There’s a saying that the best artists steal. While the wording may be a tad harsh, there is some truth to the statement in that it’s always possible for an artist to take works from the past and make them all their own. In these cases, these artists’ covers of songs pre-released have reached legendary status on Youtube.
Youtube is the perfect place to understand just how vast the pool of listeners is across the digital frontier. Just the sheer scale in which these songs are listened to is almost if not wholly unfathomable. At times, a musician’s cover can even gain far more notoriety than its original predecessor.
“Greatest Love of All” Whitney Houston – 189 Million Views
A beautiful performance by Whitney as usual. Originally performed by George Benson, Houston brought this song to light for a wider audience to enjoy under the awe of her intoxicating talent. In the video, she sings joyously and confidently on a stage. Despite all the moving parts around her, she stands to sing with all the love and dedication that is possible to imbue within a song, looking emotionally content within herself.
“Smooth Criminal” Alien Ant Farm – 210 Million Views
It’s quite a feat to get such an amount of views to even compare to Michael Jackson’s original, but Alien Ant Farm did it. While the original version stands at 494 million views, this band managed to get almost halfway there. The dedicated rocker twist makes for the perfect excuse to headbang for 3 1/2 minutes.
“Torn” Natalie Imbruglia – 211 Million Views
Ibrulia’s saccharine melody based on Ednaswap’s single brings a nostalgic 90s swoon. Many folks take care to cry to the easy-to-sing chorus, often in cars due to the massive radio play at the time or at karaoke. The song’s earnest lyrics and delivery have made many a single person reminisce on something, or someone, they once had, as Ibrulglia does in her music video.
“Nothing Compares 2 U,” Sinead O’Connor – 236 Million Views
Sinead O’Connor’s bluesy ballad displays a range of emotions, including angst and loss. The cover of Prince’s single has caused some controversy, namely among Prince and Sinead themselves due to O’Connor not notifying Prince about the cover and, as she puts it, “he didn’t like me saying bad words in interviews.”
Nonetheless, her single rose the charts and has been labeled by many publications as one of the greatest songs of all time, as well as one of the most recognizable music videos of all time as she confrontationally and emotionally lip-synchs towards the camera.
“The Man Who Sold The World” Nirvana – 333 Million Views
Nirvana’s iconic introduction to the world, the famed MTV Unplugged Live Performance is ranked high. Seeing as it stands as a part of the late Kurt Cobain’s legacy, the coy, relaxed, yet precise performance by the band has solidified them in many music fans’ eyes as one of the greats, able to tackle the faster-paced, otherworldly David Bowie original. In the consideration towards the number of views, Nirvana’s topples Bowie’s by fifteen-fold.
“Lady Marmalade” Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya, and Pink – 378 Million Views
An enjoyable take on Labelle’s single, the collaboration between the group of artists creates a take that includes deep, powerful vocals and catchy theatrics. The cover was created on behalf of the energetic jukebox musical Moulin Rouge! by Baz Luhrmann. If there’s any song that defines the quirk and circus-like allure of the film, it’s this. Aguilera’s leading vocals are particularly memorable.
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” Cyndi Lauper – 888 Million Views
The ultimate song about letting go of what others think of you, Cyndi Lauper’s cover of Robert Hazard’s single has been renowned by generations of women fighting patriarchal oppression.
Not only is it a jam about literally going out and having a good time, but it’s motivated millions to take society’s views on women’s roles into their own hands and shatter them for the sake of safe self-expression. Lauper’s version is and forever will be one of the most rallying songs to inspire those who feel like they haven’t been able to let go and be themselves.
“What a Wonderful World,” Israel ‘Iz’ Kamakawiwo’ole – 1.03 Billion Views
While Louis Armstrong’s beautifully-written jazz single will always stand firm, Iz’s cover struck a chord with audiences in a way that shook the music industry at the time. His simple and gently sung version on his ukelele brought tears and love from many around the world. His sudden passing solidified the touching song forever as a reminder of how wonderful the world is and to appreciate life.
“I Will Always Love You,” Whitney Houston – 1.09 Billion Views
It’s not a surprise that this gorgeous ballad by the late legend Whitney Houston has surmised over a billion youtube views (more, if you include the different videos and audio versions included on the platform).
Her resounding cover of fellow icon Dolly Parton will always carry bountiful emotion from a powerful performance that has made an imprint on the history of music forever. Not to mention it became a common meme in the Vine compilation era of Youtube.
“Axel F” Crazy Frog – 2 Billion Views
The Internet’s favorite and only most annoying frog wins the game in views, proving its solid 2005 beats are just as catchy and iconic as ever. Love or hate the high-pitched take on Harold’s Faltermeyer single from the album “Beverly Hills Cop,” this bop has been used many-a-time in film, television, middle school dances, and cheesy seminars. As to how exactly Crazy Frog Surpassed “I Will Always Love You,” by Whitney Houston might forever remain a mystery.
