Given all the great songs recorded in the 80’s its no surprise that many of today’s artists look to the generation of big hair and spandex for inspiration. Quite a few of the artists that take inspiration and influences from the 80’s have paid homage to their favorite artists by covering their songs. Some artist simply do a cover song that does the original song justice, while others can blow the original song completely out of the water. This is a list of the top 10 Covers of 80’s songs
10. Violent Femmes – Do You Really Want to Hurt Me – original by Culture Club
The Violent Femmes do a spectacular acoustic version of Boy George’s 1982 pop hit. They give the song an early 90’s alternative sound reminiscent of The Pixies and Dinosaur Jr . they finish off the song with a stunning almost “Arabic” sounding guitar piece. All in all a very strong remake of an 80’s favorite.
9. Ben Folds Five – Video Killed the Radio Star – original by The Buggles
Magic happens every time Ben Folds gets behind the keys, and this cover of The Buggles 1981 song is a testament to that. Ben Folds addition of a real piano as opposed to the synth of the original 80’s hit is very welcome. Id also say that Ben captures to vocals of the original very well. definitely give this on a listen.
8. Alien Ant Farm – Smooth Criminal – original by Micheal Jackson
Alien Ant Farm used this rock cover of Micheal Jackson’s 1988 pop hit to break onto the scene in 2001. This cover is great in that it keeps the signature 80’s Micheal Jackson sound right down to the high pitch screams. Alien Ant Farm found Micheal Jackson some fans in the alternative rock world with this cover for sure.
7. DJ Sammy – Heaven – original by Bryan Adams
It was a powerful, meaningful and inspirational song in 1985 and then again in 2002 as a House Techno Hit. Now I’m not the biggest house techno fan but this song was very well done. It keeps the meaning behind the first song but the heavy techno beat makes it a hell of a lot easier to dance to, Their is also a “Candle Light Remix” which features the vocals rather than the techno beat.
6. Orgy – Blue Monday – original by New Order
This cover is about 3 minutes shorter than the 1983 version but it doesn’t take anything away from it. It still has the dark electronic alternative rock sound of the original, while putting less stress on the electronic and more on the alternative rock. Orgy did an outstanding job of capturing the essence of this song and exposing it to a younger generation.
5. Jason Mraz -I Melt With You – original by Modern English
“I Melt With You” is one of my favorite 80’s songs and when I first heard Jason Mraz’s version of this 1983 hit I was Impressed to say the least. Jason Mraz adds a beautiful reggae “feel” to this song. The addition of subtle trumpets is an amazing addition to the song and Jason Mraz’s soulful voice is just what this song needed.
4. Goldfinger – 99 Red Balloons – original by Nena
Who better to cover Nena’s 1983 war protest song first released in Germany as “99 luft balloons” than ska band Goldfinger. Goldfinger adds an energy to the song giving it a more of a “punk” sound. Replaces the keyboard and synth in the original with amazing guitar and drum work. The songs second to last verse uses the original German lyrics from “99 luft balloons”.
3. Save Ferris – Come on Eileen – original by Dexys Midnight Runners
Ska bands are known for doing amazing cover songs, this is one of them. Saving Ferris not only did justice with their ska cover of this 1982 hit but made it one of the most popular ska songs to date. The addition of a horns section and a faster tempo make this an amazing high energy cover
2. Johnny Cash – Personal Jesus – original by Depeche Mode
To have any artist cover your song is an honor but when a legend like Johnny Cash covers your song then you really must have had something. Johnny Cash’s baritone voice and steady guitar rhythm adds even more power to an already powerful song. Johnny Cash adds a whole new meaning to this song making it come at you like a slow rock steady train.
1. Gary Jules – Mad World – original By Tears for Fears
This cover is a diamond in the rough in that most people haven’t heard of it or the original 1982 UK hit. This cover became popular after it was featured in the 2001 cult classic film Donnie Darko. The original Tears for Fears song is a fast tempo dance song, while Gary Jule’s version is a slow, dark, almost “surreal” feeling song. The use of piano and cello give the song a completely different and beautiful sound. I highly recommend this song.
Well, I hope this list helped you find some good songs you might have missed. Remember as long as there are songs to be covered their will always be artist willing to cover them.
