Trying to cover a Beatles song and do it justice is obviously not easy. No matter who the artist or band that's trying to do so. Still, there have been some memorable covers of classic Beatles tunes that are worth celebrating.
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"Day Tripper," Otis Redding (1966)
Since the Beatles had great respect for Redding as an artist, it made sense the soul and R&B legend would take his turn at one of the band's biggest hits. "Day Tripper" just seemed like a song made for Redding's special vocal styling. His soulful take of the classic, with Booker T. & the M.G.'s backing him up, is one of the great covers of all time -- not just of a Beatles song.
"Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band," Jimi Hendrix (1967)
The legend goes that Hendrix was so captivated by the title track from one of the greatest records of all time, that he couldn't wait to play it live on stage. And did so just days after the record was released. In true Hendrix greatness, he shreds from beginning to end without an ounce of pretentiousness. Hendrix was not shy about his respect for the Beatles, and the feeling was mutual as Paul McCartney would often talk about.
"Eleanor Rigby," Aretha Franklin (1970)
It's always special when legendary artists cover songs by other greats in the business. We'll highlight plenty of those occasions on this list. Aretha Franklin has often found success through the Beatles with covers of "Yesterday" and "Let It Be," to name a couple. Yet, her version of "Eleanor Rigby" is simply sensational. Pure Aretha to the hilt, and another showcase of her brilliance.
"Hey Jude," Wilson Pickett, w/ Duane Allman (1969)
Taking on a track as legendary as "Hey Jude" can be daunting for any artist, regardless of stature. Yet Pickett offered his own R&B flair when he covered the song in the late 1960s. Actually, Pickett's brass-tinged version has a gospel-like feel that allows it to stand out among other takes. Also, having a then-young, up-and-coming guitarist like Allman play on the track only adds to the legacy of the cover.
"Let It Be," Bill Withers (1971)
Another Rock and Roll Hall of Famer taking his turn at a Beatles tune. And not just any track, but one of the most notable and celebrated of songs ever recorded. Withers, obviously, pulled it off wonderfully, with a picked-up pace and soulful groove. In almost gospel-like fashion, Withers' voice was in top form. Delivering a completely unique and original version that only Withers could pull off.
"Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds," Elton John (1975)
It wasn't good enough that Sir Elton covered this Sgt. Pepper trippy classic, but the fact he had John Lennon (under the assumed name of Dr. Winston O'Boogie) play on his version only added to the legacy of the song. Elton John's rendition sat atop the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks. Over time, it just might be his most enduring cover ("Pinball Wizard" is also in the running).
"‘Help," The Damned (1976)
This was the B-side to "New Rose," The Damned's biggest hit from its debut album Damned Damned Damned. The group's version of "Help," which runs less than two minutes long, is a fun romp with its signature punk twist, thus making it stand out among other covers of this timeless pop-rock classic. Actually, when delving through The Damned''s storied catalog, it's actually one of the group's most organized and polished songs.
"Paperback Writer," B-52's (2004)
The B-52's just seem like a band made to do a cover of this song. We will overlook the fact that this version was originally done for a car commercial. Regardless, it's an above-average cover that's a fun take on a popular tune. A perfect fit for the quirky band that got better with age. Kate Pierson's vocals flow superbly, and of course, we get some classic Fred Schneider in the background.
"I Want to Hold Your Hand," Melvins (2018)
Grunge pioneers the Melvins have always been innovative, and continue to find ways to add to their musical creativity. Its cover of one of the most popular songs of all time is both original and instantly likable. If fans of alt-rock, punk, or hard rock could imagine those types of versions of "I Want to Hold Your Hand," it would go something like the one the Melvins cooked up. And, we can't get enough of it, either.
"Something," Billie Eilish (2019)
There are plenty of music critics -- and fans, of course -- who insist George Harrison's greatest writing accomplishment with the Beatles is this melodic gem for Abbey Road. They are not wrong. And, Eilish does not disappoint with her slowed down, drawn-out cover of "Something." If we needed another reason to celebrate Eilish's beyond-budding talent, here's an example.
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