There are many avenues music artists can take in order to stand out. For some of them, they decide to cover very familiar songs, keeping them close to the original. Other artists use their opportunity to cover a song to completely change the original. Either way, it's a perfect chance to stand out, especially when trying to make an iconic debut album, starting a solo career, or perhaps just honoring an ired artist.

Most of the time, musicians feel quite flattered when others cover their work. Of course, there are some who don't like it, but for the most part, it is a common practice that is tolerated. After all, the biggest names in music have allowed their songs to be picked apart. Everyone from the Michael Jackson to Nirvana has experienced hearing their words being performed by another act. The following are unique examples of covers that completely transformed the original song's sound.

10 Reel Big Fish - Take On Me (Original: A-ha)

Album: BASEketball - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1998)

For a band that had only been together since 1992, it was a huge opportunity for Reel Big Fish to cover "Take on Me" by A-ha for the 1998 film BASEketball. This comedy film starred the creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone. With a significant platform to perform, Reel Big Fish was able to take this synth-pop song and give it their flair. The most notable change is the unique instruments the band added to give it the feel of the ska genre.

While the movie was a fantastic opportunity for the up-and-coming ska band, Reel Big Fish were also able to use their version of the song for select international releases and promotion of their third studio album, Why Do They Rock So Hard? Ultimately, their interpretation of the track is a fun listen and provides fans of A-ha's original, which has over two billion views on YouTube, a chance to hear the tune reimagined.

9 Lorde - Everybody Wants To Rule The World (Original: Tears For Fears)

Album: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2013)

As Lorde began her career, she was presented with a major opportunity to sing on the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire​. This was the second film of The Hunger Games, which was adapted from the book series. Since the first one grossed nearly 700 million worldwide, this put a huge spotlight on the sequel. Lorde was offered a chance to do a cover of the Tears for Fears song "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," with some alterations.

​​​​​​The original song was more upbeat, as it belonged to the new wave genre that experienced significant popularity as a defining song of the 1980s. Instead, to make it fit the darker tone of the movie, Lorde's version was completely slowed down, emphasizing each word. What was once a happy song turned into a sullen vibe, but it worked so well. The changes made Lorde stand out, highlighting the uniqueness of her voice and establishing her in the mainstream as an artist to watch.

8 Chris Cornell - Billie Jean (Original: Michael Jackson)

Album: Carry On (2007)

When the career of Chris Cornell is reflected on, it's not surprising that his work with various bands is brought up first. Famously, he was part of Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, and Audioslave. However, he also did solo work in his career. His first solo studio album debuted in 1999, with his second coming in 2007. It was here he covered "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson and truly made the track all his own.

Many fans will know Michael Jackson's version of "Billie Jean" for being a dance hit. The beat is infectious, and the bassline is iconic. Instead of attempting the difficult task of copying Jackson, Cornell slowed things down. The instrumental is still powerful, but what shines through even more is his voice. You can hear him giving his maximum effort with each word he sings, truly conveying the meaning of the song, which revolves around the tense nature of obsession.

7 Marilyn Manson - Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) (Original: Eurythmics, Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart)

Album: Smells Like Children EP

Today, Marilyn Manson is a well-known artist in the rock genre, leading a band of the same name. Manson has become recognized not only for hits like "The Beautiful People," but also for covers of songs such as "Tainted Love" and "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)." The latter was part of Manson's first EP, Smells Like Children. Since its debut, it has brought Manson notoriety, continuing to be a top hit.

Part of what made the cover so successful was the way Manson was able to incorporate touches of gothic rock and metal. It made the song feel dark, twisted, and disturbed. This was a big change from the original song, which was produced as a synth-pop hit. In fact, the original is considered a masterpiece of the genre, so it is quite an achievement that Manson was able to make it stand out. Although it certainly changed the genre of the song, with over 420 million streams on Spotify, it is clear fans approve.

6 Bring Me The Horizon - WONDERWaLL (Original: Oasis)

Album: Single Release (2025)

Before Bring Me the Horizon was playing in arenas and becoming one of the top bands in metal, they were a deathcore band striving to make it. Over the years, they changed their sound, finding a groove that fits them perfectly. This has allowed them to create renowned hits like "Can You Feel My Heart," "Drown," and "DArkSide." Nonetheless, the band still seeks new challenges, such as covering a song so famous that it has over two billion streams on Spotify.

"Wonderwall" is known for being a slow song that works incredibly hard to convey its message. There is a wealth of emotion involved, especially in the chorus. In some ways, Bring Me the Horizon preserved the charm of the song at the beginning, but then their influences are introduced as it progresses. The tune becomes much heavier than the original, incorporating the band's signature metalcore style.

5 Five Finger Death Punch - Gone Away (Original: The Offspring)

Album: And Justice For None (2018)

Coming from the Offspring's fourth studio album, Ixnay on the Hombre, "Gone Away" is arguably the most emotional song the band has produced. It has meant so much to them that they have performed it over 700 times at their shows (setlist.fm). Usually, the performance involves lead singer Dexter Holland playing the piano and singing away. This version has become so popular with crowds that a proper recording was done for their 2021 album, Let the Bad Times Roll.

With all the meaning and emotion the Offspring have put into the track, it was surprising to see another band record a version of it, but in 2018, Five Finger Death Punch did just that. They added elements of metal to it, and brought to life the meaning that was intended. In fact, they even released a music video that was extremely emotional, making the song deeper than ever before. Although each version you hear may have different instrumentals, the true feeling of the song tends to shine through.

4 HIM - Wicked Game (Original: Chris Isaak)

Album: Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 (1997)

Getting their career started was not easy for HIM, as they initially broke up before reforming and finally getting things underway how they had hoped. Like many acts do, they chose to perform a familiar cover to help them stand out. In this case, it was "Wicked Game" by Chris Isaak. The song performed so well that it ended up on a few of their earliest releases, including their debut studio album, Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666.

For their version, HIM infused their own gothic metal influences into the track. While it remained haunting and romantic, they decided to move away from the soft rock style it initially had. To mix things up, they incorporated heavier guitars and drums. In many ways, it made the song feel even more alive, as the louder sound quickly captures attention. Their version paid off so well that the notoriety they gained from it continued to grow, to the point that it was featured in an episode of Smallville.

3 Tori Amos - Smells Like Teen Spirit (Original: Nirvana)

Album: Little Earthquakes Deluxe Edition (2015)

When Tori Amos first covered "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana in 1992, there's no way the singer knew this would be a cover of one of the most recognizable songs ever. Amos sang the song right after "Smells Like Teen Spirit" came out, so while it was popular, the legend of it had not yet grown. Looking at it now, Amos certainly made the right decision, as her name is attached to a tune that has billions of listens across multiple platforms.

The original song is known for being a grunge classic. The guitar in it is unmistakable and contributes to the angsty feel the track is meant to convey. Amos didn't attempt to recreate what Nirvana did; instead, she leaned into her strong suit. In this case, it was sitting at a piano and allowing her voice to be the main focal point. It transforms the song that traditionally makes you move and makes you listen, as it emphasizes each word. One of her prominent recordings of the track comes from a deluxe edition re-release of her debut album Little Earthquakes.

2 Devo (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction (Original: The Rolling Stones)

Album: Q. Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! (1978)

Known for their signature red hats and matching jumpsuits, Devo became a memorable band in their own right. With hits like "Whip It" and "Puppet Boy," the band gained notoriety for their unique style and contributions to the new wave genre. However, before the world caught on and the band created a legacy, they were artists just trying to succeed. While the outfits would help, they knew they needed to stand out, which is why they covered one of the biggest bands ever, the Rolling Stones.

The track they chose was the 1965 hit "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction." Devo placed the tune as the second track on their debut studio album, Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! To make it distinct, they created a robotic opening, while altering the beat and rhythm. Many described the cover version as having a futuristic feel. Ultimately, one thing was for sure: it was now a Devo track that differed from the original.

1 Metallica - Whiskey In The Jar (Original: The Dubliners)

Album: Garage Inc. (1998)

By the time Garage Inc. was released in 1998, Metallica was already one of the biggest bands in the world. The band didn't need to do a cover album, as their original material was selling well, but they wanted to honor those who inspired them. Famously, they covered "Turn the Page" by Bob Seger and "Sabbra Cadabra" by Black Sabbath. Additionally, they would cover "Whiskey in the Jar," a song with a rich history behind it.

While the exact origins remain unknown, the history of "Whiskey in the Jar" is speculated to date back centuries, given some of the context of the lyrics. Many musicians have covered the tune, but the earliest one to gain notoriety was by The Dubliners, who are often credited with the song.

They also serve as a good example of how Metallica took this Irish tune and transformed it into a rock and roll classic. It felt much closer to the version they were inspired by, which was performed by Thin Lizzy. Nonetheless, the song has become associated with Metallica, and they gave it the vibe it's known for today.