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Imitation is the Best Form of Flattery: Best Song Covers Done by Famous Musicians

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at LMU chapter.

It’s always such a fun realization when you see that your favorite artists listen to the same music as you. It’s even better when they use their talent to pay homage to the musicians they love. Here’s a list of my favorite covers and renditions sung by amazing artists.

 

  1. Frank Ocean- moon river

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXiFHDfvn4A

A cover of Audrey Hepburn’s “Moon River” that she performed in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Frank Ocean, if you’re listening, I just want to say thank you…for everything. Listen to the original here

 

  1. Father John Misty- kiss it better

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKxDJJ5JBvs

Father John Misty and Rihanna? I honestly never saw this coming. A bearded, grown man singing “mmm do what you gotta do” with just as much emotion as Rih. It’s everything I never knew I needed. Listen to the original here

 

  1. Miguel- on my mind

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1NaV7NxNa4

This is how you know when someone is a true artist, when they can cover a song and make it sound completely different but just as good. Miguel made this song his own. But let’s not forget about Jorja Smith’s original masterpiece, watch it here

 

  1. Rihanna- same ol’ mistakes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puVwnsmOZqM

Rihanna + Tame Impala = New Religion. When she released this song on her ANTI album, I had a sneaky feeling that we would be seeing a collab with Rihanna and Tame Impala…I’m still waiting. Listen to the original here

 

  1. James Blake- case of you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ri6bd4G-Aig

With lyrics that already make you want to cry, James Blake’s soothing voice will bring you to ugly tears. If you’re not in a sentimental mood then maybe you should save this one for later. Listen to Joni Mitchell’s original here

 

  1. Lauryn Hill- can’t take my eyes off of you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkfKGzX7rEw

I’ll be honest, I grew up listening to Lauryn Hill’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”. So, when I realized that it was a cover of another song, I was blown away. I can’t even hear another version without hearing Ms. Hill’s voice. Listen to the original here

 

  1. Clairo- female energy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZCXmIYBntc  

Clairo’s “Female Energy” is actually a cover of Sabrina Claudio’s rendition of Willow Smith’s original song. It’s a lot, I know. You’re going to want to listen to all three of them, trust me on this one. Listen to Sabrina Claudio’s version here and Willow Smith’s original here