Are you a fan of a particular song and want to hear different versions of it? Or, are you an artist that’s looking to cover a particular song yourself? If your answer is yes, then this blog post is for you.
Finding covers of songs can be a fun way to explore different artists and their interpretation of popular tunes. Whether you’re interested in popular, classical, or niche genres, there’s something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the ways you can find different covers of songs, what to look for when searching for them, and some of our favorite cover songs.
What Are Cover Songs?
Before diving into how to find cover songs, let’s first define what they are. A cover song is a rendition or interpretation of a song that was originally written and performed by another artist. Some covers stay true to the original song’s style and form, while others may add new elements to the song, such as a completely different genre or instrumentation.
Ways to Find Cover Songs
There are a variety of ways to find cover songs, so let’s take a look at some of the most popular methods:
1. YouTube
YouTube is one of the biggest sources of cover songs on the internet. In fact, many well-known artists today got their start by uploading covers of songs on the platform.
To find covers of a particular song on YouTube, simply search for the song name followed by “cover”. For example, if you’re looking for a cover of “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran, you would search for “Shape of You cover.”
2. Spotify
Spotify is another great source for finding cover songs. Many independent artists release their versions of popular songs on the platform, and they can be easily found by searching for the song name followed by “cover.”
Another way to find covers on Spotify is to search for playlists that curate cover songs. Some popular playlists include “Covers & Co,” “Acoustic Covers,” and “Covers Unplugged.”
3. SoundCloud
SoundCloud is another platform where artists can upload their covers of popular songs. To find cover songs on SoundCloud, simply search for the song name followed by “cover.”
In addition to searching for covers, you can also follow specific artists who are known for covering songs. Some popular artists on SoundCloud include Boyce Avenue, William Singe, and Alex Aiono.
4. Apple Music
Apple Music also has a good selection of cover songs. To find covers on the platform, simply search for the song name followed by “cover.”
Apple Music also has playlists that curate cover songs, including “The Covers Album,” “Under Cover,” and “Acoustic Covers.”
5. Cover Song Websites
There are also websites dedicated to cover songs. Some popular ones include SecondHandSongs, WhoSampled, and CoveringTheHits.
These websites not only provide a directory of cover songs, but they also provide information about the original songwriters, lyrics, and other important information about the song.
What to Look for When Searching for Cover Songs
When searching for cover songs, it’s important to keep the following in mind:
1. Genre
Make sure to search for covers in genres that you enjoy. For example, if you’re a fan of pop music, search for pop covers of popular songs.
2. Quality
Make sure to listen to covers that are of good quality. Poor quality covers can be distracting and take away from the overall listening experience.
3. New Interpretations
One of the benefits of listening to cover songs is hearing new interpretations of familiar tunes. Look for covers that add something new to the song, whether it’s a new musical arrangement or a different vocal style.
Our Favorite Cover Songs
Now that we’ve gone over how to find cover songs and what to look for when searching for them, let’s take a look at some of our favorite cover songs:
1. “Hallelujah” – Jeff Buckley
Jeff Buckley’s cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is one of the most iconic cover songs of all time. Buckley’s interpretation of the song adds a haunting, emotional quality to the already beautiful lyrics.
2. “Respect” – Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin’s cover of Otis Redding’s “Respect” became an anthem for the feminist movement in the 1960s. Franklin’s version added a powerful, soulful quality to the song that the original lacked.
3. “The Sound of Silence” – Disturbed
Disturbed’s cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” brings a new, heavier interpretation to the classic song. The band’s version features powerful vocals from lead singer David Draiman that add a sense of urgency and intensity to the song.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding cover songs can be a fun way to explore different artists and reinterpretations of familiar tunes. With so many sources to choose from, including YouTube, Spotify, and cover song websites, there’s no excuse not to listen to different covers. When searching for covers, make sure to look for quality, genre, and new interpretations to get the most out of your listening experience.