The 70’s was an amazing decade for music not only because of it’s amazing musicians and melodies, but for inspiring millions of artist to write great songs ever since. When an artist is influenced or inspired by a certain musician or band, they will often cover one or more of their songs. From the prophetic melodies of Bob Marley to the stunning guitar riffs of Led Zeppelin the 70’s had so much to offer its no surprise that there are so many great 70’s cover songs. Even though there were a lot of songs to choose from these are the covers that I think are the most profound. These covers pay the most respect to the original songs, if not making them even more enjoyable.
10. Smashing Pumpkins – Landslide – Original by Fleetwood Mac
Stevie Nicks penned one of the most beautiful songs about making decisions ever when she wrote “Landslide,” which was featured on Fleetwood Mac’s 1975 self-titled album. Many artist have covered this song but the one that stands out the most is The Smashing Pumpkins stunning acoustic version. Billy Corgan’s voice is perfect for this songs deep introspective lyrics and soothing melody. Sure to please fans of both artists.
9. Stone Temple Pilots – Dancing Days – Original by Led Zeppelin
This was Led Zeppelin’s first song that got radio play, essentially putting them on the map as a band. Stone Temple Pilots covered this song on the 1995 tribute album Encomium a Tribute to Led Zeppelin, and they do one hell of a job. Stone Temple Pilots keep the original sound and feel of this song right down to the the powerful vocals and scratchy guitar. Stone Temple Pilots take a lot of their musical influence from Led Zeppelin, and it most certainly shows through in this amazing cover.
8. The Replicants – Silly Love Songs – Original by Paul McCartney and Wings
Even though they were very short lived, only releasing one self-titled album in 1995, The Replicants managed to get quite a few fans and do some great metal covers. One of these covers is “Silly Love Songs” originally on Wings 1976 album Wings at the Speed of Sound. This cover completely reworks the pop/disco sound of the original into a dark heavy metal tune, The song also features vocals from Tool front man Maynard James Keenan.
7. Ugly Kid Joe – Cats in the Cradle – Original by Harry Chapin
In 1974 Harry Chapin released what would be his only hit, the folk rock masterpiece “Cat’s in the Cradle.” Ugly Kid Joe covered this song on his 1992 album America’s Least Wanted which led to their breakthrough success. Ugly Kid Joe puts less stress on the folk and more on the rock aspects of the song giving it more of a Guns and Roses sound. This cover does great justice to the folk classic, so give it a listen.
6. Lenny Kravitz – American Woman – Original by The Guess Who
Canadian rock band The Guess Who released the title track from their 1970 album American Woman to great success. The anti-war song quickly came to be one of the biggest rock hits of the 70’s. Lenny Kravitz does a great funk rock cover of this song for soundtrack to the 1999 movie Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. Ive always liked the funk elements Lenny Kravitz incorporates into his music and they definitely show through in this excellent cover.
5. Def Squad – Rapper’s Delight – Original by The Sugarhill Gang
Def Squad a rap super group that included Redman, Keith Murray and Erick Sermon, did one amazing cover of The Sugarhill Gang’s 1979 rap hit. This cover pays homage to the song that first brought hip hip into the mainstream music scene and does so with great accuracy, the lyrical flows are dead on. This song can be found on Def Squad’s 1998 album El Niño.
4. CAKE – I Will Survive – Original by Gloria Gaynor
Alternative rock band CAKE takes Gloria Gaynor’s 1978 hit and makes it their own. They play a more funky electric guitar based version with amazing bass and electric solos. The vocals are like a mix of singing and talking but it seems to really work well in giving CAKE’s cover a crisp unique sound. The cover can be found on CAKE’s 1996 album Fashion Nugget, and it truly is worth a listen.
3. Nirvana – The Man Who Sold the World – Original by David Bowie
This thought provoking song first appeared as the title track of David Bowie’s third album in 1970. Nirvana covered this song on their famous 1993 MTV Unplugged appearance. This cover is one of my favorites, Kurt Cobain’s vocals and whining guitar give the song that one of a kind Seattle grunge sound you cant get enough of. Nirvana did an superb job on this cover.
2. Faith No More – Easy – Original by The Commodores
“Wow”, Thats what I said when I first heard this cover of The Commodores 1977 hit. Faith No More does one of the finest covers of this song Ive ever heard on their album Angel Dust, not only capturing the soul and essence of the original, but adding to it. This covers pays every bit of respect to to original by nailing the simple, but oh so sweet guitar solo and backing vocals. Defiantly a prized gem of my music collection.
1. Guns and Roses – Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door – Original by Bob Dylan
This cover will always stand out to me as one of the best covers Ive heard. Guns and Roses really made Bob Dylan’s 1973 folk hit their own when they started including a rock version of the song in their live performances in 1987. I’m not even really that big a Guns and Roses fan but I have to admit they did one fine job on this cover, Axl Rose’s voice and the melodic guitar riffs of Slash only improve this Bob Dylan classic. The cover can be found on the Guns and Roses album Use Your Illusion II.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this list. If you would like to see some more cover song lists check out my producer page or go directly to my article Top Ten 80’s Cover Songs.
