I Swear was originally for country music recording artist John Michael Montgomery, who released it in December 1993. It earned the top spot on the U.S. Hot Country Singles and Tracks chart. However, a few months later, he R&B quartet All-4-One released their rendition of the song. It became a bigger hit than the original. Their version reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 and was certified Platinum by the end of 1994.
3. The Tide Is High
In 1967, The Paragon recorded a single called “The Tide is High,” which was written by band member John Holt. However, after 13 years, Blondie recorded it for their Autoamerican album. They put on strings and a horn section. It became Blondie’s second No. 1 single.
2. I Turn To You
Originally released by R&B group All-4-One in 1996, I Turn To You became a hit for Christina Aguilera. It was part of her self-titled album, which was groundbreaking for her back then.
1. It’s All Coming Back To Me Now
This hit song, which we all know to be Celine Dion’s was originally by an all-girl group Pandora’s Box. The original version has a darker and more emo appeal while Celine’s version is more dramatic. Although the original version is great, Celine’s version is what most of us remember.
Any other songs we can add to the list? Share them with us.
