{"id":290908,"date":"2024-02-19T04:31:19","date_gmt":"2024-02-19T09:31:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.etrafficlane.com\/60dollarmiracle\/24-covers-of-bob-dylan-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original"},"modified":"2024-02-19T04:31:37","modified_gmt":"2024-02-19T09:31:37","slug":"24-covers-of-bob-dylan-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.etrafficlane.com\/60dollarmiracle\/24-covers-of-bob-dylan-songs-that-are-better-than-the-original","title":{"rendered":"24 Covers of Bob Dylan Songs That Are Higher than the Unique"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

Few would suggest that Bob Dylan isn\u2019t a great songwriter. Over 1500 artists have covered his songs, indicating that he\u2019s hugely respected and his legacy will live beyond him.<\/p>\n

However, not every music lover enjoys the singer and musician Bob Dylan. The folky nature of his voice divides opinion, and several of those cover versions are better than a Dylan original.<\/p>\n

1. All Along The Watchtower: The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1968) <\/h2>\n
\"All
Image Credit: MCA Records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When I first heard this song, I couldn\u2019t believe Bob Dylan wrote it. \u201cAll Along the Watchtower\u201d has all the classic Hendrix elements, from that soulful voice to the mesmerizing guitar riffs. It\u2019s unrecognizable from the original and a perfect example of how artists can develop Dylan tracks.<\/p>\n

2. All I Really Want to Do: The Byrds (1965) <\/h2>\n
\"All
Image Credit: Columbia Records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Byrds were described as a \u201cBob Dylan cover band.\u201d They have more to offer, but there is a reason for that tag, as the band has recorded 18 of his songs. \u201cMr. Tambourine Man\u201d is an obvious option, but I prefer “All I Really Want to Do,” which shows The Byrds at their best with gorgeous harmonies and chiming guitars.<\/p>\n

3. Make You Feel My Love: Adele (2008) <\/h2>\n
\"Make
Image Credit: Columbia Records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bob Dylan is a prolific songwriter, and while many think of him as a 60s and 70s artist, he\u2019s remained active since. \u201cMake You Feel My Love\u201d was initially released on his 1997 album Time Out of Mind<\/em>, but most music fans will only know the 2008 track by Adele. I’d recommend listening to Billy Joel’s version if you want an even better take on this song.<\/p>\n

4. Like a Rolling Stone: The Rolling Stones (1965) <\/h2>\n
\"Like
Image Credit: Virgin Records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I could have chosen many different options for this song, but it\u2019s only fitting to give the honor to The Rolling Stones. Mick Jagger\u2019s unmistakable voice brings \u201cLike a Rolling Stone\u201d to life and makes you listen to the brilliant Dylan lyrics. <\/p>\n

5. Subterranean Homesick Blues: Red Hot Chili Peppers (1987) <\/h2>\n
\"Subterranean
Image Credit: Manhattan Records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s another song that a range of artists has covered, but one version I didn’t consider was the bizarre rendition by Tom Watt. Known as Lofty in the BBC hit soap opera Eastenders<\/em>, Watt should have stuck to acting. I\u2019d recommended the Red Hot Chili Peppers\u2019 rocking version of \u201cSubterranean Homesick Blues,\u201d you can also check out their stunning cover of Stevie Wonder\u2019s \u201cHigher Ground.\u201d<\/p>\n

6. It Ain’t Me Babe: Nancy Sinatra (1966) <\/h2>\n
\"It
Image Credit: Reprise Records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We will remember Nancy Sinatra as a one-hit wonder<\/a>, but she offered much more than \u201cThese Boots Are Made for Walkin\u2019.\u201d Her successful 1965 release was a novelty record, so it doesn\u2019t do her justice. Nancy covered Bob Dylan\u2019s \u201cLike a Rolling Stone,\u201d but she makes this list for her brilliant version of \u201cIt Ain’t Me Babe,\u201d where a feminist angle brings the original lyrics to life.<\/p>\n

7. Absolutely Sweet Marie: Jason and the Scorchers (1984) <\/h2>\n
\"Absolutely
Image Credit: EMI America Records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s another song where I could have chosen a more obvious cover. George Harrison\u2019s version of “Absolutely Sweet Marie” is better known, but I think Jason and the Scorchers improve the Bob Dylan original most. Singer Jason Ringenberg\u2019s cowpunk vocals<\/a> give the song a classic country rock feel.<\/p>\n

8. A Hard Rain\u2019s a-Gonna Fall: Bryan Ferry (1973) <\/h2>\n
\"These
Image Credit: Island Records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Roxy Music singer Bryan Ferry is another massive Bob Dylan fan. He\u2019s covered no fewer than 15 Dylan songs as a solo artist and was a contender for \u201cAll Along the Watchtower\u201d and \u201cMake You Feel My Love.\u201d He makes this list because he made \u201cA Hard Rain\u2019s a-Gonna Fall\u201d his own, and I had no idea who wrote it until five minutes ago.<\/p>\n

9. The Times They Are a-Changin\u2019: Tracy Chapman (1993) <\/h2>\n
\"The
Image Credit: Columbia Records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tracy Chapman is the winner among many more contenders for this unforgettable song. I don\u2019t intend to upset Dylan fans, but I am in the camp that finds his voice monotonous. In \u201cThe Times They Are a-Changin,\u2019\u2019 Tracy Chapman\u2019s beautiful, almost vulnerable vocals significantly improve the original version.<\/p>\n

10. Lay Lady Lay: Duran Duran (1995) <\/h2>\n
\"Thank
Image Credit: Parlophone.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One song best suited to Dylan\u2019s vocal style is \u201cLay Lady Lay.\u201d His original is the most famous version, but I urge you to listen to Duran Duran\u2019s track. It brings the song up to date, and it\u2019s one of the UK band\u2019s most surprising tunes.<\/p>\n

11. This Wheel\u2019s On Fire: Brian Auger and the Trinity with Julie Driscoll (1969) <\/h2>\n
\"This
Image Credit: Polydor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It could have been a list of songs you never knew were written by Bob Dylan. \u201cWheel\u2019s on Fire\u201d is an iconic tune that sums up the 1960s, and Julie Driscoll\u2019s dreamy vocals are a big part of that sound. It\u2019s a significant upgrade on the original, which Dylan recorded with The Band, and I\u2019d also recommend listening to the 1987 version by Siouxsie and the Banshees.<\/p>\n

12. Positively 4th Street: Johnny Rivers (1968) <\/h2>\n
\"Realization:
Image Credit: Imperial.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I\u2019m not the only person to prefer Dylan covers to the original versions, but I hadn\u2019t expected the artist to agree. In his book, Chronicles Volume One<\/em>, Bob Dylan admits that he likes Johnny Rivers\u2019 take on “Positively 4th Street” more than his own. There are other versions, but Dylan\u2019s endorsement means that Johnny Rivers wins.<\/p>\n

13. Knockin\u2019 On Heaven\u2019s Door: Sandy Denny (1975) <\/h2>\n
\"Sandy
Image Credit: Fledg’ling Records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s a list based on personal preferences, and many would have picked the Guns N\u2019 Roses version of this song. \u201cKnockin\u2019 On Heaven’s Door\u201d is a mournful tune and doesn\u2019t suit Axl\u2019s growling voice. Out of numerous choices, I\u2019m opting for Sandy Denny, a complex character<\/a> on the folk scene whose vulnerable vocals capture the meaning of this track.<\/p>\n

14. I Shall Be Released: Nina Simone (1968) <\/h2>\n
\"To
Image Credit: RCA Victor.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nina Simone\u2019s civil rights activist work<\/a> gives this tune meaning. \u201cI Shall Be Released\u201d was initially produced by Bob Dylan in 1968, but, like many songs on this list, a different artist gave new life to the lyrics. Simone covered five Dylan songs in total, but this is the standout.<\/p>\n

15. Going Going Gone: The Voidoids (1982) <\/h2>\n
\"Destiny
Image Credit: Red Star Records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When punk bands cover classic artists, I\u2019m never sure if they\u2019re being respectful or sarcastic. In the case of \u201cGoing Going Gone\u201d by The Voidoids, I\u2019m sure it\u2019s the first option. In releasing this song, the New York Punks proved that Bob Dylan tunes can cross into any genre.<\/p>\n

16. Mr. Tambourine Man: Stevie Wonder (1966) <\/h2>\n
\"Down
Image Credit: Tamla Motown.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After overlooking The Byrd\u2019s classic version of \u201cMr. Tambourine Man,\u201d I needed a replacement. William Shatner\u2019s bizarre spoken-word<\/a> take on this song was a contender, but Stevie Wonder won. His soulful vocal does the track far more justice than Captain Kirk could.<\/p>\n

17. Desolation Row: My Chemical Romance (2009)<\/h2>\n
\"Watchmen:
Image Credit: Reprise Records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As you\u2019d expect, My Chemical Romance\u2019s version of \u201cDesolation Row\u201d bears little resemblance to the original. The band rocks through this song in their style, turning it into an anthem, which Bob Dylan\u2019s original version failed to achieve.<\/p>\n

18. If Not For You: George Harrison (1970) <\/h2>\n
\"All
Image Credit: Apple Records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beatles<\/a> guitarist George Harrison left the band because he wasn\u2019t taken seriously as a songwriter, so it\u2019s ironic that this cover version is so fondly remembered. Harrison\u2019s 1970 album All Things Must Pass<\/em> showcases his brilliance as a writer and solo artist, but \u201cIf Not For You\u201d is one of its highlights.<\/p>\n

19. Blowin\u2019 in the Wind: Peter, Paul and Mary (1963) <\/h2>\n
\"In
Image Credit: Warner Records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sam Cooke\u2019s version of this protest song was a strong contender. He covers \u201cBlowin\u2019 in the Wind” with all the soul and feeling you\u2019d expect, but this artist received the most exposure from many music fans. Some bands are included because they made the song their own, and many listeners didn\u2019t realize it was a Bob Dylan Cover. Peter, Paul, and Mary fall into that category.<\/p>\n

20. Tomorrow is a Long Time: Elvis Presley (1966)<\/h2>\n
\"Spinout:
Image Credit: RCA Records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bob Dylan was known to be a fan of this version, as he named Elvis Presley\u2019s take on \u201cTomorrow is a Long Time\u201d one of his favorite covers. It\u2019s closer to the original than most songs on this list, and maybe that\u2019s why Dylan prefers it, but Elvis\u2019 rich voice is at its beautiful best here.<\/p>\n

21. Tom Petty: My Back Pages (1992) <\/h2>\n
\"Bob
Image Credit: Columbia Records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The original artist also endorsed this song but in a different way. Tom Petty\u2019s version of \u201cMy Back Pages\u201d features an all-star cast of musicians, including George Harrison, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, and Bob Dylan himself. It features Petty\u2019s distinctive vocal style, while the guitars put some meat on the bones of the original.<\/p>\n

22. Forever Young: The Pretenders (1994) <\/h2>\n
\"The
Image Credit: Sire Records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I keep upsetting Bob Dylan fans, but this is another song that improves on the original. I\u2019d even suggest Dylan\u2019s track is a dirge, and the beautiful lyrics get lost along the way. The Pretenders’ take on \u201cForever Young\u201d is a stunning cover, with Chrissie Hynde\u2019s haunting vocals allowing the meaning of those words to shine through.<\/p>\n

23. Maggie\u2019s Farm: The Specials (1980) <\/h2>\n
\"The
Image Credit: Chrysalis Records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When Bob Dylan released \u201cMaggie\u2019s Farm\u201d in 1965, he couldn\u2019t have anticipated that the song would have a different meaning 15 years later. The Specials covered the tune in 1980 when Margaret Thatcher was the UK Prime Minister, and we were all living on Maggie\u2019s Farm. The cover version reflects the mood<\/a> of a rebellious nation.<\/p>\n

24. Highway 61 Revisited: P.J. Harvey (1993) <\/h2>\n
\"Rid
Image Credit: Island Records.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I\u2019ve tried to be impartial, but this list includes many of my favorite artists. Bob Dylan\u2019s influence is vast, and that\u2019s why such a diverse range of musicians from many genres have covered his tunes. There were several options for the best \u201cHighway 61 Revisited\u201d cover, but Polly Jean Harvey added levels of weirdness that put her at the top.<\/p>\n


\n
Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Few would suggest that Bob Dylan isn\u2019t a great songwriter. Over 1500 artists have covered his songs, indicating that he\u2019s hugely respected and his legacy […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-290908","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.etrafficlane.com\/60dollarmiracle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/290908","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.etrafficlane.com\/60dollarmiracle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.etrafficlane.com\/60dollarmiracle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.etrafficlane.com\/60dollarmiracle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.etrafficlane.com\/60dollarmiracle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=290908"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.etrafficlane.com\/60dollarmiracle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/290908\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.etrafficlane.com\/60dollarmiracle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=290908"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.etrafficlane.com\/60dollarmiracle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=290908"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.etrafficlane.com\/60dollarmiracle\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=290908"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}