Covers just waiting to be hits

Grace (Jeff Buckley album) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Over the years there’s been some excellent cover versions. Many of which have been much much better than the original.

Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley (originally by Leonard Cohen) and All Along the Watch Tower by Jimi Hendrix (a Bob Dylan song) are just a couple of great examples where the song is popularly associated with the cover artist rather than the original writer.

But what about future cover versions. Can we predict what would do well for modern artists if they covered particular songs?

Below are a few songs where I think these artists could make really good versions and do the original proud, if not better:

The Clapping Song by Shirley Ellis – should be covered by Fat Boy Slim.

Fat Boy Slim’s been off the scene for a while and enjoying it too as he describes in this Independent interview. But if he ever wanted to make a quick fire hit, this song would make for a classic big beat song with the pounding drums and brass section.

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I Can Make You Feel Good by Shalamar – should be covered by Peter Andre

In a similar vein to the first song, this cover would also help get the cover artist back into the limelight. If Peter Andre ever decided to turn his back on reality shows and documentaries and try his hand again at making another pop song, I think this would suit him down to a tee.

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She Makes My Day by Robert Palmer – should be covered by One Direction

This song would really suit any boy band covering it , not just one Direction, as the chorus has harmonies and layered lyrics which would suit a group performing it. It’s also slushy as hell, so your sister, mum and gran would all love it!

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What other songs do you think would make good covers and for who?