What's the worst song cover of all time?

bob Fri, Oct 17, 2008 at 09:11 PM EST

I have not seen anyone mention Type-O-Negative...one of the best cover acts of all time...they've done:

Paranoid (Black Sabbath)
Black Sabbath (Black Sabbath)
Summer Breeze (Seals & Crofts)
Hey Pete (Hendix Hey Joe)
Cinnamon Girl (Neil Young)
all fantastic songs

Muffy Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 05:02 PM EST

Anything Britney covers!

Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 08:41 AM EST

I have one-
Limp Bizkit's abomination of the
George Michael track "Faith".
Thank god Linkin Park killed them off.

Nyeniai Wornor Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 10:55 AM EST

the worst song ever is "who let the dogs out"

Jon Fri, Aug 1, 2008 at 01:07 PM EST

Pseudo Echo's 1987 remake of Funkytown... ghastly.

Chris Thu, Jul 31, 2008 at 03:32 AM EST

Well, Lee, personally I haven't yet seen a Nine Inch Nails fan who also likes Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt".

And I disagree on that one. Tori's overrated already, and "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is practically untouchable.

And to scale new depths of atrocity: motherfucking Rihanna covered BOB MARLEY. "Redemption Song" no less. It's all over here in its painful suicide-inducing badness:

http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/hiphopmediatraining/21079/yahoo-music-celebrates-black-music-month

Also on the subject: I'm a Tool fan, but I'm not sure about their cover of "No Quarter".

Now, good covers.
Dead Kennedys earn points from me for having a better cover of "I Fought the Law" than the Clash. Marley nicely integrated "People Get Ready" with "One Love".

Bad covers.
Smash Mouth, "Why Can't We Be Friends". Lacks the honesty of the original, goes over-the-top and ends up annoying. I can't remember if they at any point covered "Daydream Believer" or "I'm a Believer".

lee conferido Tue, Jul 29, 2008 at 01:44 AM EST

I do not mind covers as long as you make it like you were the original. DJ Tiesto's remix of JT's songs are far better than the original.
Sweet child of Mine by Sheryl Crowe, is bad. It wasn't meant to be country country.
I'm torn by Tori Amos' cover"Smells Like..". I like it actually. Coming from a Cobain fan.
I think we all agree about Jessica Simpson though. Even her original songs sucked.

robert Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 11:54 PM EST

I think one of the worst cover ever is "beat it" by Fall Out boy, it's terrible!!!!! I hate this kind of groups!

Darren Stuart Sat, Jul 19, 2008 at 09:06 PM EST

By the way, the three BEST covers in my opinion are Katrina Leskanich (of Katrina & The Waves) doing a stunning ballad version of Kirsty MacColl/Tracey Ullman's "They Don't Know" (check this out on YouTube) and Chaka Khan's breathtaking 1982 version of Michael Jackson's "Got To Be There" - the high note at the end alone is justification for the Grammy that this earned her!

Darren Stuart Sat, Jul 19, 2008 at 03:43 PM EST

I agree completely about the comment on Will To Power's "Baby I Love Your Way/Freebird" medley - not only the worst cover, but possibly the worst single ever to actually hit #1 (the only threat being the Milli Vanilli hits). Sounds like they recorded it in one of those "make your own record!" mall stores with a little Casio keyboard. Oh, am Prince did not write "One Of Us" - it was written by Eric Bazilian, who collaborated on several of the songs on the Joan Osborne album where it originated.

Deb Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 09:39 AM EST

Chris: Prince's 'One of Us' is actually the original...he wrote the song.

Chris Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 04:33 AM EST

Thomas: if we still dig up Mazzy Star, then "Five String Serenade".

What about the Fugees' "No Woman No Cry" and "Killing Me Softly"? I can't form an opinion.

GWP Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 01:25 PM EST

That would likely be Eva Cassidy, who did incredible covers of a number of songs.

">>And I don't know who sings it, but there's a slow cover of Somewhere Over the Rainbow that's just beautiful."

Tom Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 10:14 AM EST

The best cover - Kim Wilde "You Keep Me Hanging On"

Bobby Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 10:37 PM EST

"When A Man Loves A Woman" by Michael Bolton - case closed. Of course, you could just say "fill in the blank" by Michael Bolton and make the Top 10 of this particular topic.

Dary Mavies Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 05:47 PM EST

You hit the nail on the head - I go with "These Boots are Made for Walking". Personally, JS is a "bit pitchy" most of the time. When will she get some voice lessons?

Cherice Tue, Jul 15, 2008 at 03:41 AM EST

In Sheryl Crow's cover of "D'yer Maker" and Faith Hill's "Piece of My Heart"

Fivetree Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 11:48 PM EST

Whitney Houston throttled the very life out of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" and managed to turn a heartfelt song into a screeching testimonial to her own overinflated ego. If the song required any bombast then Linda Ronstadt's version did the job nicely, while still preserving the emotional tone of Parton's original - but then they were friends. Dolly's is still superior, however (and superior to all her own attempts to endlessly redo it).

thomas Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 11:00 PM EST

best cover- mazzy star: sweet jane

stopitplease92 Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 07:59 PM EST

"brigin' on the heartbreak" - MIMI

veronica Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 02:17 PM EST

anyone else want to cry when alanis sang "my humps?" a bad cover of an already ridiculous song.

momcanyou Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 03:53 AM EST

Forget the very real agony of Rod Stewart trying to sing "The Classics" The biggest tragedy was -PAT BOONE-in blech-LEATHER-so high on Geritol he made an ALBUM of rock hits..just wrong! So are the Disney folks-mutilating their very own classics on purpose, releasing a truckload of radiojams/Mania albums -Ghastly Teasdale,HillaryDuhFF,Hannah Monotona-wrong wrong wrong-

TROY Sun, Jul 13, 2008 at 08:38 PM EST

WORST COVER ??
Madonna's lame version American Pie or Cher's just as lame version of Walkin in Memphis

BEST COVER ??
Deborah Cox's R&B version of Phil Collin's "Something Happened On The Way to Heaven" (not the remix) - proof a Phil Collin's song CAN be covered and NOT make the ears bleed.

Sun, Jul 13, 2008 at 04:30 PM EST

I bought the Killer Queen tribute album and whichever bands covered Sleeping on the Sidewalk and '39 were horrible but I must say Gavin DeGraw's We are the Champions and Breaking Benjamin's Who Want's to Live Forever are really amazing.

Meier Sun, Jul 13, 2008 at 01:53 AM EST

I know Scarlett Johannsen's album of Tom Waits covers are the most recent atrociousness to the legend that is Waits, but I don't even know if this list would be made possible if not for Rod Stewart's "Downtown Train" making horrendous covers seem like a good idea. To my knowledge, it's the first cover to "improve upon the original" with the use of synthesizer. Seriously, STATISTICALLY, how much worse can you get?

Also, even though I'm supposed to be limited to one, Chris Cornell's whiny rendition of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" has been ignored on this comment section long enough.

4ster Sat, Jul 12, 2008 at 09:12 PM EST

Didn't Marlyn Manson do Eurithmics "Sweet Dreams" cover that ended up provoking nightmares in little children.

Brett Sat, Jul 12, 2008 at 11:41 AM EST

Worse would be My Perogative Britney Spears & Take My Breath Away Jessica Simpson.Also All By Myself Celine Dion. Barf

rob Sat, Jul 12, 2008 at 03:17 AM EST

the movie Across the Universe and "911 is a joke" by DURAN F***ING DURAN

Deb C. Fri, Jul 11, 2008 at 08:21 PM EST

Anything Jessica Simpson sings is terrible. The best and most underated voice covers. George Michael covers Queens-Somebody to Love, Temptations/Seals-Killer/Papa Was a Rollin Stone, Bonnie Raits-I can't Make You Love Me, Stings-Roxanne and Nina Simone's Feelin Good. The man doesn't get the credit he deserves mainly because the US doesn't give him any radio or Cable music play but he can truely sing a song.

lori Fri, Jul 11, 2008 at 01:29 PM EST

Foo Fighters do a cool cover of Gary Numan's "Down In The Park"

Jon Fri, Jul 11, 2008 at 01:17 PM EST

Pseudo Echo's 1987 remake of Funkytown... ghastly.

Buttercup Fri, Jul 11, 2008 at 12:10 PM EST

Worst covers: Jessica Simpson- Angels Jessica Simpson- Take my breath away Jessica Simpson- These boots are made for walking, I see a theme, but we can't forget about Sheryl Crow- Sweet Child O Mine- complete garbage!!

steve Fri, Jul 11, 2008 at 11:56 AM EST

Best: Summertime Blues.. Blue Cheer

ceci Fri, Jul 11, 2008 at 11:24 AM EST

Lenny Kravitz's cover of The Guess Who's American Woman & Rascal Flatt's cover of Tom Cochrane's Life is a Highway...both suck all the edge and joy, respectively, of the originals.

Chris Fri, Jul 11, 2008 at 10:38 AM EST

LALA: It was probably Phil Collins.

Oh, yeah, forgot. Most of Phil Collins' covers hover between mediocre and awful. Prince managed to wussify 3 songs on his horrible, bottom-of-the-barrel album Emancipation, the painfulest being "One of Us".

matt Fri, Jul 11, 2008 at 09:33 AM EST

Aretha Franklin covered Eleanor Rigby, and somehow made it sound exactly like every other song she's ever sung. She shouldn't sound so happy singing about loneliness.

Captain Frankenberry Fri, Jul 11, 2008 at 03:18 AM EST

Hinder's version of "Born To Be Wild"
awful band does okay song. Not one cover version of that song has realized it's the keyboards that make the song, not the guitars.

Tori Amos "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

William Shatner's cover of Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man"

LALA Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 10:06 PM EST

Best Covers: "Hurt"-Johnny Cash
"Landslide" - Smashing Pumpkins
"Piece of My Heart" - Melissa Etheridge
"I Will Survive" - Cake
"Twist and Shout" - The Beatles
>>And I don't know who sings it, but there's a slow cover of Somewhere Over the Rainbow that's just beautiful.

J Records Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 08:03 PM EST

It doesn't matter who did the worst cover song .. I Clive Davis want to confess that I do dirty business for only 2 artist on my label. First I want to say that J Records purchased 1.5 million copies of Alicia Keys "As I Am". Do not for one second think Alicia can stand alone without me. She is a big disappointment to me and she will not get one red penny from this lackluster project. Alicia Key is the fakest artist in this country. And we are doing the same with Leona Lewis. We put her on a diet and she still look like a shi-ite rebel on the dusty sands. But we at J Records are splitting our investment in her with Simon Cowell.

Anniles Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 06:08 PM EST

I have to agree that the Sheryl Crow "Sweet Child" cover stinks. But I liked No Doubt and "It's my Life".
However,
Foo Fighters + Prince's "Darling Nikki" = RAD

Melissa Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 05:39 PM EST

Mariah Carey's remake of Def Leppard's "Bringing on the Heartbreak".....simply horrendous!

Chris Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 04:47 PM EST

ghostoflectricity: Yeah, I did mean the Little Wing cover.

John: sales = good? I can't even come up with a witty retort/insult. Counterargument: My Bloody Valentine (yeah, I love them). Loveless is a bloody masterpiece. How much did it sell? Enough to have a cult following.

Back on track:

Great covers: Happy Mondays - "Step On", Tricky - "Black Steel" (if only because I hate Public Enemy), Primal Scream - "Slip Inside This House". PJ Harvey - "Is That All There Is". Soundgarden - "Fopp" (amplifying an already kickass Ohio Players song). Offspring - "Killboy Powerhead"

I can't decide where to put The Prodigy - "Fuel My Fire" or Janet Jackson - "Tonight's The Night".

Back to horrible: Tricky - "Something in the Way" (painful). Foo Fighters - "Have a Cigar" (unnecessary). Korn - "Another Brick in the Wall". Anyone who tries Pink Floyd for that matter, I haven't heared a good cover of them so far. Special dishonourable mention: D12 - "Revelation".

Chris Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 04:27 PM EST

Damn, I think my previous comment was lost... Anyway. The Red Hot Chili Peppers doing "Que Sera Sera", can't believe I forgot that one. I don't like Patti Smith's version of "Gloria" (the Them one is brilliant though). Sonic Youth didn't do anything good with "I Wanna Be Your Dog" ("Freezer Burn" notwithstanding).

On the subject of good covers... Massive Attack, "Be Thankful For What You Got". Nine Inch Nails' cover of "Physical" kicks massive amounts of ass, and is a great audio representation of lust. Rolling Stones, "Imagination" (I'll pass on their earlier blues covers though). My Bloody Valentine, "We Have All The Time In The World" and "Map Ref. 41 Degrees N 93 Degrees W" are dreamy and brutal, which the band had (and still have) down to a T. Jeff Buckley's covers are sublime, especially "Hallelujah". George Michael acquitted himself nicely on the live album with Queen. Bow Wow Wow's "I Want Candy" is fun and is known to induce air-drumming.

Jill Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 04:22 PM EST

Kenny Rogers and Sheena Easton totally ruined Bob Seger's classic "We've Got Tonight". Bad cover and bad duet.

Jack Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 02:48 PM EST

Remember when the American Idol kids covered Queen? Pick any one of those songs.

Dave Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 02:48 PM EST

Michael Jackson's version of "Come Together" is a joke. Just because he owns the song doesn't mean he can sing it too!

Karrah Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 02:20 PM EST

I just want to say that Johnny Cash's version of "Hurt" is absolutely beautiful, and probably my favorite cover song of all time.

Jon Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 01:17 PM EST

Pseudo Echo's 1987 remake of Funkytown... ghastly.

woop Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 01:04 PM EST

the entire scarlet johansson covering tom waits album, barf, love her but NO.

Jeff McDermott Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 12:42 PM EST

Will To Power took two songs that were rotten for their own reasons - Frampton's "Baby I Love Your Way" and Skynyrd's "Free Bird" - and made them exponentially worse by creating a medley with them.

Zod Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 11:20 AM EST

I just thought of another one. No Doubt covering Talk Talks "It's My Life". They destroyed an 80s classic.

Zod Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 11:16 AM EST

That Hillary Duff twit killing, absolutely KILLING The Go-Gos classic "Our Lips Are Sealed"

sf Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 10:55 AM EST

A part of me died when F'n Snoop Dog attempted Sad but True WITH Metallica in the audience during their MTV Icon thing.

Christine Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 10:08 AM EST

Funny Slezak, because when I saw this headline I immediately thought of Jessica Simpson too - except for a different song. (Not hard to do considering she's attempted way too many covers) - I still can not stand how she covered Robbie Williams' "Angels." She was capitalizing off of something that should have really catapulted Robbie in the US, and I ultimately changed the radio the second I heard it come on, every single time. As for the positive side, I'm a big fan of Mandy Moore's version of "Umbrella."

Rob Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 09:14 AM EST

Annie Lennox's version of Train In Vein, makes me feel dead inside.....What did the Clash ever do to her?

Mark Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 04:16 AM EST

Rod Stewart's soul-less covers of the 'great american songbook' and ever worse, his versions of 'fooled around and fell in love' and 'have you ever seen the rain.' And come on people, best cover ever? 'Proud Mary' by Ike and Tina Turner. Can anyone honestly disagree here?

Tim Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 12:34 AM EST

Some of the worst covers are Celine Dion's "Alone", Lonestar's "Walking in Memphis", Sheryl Crow's "Sweet Child of Mine" Counting Crow's "Big Yellow Taxi" and Avenged Sevenfold's "Walk". Some of the best are Dope's "You Spin Me Around", Graveworm's "Losing My Religion", A Perfect Circle's "Imagine", Godhead's "Eleanor Rigby" and Killswitch Engage's "Holy Diver"

gary Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 12:00 AM EST

Someone actually thought that Hendrix' All Along the WAtchtower was bad? Dylan himself loved it.

You want bad? How about Slade's Born to be Wild? How about Madonna's American Pie?

Worst of all, how about Sean Connery's wonderfully awful version of "In My LIfe?''

There are Playshes I Remember...''

Suzanne Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 11:39 PM EST

Ugh! Tim McGraw's version of Ryan Adams' "When the Stars Go Blue". What a travesty.

Fatima Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 10:46 PM EST

The Girls Aloud VS Sugababes Walk This Way is pretty terrible, but in hilarious British fashion, the outspoken pop star that is the Babe's Keisha openly slammed it in the press after it had finished its run. It was a charity single and they hardly put in any effort. The fact she was so honest about it was enough to forgive them

Shawn Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 10:21 PM EST

80s metal band Dangerous Toys had a cover of "Feel Like Makin' Love" that was so bad it was glorious.

Justin C. Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 07:54 PM EST

Goo Goo Dolls - "Give a Little Bit". What's the point of releasing a cover for airplay when it sounds exactly like the original?

Fredric Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 06:38 PM EST

Some of my fave covers (that I haven't heard mentioned yet):
Gus' remake of Don't Fear the Reaper from Scream; The Afghan Wig's cover of TLC's Creep; Hendrix' All Along the Watchtower; Alien Ant Farm's Smooth Criminal; Juliet Lewis' cover of PJ Harvey's I Can Hardly Wait from Strange Days

KB Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 06:35 PM EST

Worst Song Cover - Madonna's version of "American Pie"

Groovy Song Cover - Katie Melua's "Just Like Heaven"

Stephanie Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 06:32 PM EST

Oh seriously, has anybody forgotten the travesty that is Britney Spears singing "I Can't Get No Satisfaction"? Horrid!

Uh oh, Kevstar Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 05:49 PM EST

Whaddaya gotta poke the country folk for? When the Mayor of Redneckistan gets on here a' callin' fer yer head, don't say I didn't warn you. ;-)

kevstar Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 05:42 PM EST

Ihave to agree with Jessica Simpson "take my breath away". I am an 80s fanatic and her version of that song is like a jackhammer to a fine steak. country music is good for her, because you don't have to be able to sing!

chaz Mathew Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 05:06 PM EST

Aerosmith's version of "come together" by the Beatles makes me puke out my guts

peach Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 04:46 PM EST

Missing persons covering the doors hello I love you is pretty awful.

Robyn Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 04:08 PM EST

Fall Out Boy's cover of Beat It. Sounds like it's being sung by an emo chipmunk on helium.

Jeff Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 03:54 PM EST

WORST: Definitely Madonna's "American Pie"--unlistenable.

BEST COVER: The Sundays version of "Wild Horses"--totally original take on a Rolling Stones song, that rarely happens!

test Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 03:39 PM EST

fgfgfg

Craig Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 03:19 PM EST

This one isn't even close: Tori Amos butchering "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

Potch Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 03:15 PM EST

Worst song remake ever: Madonna, American Pie.

Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 02:59 PM EST

Eh, you guys are all weird. I'm proud to own my GnR greatest hits CD with "Sympathy For The Devil" and "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" on it, personally I think they blow the originals out of the water.

Joey Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 02:55 PM EST

Johnny Cash's rendition of "Hurt" by Nine Inch Nails gives me bitter beer face.

Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 01:34 PM EST

Britney Spears' cover of My Prerogative was the worst crap I've ever heard!

Darcie Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 01:15 PM EST

While Madonna made me want to drive my Chevy to the levy to die, I truly loathe Smashmouth's "I'm a believer." Ugh. Take a sweet, sentimental song and give it that "rock star" song's annoying vibe. at least brooke white's perky rendition was only a minute a half long. i had to hear smashmouth's version on the radio for-ev-er....

Jennifer Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 01:14 PM EST

Let me preface this by saying this has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do whatsoever with their political beliefs. My vote goes to the Dixie Chicks' gawd-awful cover of the Fleetwood Mac ballad "Landslide". I've not listened to the Dixie Chicks ever since this atrocity was released and haven't had the same affinity for the Fleetwood Mac version either after those overrated hacks butchered this song.

callum Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 01:00 PM EST

jessica's theese boots were made for walkin - never used to think that was a covr, but i hated the song on first listen, so it's probably my worst. Anastacia totally rocks.

CR Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 12:46 PM EST

The Hollies' cover of Springsteen's beautiful "4th of July Asbury Park (Sandy)" is nothing short of mutilation. All of the heart and soul gone. A big wad of bubble gum in its place.

Andrea Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 12:39 PM EST

Two words: Pat. Boone.

"In a Metal Mood" is a crime against humanity.

Danielle Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 12:17 PM EST

Jessica Simpson's "Take My Breath Away". Reminds of that scene in Jaws when the drunk sea captain gets the town's attention by scratching his nails down the blackboard - which sounds 1000% more pleasant than this cover. Jessica Simpson must be stopped before she kills another great song again!

Jon Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 12:10 PM EST

Bob Dylan singing ANYTHING he wrote himself,, ha!

Saggia Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 11:42 AM EST

Gotcha all beat - WORST COVER EVER:

Avril Lavigne singing System of a Down's "Chop Suey."

Cat's fighting, a thousand fingernails on a thousand blackboards, butter knifes skidding on ceramic plates, Fran Drescher doing the unabridged audio for War and Peace, all less grating and offensive than this abomination.

bronxgirl Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 11:29 AM EST

Hiliary Duff's "My Generation" is so wrong is so many ways. Kid Rock's "Feel Like Making Love" is criminal.

Bronxgirl Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 11:14 AM EST

Jessica Simpson's "These Boots are Made for Walkin'" is brutal. Ditto for Sheryl Crow's "Sweet Child o' Mine". Puff Daddy's, Diddy, whatever his name is, cover of "Kashmir" is a sin.

flapdragon Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 10:44 AM EST

Wow, did this topic manage to inspire some RAGE!! I think we all hate it when our favorite songs are messed with, which is why it damn near killed me when the Pet Shop Boys covered "Where the Streets Have No Name." Made it PERKY, for Pete's sake. I may never get over it.

Shawn Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 09:05 AM EST

Another travesty was Judas Priest remake of the classic, "Johnny Be Good".

Cameron Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 09:00 AM EST

Jesse - "American Pie" was annoying to begin with. At least Madonna shortened the damn thing!

Amy Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 08:58 AM EST

It popped right into my head, the second I read Slezak's take on it: "Papa Don't Preach" by whats-her-face, Roly-Poly Osbourne. Craptastic song to begin with, but I'm kinda digging the nostalgic vibe it has for me now. And I'm sorry, but what Rascal Flatts did to Cochrane's "Life is a Highway" should be illegal.

Em Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 08:57 AM EST

Britney Spears doing "I Love Rock and Roll", Aerosmith doing "Come Together", and Limp Bizkit doing "Behind Blue Eyes" all make me die inside. Those have all been mentioned before, but they bear repeating. Arrgh! Just thinking about Fred Durst singing one of my all-time favorite songs makes me want to throw up!

Jesse Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 08:55 AM EST

Have we all forgotten of Madonna's version of "American Pie", easily the worst cover of any song at any time.

drella66 Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 08:46 AM EST

Pretty much most of the stuff that goes down on AI qualifies as the worst cover song ever, but the best is The Bangles "Hazy Shade of Winter" from the Less Than Zero Soundtrack

Jon Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 08:45 AM EST

Pseudo Echo's 1987 remake of Funkytown... ghastly.

J Lo Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 08:02 AM EST

Don't know if it ever made it to the States (thankfully), but "Walk this Way" was covered by two British girl groups - Sugababes and Girls Aloud. Another affront was the horrific reinterpretation of Bowie's "Let's Dance" into a pseudo hip hop song by Craig David called "Hot Stuff". It makes my ears bleed just thinking about it.

Adam Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 07:57 AM EST

I think we'll keep Jessica Simpson as the focus, but I'd like to say that her cover of Robbie Williams's 'Angels' is the WORST cover of all time. I f-ing love that song and she butchered it. The only good to come out of it was that people became slightly more familiar with the excellent entertainer from GB.

Purple Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 07:40 AM EST

Any BARNEY song that has changed the lyrics of the original song.

Andrea Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 12:30 AM EST

well, the good news is that, from looking at all the posts, it seems we've got a consensus on the worst cover singer of all time, at least... so on that note, it's not like she needed to deliver us another hideous flameout at this point in order to defend her title, but here's a gem: a younger, still super screechy Jessica also recorded a cover of Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing," which I recommend giving a quick listen (it's up on youtube, I think), just to revel in its untouchable suckiness.

Fatima Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 10:07 PM EST

To the Dolly haters: EW's own review of the album that comes from says this

"the covers veer wildly from Bread (''If'') to Zeppelin (''Stairway to Heaven''). She pulls it off, magnificently, thanks to her spectacular trill of a soprano and earnest approach, including gospel singers and bluegrass' finest."

People need to quit acting like that song is sacred. And considering Robert Plant's recent foray into bluegrass and Americana with Alison Krauss, I bet he is a fan of it too.

ghostof'lectricity Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 09:45 PM EST

John: I don't know about other Americans. I don't dislike Celine anymore than I dislike Madonna or Mariah. Their style of music just doesn't appeal to me. As for Americans being prejudiced against Canadian musicians, yeah right. Neil Young, Joni MItchell, 4/5 of the original line-up of The Band, Bruce Palmer (original bassist in Buffalo Springfield), Oscar Peterson, (the) Arcade Fire, Guess Who (God knows why- they only had one good song in my opinion: "No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature"), Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen, just to name the ones I can think of off the top of my head. All Canadian, all sold acres and acres of records in the US.

PazPraSempre Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 08:37 PM EST

Britney Spears: Satisfaction. My little sister bought her album and played it, and I just had no words.

A Perfect Circle did a cover of "Imagine" and my brothers hated it, but I actually really liked it. It sounds completely different from the original which I think is a wise choice.

Upon seeing the "Boots" video: This video is just a sad train wreck. She along with other talentless pop stars try too hard to be sexy, but this takes it to a whole new level. I feel embarassed for her (not to mention Willie Nelson).

Evil Toast Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 08:15 PM EST

Guns 'n Roses' cover of "Sympathy for the Devil" for the Interview with a Vampire soundtrack. Even Slash himself said, "That is the sound of a band breaking up." Terrible.

John Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 07:06 PM EST

Celine's song wasn't even recorded!! That's so stupid to pick a worst cover if it's never been recorded!! They are just using her name to get more attention. Celine is a real talent unlike many divas out there. Americans just can't accept that Celine is the biggest selling female artist in the WORLD - yes, more that their Mariah and Madonna - so they have a need to always bash her. Celine is one of the most beautiful voices out there and she's doesn't try to be cool (like recording a duet with Justin or Timba) to please fans - unlike M & M...

Emily Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 06:54 PM EST

As a huge USA Anastacia fan, I definitely think she deserved some defending. So thank you so much.

Steve Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 06:53 PM EST

I remember my sister telling me I had to listen to Limp Bizkit's cover of Pink Floyd's 'Wish You Were Here.' I listened, stunned to silence and she says, "It's so much better than the original." The horror, the horror...

Suzanne Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 06:38 PM EST

Simple Plan's god-awful cover of Cheap Trick's "Surrender". Of course, that pretty much describes ANY song Simple Plan puts out, but this one is especially painful

Kate Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 05:59 PM EST

Limp Bizkit's Behind Blue Eyes took this amazing song by The Who and totally destroyed it.

ghostof'lectricity Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 05:55 PM EST

To Chris: You may be referring to the 1993 tribute album "Stone Free." I actually thought Clapton's cover of the title song was pretty good (better than his 1970 cover of "Little Wing"): he interpolates parts of "Third Stone From the Sun" at the end. Buddy Guy absolutely killed (in the good sense) on "Red House." But some covers on that album were ATROCIOUS: "Spanish Castle Magic" by the Spin Doctors, anyone? After that, I'd have to answer John Sebastian's famous rock-and-roll question: "No, I don't believe in 'magic,' especially after it was murdered by the Spin Doctors." And I agree about the Cure, but I was never a Cure fan anyway. But a real pleasant surprise on the album (just to prove I'm not against all things early '90s Seattle grunge, in spite of dissing Pearl Jam here earlier) was the supergroup MACC doing "Hey Baby (Land of the New Rising Sun)" including members of both PJ and the now-defunct Soundgarden. The cover is both rocking and emotionally moving.

Lisa Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 05:24 PM EST

Madonna's American Pie. It was like she was channeling the Doodletown Pipers. Just bad!!!

Cajunsblues Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 05:16 PM EST

Motley Crue's cover of Anarchy in the UK
Sorry Vince. You are definately no Johnny Rotten

Howard Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 04:49 PM EST

Tiffany's cover of "I Saw Him [Her] Standing There" made me wretch and almost caused a car accident or two back when it came out. If I could have put a block on my car radio to prevent it from playing, I would have.

Vicki Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 04:42 PM EST

This one is a bit obscure, but Sarah Brightman has a cover of Dust in the Wind on her Eden album. If you didn't know the original, it's not bad, but when you compare the two, she butchered it.

Tim Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 04:11 PM EST

Forgot to add No Doubt's version of 'It's My Life'. Completely obvious and mediocre, it removes all of the charm and passion from the original.

Alice Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 04:09 PM EST

Anything by Jessica Simpson, Faith Hill's "Piece of My Heart," John Mayer's "Route 66," Diddy's "Every Breath You Take," anything by Michael Bolton, Lonestar's "Walking in Memphis," Sean Kingston's use of "Stand By Me" in "Beautiful Girls."
BTW, Dolly Parton's "Stairway to Heaven" is good. She is a musical genius and can do no wrong.

Tim Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 04:06 PM EST

I'm pretty sure I've never heard a Jessica Simpson 'song' of any sort. Everything described sounds desperate and lowest-common-denominator, so I guess I'm pretty lucky.

That said, 311's cover of The Cure's 'Love Song' is unforgiveable. Forcing their watered-down, bloodless reggae on such a classic, genuine pop song should be illegal.

Counting Crows'(with some Lilith Fair era shrew) version of Joni Mitchell's 'Big Yellow Taxi' is akin to sacrilege.

Evil Toast Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 03:27 PM EST

Dolly Parton's cover of "Stairway to Heaven". So many people called during it's initial airplay that it got yanked off half-way through.

Chris Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 03:25 PM EST

Well...

The Cure's cover of Foxy Lady is pretty bad, as are most Hendrix covers. Even Clapton's is merely competent. And speaking of him, he over-digitalized and MOR-ified "Going Down Slow", and I never liked his version of "I Shot the Sheriff".

Shifting gears: rap butcherings. Will Smith destroyed Stevie Wonder's "I Wish". Puff Daddy butchered The Police and Led Zeppelin, to name just a few.

Back on track. U2's cover of "Helter Skelter" is ham-fisted and stupid.

Van Halen should never have been allowed near hacks like Roy Orbison.

OneRepublic attempting Jeff Buckley. The mere thought is horrifying. The actual audio is more brutal than My Bloody Valentine's holocaust section seen/heard live.

Garbage did a bad cover of "Thirteen" by Big Star.

Green Day's cover of "Working Class Hero" is bad.

That's all I can dredge up...

Alex Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 03:11 PM EST

Clearly there's more than one answer to this question. How about the Indigo Girls cover of "Romeo and Juliet" by the Dire Straits? The queens of taking themselves too seriously took a fun, funny, bittersweet song and bashed the crap out of with their usual pompous melodrama.

MJ Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 02:41 PM EST

The worst cover song of all time is The Wallflowers' cover of David Bowie's "Heroes." Jakob Dylan took one of the most achingly gorgeous rock anthems ever recorded and reduced it to innocuous, soulless, passionless, by-the-numbers alt-lite pablum. This is unforgiveable.

QW Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 02:27 PM EST

Wow, I never realized Faith Hill's "Take a little piece..." was supposed to be a remake. Wow, that's bad.

GeeMoney Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 02:04 PM EST

Mariah Carey's cover of "The Beautiful Ones" by Prince on her Butterfly CD. Awful, just awful.

Jenna Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 02:03 PM EST

Jessica Simpson loves to ruin good songs! The worst cover is when she remade "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin. As a child of the 80s, I loved that song and all the memories it brought back of Top Gun. Simpson's "breathy/singy" rendition made me wish I had died alongside Goodse!

vincent Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 01:51 PM EST

One of the worst covers for me personally was "Orgy's" mutilation of
New Orders "Blue Monday"..
Getting mad just thinking about it..!!

Dr. B Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 01:06 PM EST

This is a little obscure, but on the Live Aid DVD there's the spectacle of Madonna and the Thompson Twins, combined with Steve Stevens (Billy Idol's guitar player) and Nile Rodgers butchering the Beatles' "Revolution"--much worse than Madonna's "American Pie" debacle.

Fatima Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 12:18 PM EST

First I need to defend two: Dolly's Stairway to Heaven is NOT horrible. It's quite well done and I'm pretty sure most reviewers of that album had kind things to say about it.

and while Mariah's covers are always a bit annoying, I love the one she did of the Beautiful Ones.

I have to agree with the Hilary Duff and Limp Bizket suggestions. Mine goes to Miranda Cosgrove's cover of the Sugababe's "About You Now." Not only is that song less than a year old, but she stole a British superhit and is going to get all the credit in the states from the Nick/Disney kids. It's annoying! I've already seen youtube comments from people who think it's her's

Kath Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 12:11 PM EST

Don't know if it's been mentioned, but Jim Carrey did a horrific cover of I Am The Walrus.

Maura ES Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 11:57 AM EST

Michael Damian's hideous update of David Essex's "Rock On" was really atrocious. The original was spooky, moody and glam. The remake -- in which Damian shouts like a cheerleader -- sounds like something that you'd hear by an amusement park cover band.

GARTH Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 11:53 AM EST

Seriously...I just you tubed Brady Bunch's "American Pie" and it's kind of cute. Not great, but fun!

Nicole Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 11:52 AM EST

I totally second "I Love Rock and Roll" when covered by Britney Spears as well as Sheryl Crow's butchering of "Sweet Child O' Mine".

Avril Lavigne's Beatles cover...ugh.

Tina Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 11:44 AM EST

Duran Duran's cover of White Lines. Unnecessary and ridiculous. Why do they play it at weddings, hasn't anyone ever listened to the words.

Mike Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 11:34 AM EST

Sheryl Crow's Cover of "Sweet Child o'Mine" was an absolute disaster. What a terrible remake. I hate it when Popsters try to tone down great rock songs and try to make them mainstream. Just terrible.

Tricia Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 11:31 AM EST

I'm also going to have to throw my votes in for both Vanessa Carlton - Paint It Black AND Jessica Simpson - Take My Breath Away.

waywhiteboyj Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 11:27 AM EST

The very first thing that came to my mind was Mariah sCarey's version of Against All Odds. Soon after, I realized she has a real history of bad covers. Open Arms, Without You, Bringin on the Heartache, The Beautiful Ones. Stop it already Mariah.

Kristen Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 10:54 AM EST

Jessica Simpson wins the title of worst cover song artist ever! Angels, Take My Breath Away, and These Boots are Made for Walking...she should be banned from doing covers!

A few more I hate:
Tori Amos - Love Song
Vanessa Carlton - Paint It Black
Limp Bizkit - Faith
All Saint - Under the Bridge
Any Phil Collins, Michael McDonald, Michael Bolton, whiny men with no talent cover is torture as well.

ihateUKfans Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 10:15 AM EST

some little kid's punk band covered Don Henley's "boys of summer" HORRIBLE

Kris Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 10:15 AM EST

I think those panning Tom Jones' Kiss need to listen to it again. It wasn't his idea to remake it. He's only the guest vocalist. The Art of Noise reworked it and asked him to sing it because of his renewed popularity at the time the song was released. Yes, I remember when it came out. I still have the 45. If you don't know what a 45 is, you're too young to pan the song. The only other one I have to disagree on is Gwen Stefani's "It's My Life". I think she did a great job of bringing a classic 80's hit into the 2000's. The rhythms and synthesizers are as pure as the original. Other than that, I agree with everything else listed...ESPECIALLY the Celine Dion travesty that is her rendition of ANY AC/DC song!!

Jessica Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 09:54 AM EST

Madonna's cover of American Pie was PAINFUL. Especially because it's a classic. But out of all of Jessica Simpson's horrid covers, the worst offence was Angels by Robbie Williams. I love that song and she killed it. I think it's clear she needs to leave the covers alone.

Elizabeth Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 09:23 AM EST

Any time The Carpenders covered The Beatles. Oh my God is it painful! The only two I know about (or have bothered to listen to) them covering are 'Ticket To Ride' and 'Help!'. Truly painful. This has to be without a doubt the worst attempts at Beatle covers. Usually Beatle covers are not that bad, some can actually be really good (Joe Cocker's 'Little Help from My Friends', Earth, Wind and Fire's 'Got to Get You Into My Life', I could go on...) and The Beatles themselves did GREAT covers ('Twist and Shout' anyone?) but this may have been the beginning of the truly terrible pop cover. That's right, blame this whole list on The Carpenders! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy4gk6m6LF4

Az80sGuy Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 09:22 AM EST

Just for clarification, it was The Art of Noise featuring Tom Jones on the "Kiss" cover. Let's give credit where credit is due.

To MsDaisy Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 09:15 AM EST

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I have hated Whitney's version of "I Will Always Love You" since the day it was released and my ears bled and a part of my soul died. It's horrific!

thomas Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 09:02 AM EST

Mariah Carey- Bringing on the Heartbreak
Orgy- Blue Monday
Watson Twins- Just Like Heaven
Tori Amos- '97 Bonnie and Clyde
311- Lovesong
The Puff Daddy butchering with Jimmy Page's consent of Kashmir...

Hillary Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 08:52 AM EST

Jessica Simpson definitely takes the cake for bad covers. I agree with all that were mentioned, but would also add her remake of "You Spend Me Round (Round Like a Record)" That was terrible too.

Laura Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 08:49 AM EST

"Son of a Preacher Man" by Jennifer Love Hewitt. Yes, it exists. Poor Dusty must be spinning in her grave.

AJ Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 08:48 AM EST

Jessica Simpson's cover of "Angels" (originally by Robbie Williams). Atrocious. What did Robbie ever do to you, JSimp?!?!?

LooneyTunes Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 08:46 AM EST

Alan is dead on with Axl's Knocking on Heaven's Dough-woe.

queen of disrepair Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 08:25 AM EST

I have to agree with the listing of Fall Out Boy/John Mayer cover of "Beat It". I mean, why? I don't mind covers in concert; hearing something live and seeing someone take chances is okay but an eternal recording released as a single??? Ummm....no, not with some songs. Having said that, I (and I can't believe I'm saying this sort of out loud in print) listening to Kid Rock's new song which mishmashes Warren Zevon, Skynard and some Seeger is AWESOME - it's a tribute and a cover and original and now on my list of forever summer songs. Kid Rock - I never thought I'd say that in my life.

Stephanie T. Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 08:14 AM EST

Yep Brad, Blablus'es,aka Blue Swede's cover of B.J.'s 1969 classic was the cheese, but Ally McBeal made it silly fun.

BA Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 08:08 AM EST

this song (boots) is AWFUL - she looks and acts like brittany spears - she is trying so hard to be sexy and she is SO not - it is painful to watch. Who allowed this to be made??? he/she should be fired. and poor willie - did he pay off his taxes yet? did he really need to do this??

IHateBadCovers Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 08:02 AM EST

Anything by Michael (whore) McDonald these days. Makes me want to Yamo burn down the store. The Jessica Simpson video for "These Boots" actually made me feel bad for her. She was finally reduced to a stripper. By her father. Sigh.

Catherine Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 07:43 AM EST

To thad: I'm sorry to say that I kinda like the version of Kiss by Tom Jones! It's just so cheesy!!!

Alan Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 07:05 AM EST

To be worth mentioning, the cover should have been popular enough to cause wide-spread pain and angst. For that reason, I have no doubt the all-time worse is Axl-Listen-to-me-scream Rose butchering the sublime Knocking on Heaven's Door. Pure tragedy. Close second, and for similar reasons, would be the whiny Michael Bolton doing all he can to ruin When A Man Loves a Woman. Go and sin no more.

thad Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 07:04 AM EST

LeAnn Rimes - Purple Rain
Tom Jones - Kiss
Prince covers in general, i could fill this page

Hutchy Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 06:30 AM EST

In their defense, Pearl Jam knew "Last Kiss" was dumb, it was supposed to be. They were doing it as a goof for their fan club. As far as hunmorless, anyone who has seen them live knows they joke around more then anyone, sometimes if they screw up a song they will stop mid song and joke about it. So basically, your completely incorrect.

Tarik Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 02:47 AM EST

I actually didn't mind Madonna's remake of American Pie. Wouldn't listen to it now but her remake of Love don't live here anymore by Rose Royce is far worse. I love Madonna. I really do but I don't want to hear her sing anyone elses songs. Remember her doing Imagine? Covers usually suck. If the original is good, why listen to a new version? I'd hate to hear someone redo Like a Prayer.

Aussie Ally Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 12:57 AM EST

Jessica Simpson - Angels. Dire - poor Robbie. He must cringe when anyone tries to sing that particular song, but most people who butcher it that badly don't have record contracts. Definitely a travesty. Make the memories of her killing it go away. She just didn't "get" that song, did she?

Ruby Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 12:56 AM EST

I did not think the ACDC cover by Celine was that bad. Ok Celine's dancing was rubbish but its just ACDC fans voting over and over again to get their bad back in the headlines.
The big shock was Anastacia was the better singer she's a cool lady.

BH Tue, Jul 8, 2008 at 12:15 AM EST

Guns-N-Roses did a version of Sympathy for the Devil that I absolutley hate. They took a great song and stripped it of all things well and good.

clshannon21 Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:27 PM EST

When Faith Hill gave a sunny, aw-shucks rendition of "Take a Little Piece of My Heart," you could hear the angels cry.

Alex Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:49 PM EST

I think Madonna's 'American Pie' is pretty good actually, and No Doubt's 'It's My Life' is way better than the original.

Seeking Unemployment Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:25 PM EST

Some time in the late 70s, Olivia newton-John did a godawful cover of the Spencer Davis Group's "Gimme Some Lovin'" that I still remember today. I think the album was called Totally Hot.

Dolly Parton's disco-ized "House of the Rising Sun" from her 9 to 5 album also ranks up there is suckitude.

But the all-time worst - Will to Power's medley of "Baby I Love Your Way/Freebird" - two, count 'em, two desecrations for the price of one.

Brad Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:25 PM EST

I know its an old one but I've gotta go with Blue Swede's version of B.J. Thomas' 'Hooked on A Feeling'
Ooh ga chaka, ooh ga chaka

Matt Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:14 PM EST

Without a doubt, it has to be Sheryl Corw's The First Cut is the Deepest. Rod Stewart's version was perfect, why redo it?

alberto Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM EST

I died a little when I heard Britney Spears "I Love Rock & Roll". But I still can't ignore Mariah Carey's cover of Prince's "The Beautiful Ones".

Karrah Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 09:58 PM EST

Britney's version of "I Love Rock & Roll"... Not. Good.

Rick Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 09:43 PM EST

Big.Yellow.Taxi by Counting Crows and Vanessa Carlton. Sorry, I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.

paula Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 09:43 PM EST

I think that any song cover by Simpson is bad. Specially "Angels" wich is a lovely song by Robbie Williams, but what she only did was scream the whole song.

Mel Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 09:26 PM EST

I think it has to be the cover Eisley did of Neutral Milk Hotel's "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea". Off-key, removes any traces of melancholy the song had, and the singer sounds bored. The original was brimming with emotion: this one feels detached.

Ugly Jenny Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 09:15 PM EST

When I think of incredibly horrible cover songs, one that comes to mind besides Jessica Simpson's atrocity is one committed by the Duff sister: a la "Our lips are sealed" and pretty much every other song covered by a Disney by-product! Less cheese please!

bootsycolumbia Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 08:56 PM EST

Thank you, Carrie for mentioning that horrible Rascal Flatts cover. Yuck! My vote goes to Jakob Dylan's cover of David Bowie's Heroes. He took out one verse of the song and stripped it of all its emotion and subtlety.Easily one of the worst covers of all time.

bohica Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 08:54 PM EST

Does anyone out there know that William Shatner covered "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds"? Do you even need to hear it? A close second would be Regis Philbin doing his Bobby Darin impression. So hilariously bad you'll piss yourself. Oh, and he cut a Christmas album too. The perfect gift for someone you hate.

monica Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 08:29 PM EST

however, i thought celine dion's version of tina turner's "simply the best" was pretty good. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPnLrtvAtlc

monica Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 08:26 PM EST

i really hated fergie's "baracuda"

Carrie Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 08:25 PM EST

Worst cover of all time? Easy. Rascal Flatts desecration of Tom Cochrane's "Life Is A Highway."

RayT Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 08:15 PM EST

Because everyone's just picking on all the pop singers who covered more rock-oriented artists (come on, Madonna's "American Pie" wasn't that bad! At least she was smart enough to cut it down to less than 15 minutes! And Britney's cover of "Satisfaction" was obviously more of a statement of sexual subversion than a serious cover attempt, hence the flesh-toned, bejeweled, visible thong), here's a terrible rock band covering a pop artist: Limp Bizkit's cover of George Michael's "Faith." I don't know if it's the fact that Fred Durst's voice makes me cringe or that he decides to class it up by screaming, "GET THE F*** UP!" in the middle of it for no apparent reason, but in any event the worst part about it is that it's the song that put them on the map and... well... I wish they had remaind off the map!

ghostof'lectricity Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 08:12 PM EST

ARNOLD- I'm with you, man. "Painful" is putting it nicely; Eddie the Emoter Vedder and his humorless crew of take-themselves-so-seriously Pearl Jammers made me cringe so bad my intestines crawled into my chest cavity. I don't like his cover of "Hide Your Love Away" any better- or Vedder- another dishonor to the memory of John Lennon.

Jelana Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 07:03 PM EST

Ok, so I just checked out the youtube clips posted by you guys. We all know Jessica Simpson can't sing, Madonna's American Pie cover sucked and Duran Duran's 911 is a joke cover was so bad even the audience looked confused (Simon, you can't do hardcore rap in pink pants).

There were other excellent suggestions as well. But, I now have to give the award to Avril Lavigne for Chop Suey. It is an affront to hearing. If you ever need to evacuate a room quickly, play that.

Carrie Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 06:56 PM EST

It's a tie between Sixpence None the Richer's AWFUL cover of Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over" or their cover of The La's "There She Goes". Her saccharine voice destroying a great song makes me want to hurl everytime I hear it. At least they stopped playing the birth control commercial that used it!

Fred Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 06:33 PM EST

I think Celine's version of "Alone" "You Shook Me All Night Long" and "I Drove All Night" are amazing. She is the best every sog she sings she puts more emotion than the original

Greg Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 05:48 PM EST

Heh I remember a couple of morning DJs comparing Axl's voice in "Live and Let Die" to Rosemary Clooney's voice...good times. And I second Nicole's choice of No Doubt's "It's my life"...especially after Gwen butchered it on some live awards show...

Arnold Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 05:19 PM EST

Pearl Jam- Last Kiss
Ugh, painful.

wg Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 05:09 PM EST

Madonna's American Pie.

The Brady Bunch Kids' cover of that song was better.

Seriously.

angela Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 04:40 PM EST

opps! sorry, I ment Marc Cohn -- great artist, bad spelling!

angela Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 04:38 PM EST

BOTH Cher and Lonestar did unlistenable covers of Mrac Cohn's 'Walking in Memphis' - horrible! On the flip side, one of my FAVORITE covers is 'Wild Horses' by The Sundays.

Sandy Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 04:32 PM EST

I'd actually read another list of 'worst covers' and they mentioned a cover of "Piece of Your Heart" done by Faith Hill. Out of curiosity, I tracked it down and yep, it completely loses the searing passion of the original and just sounds pathetic. You'd hardly know it was the same song!! Oh, and let's not even get into the NKOTB cover of "Didn't I Blow Your Mind"....

Los Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 04:20 PM EST

I think my nomination for worst cover (considering Dolly's atrocious cover of 'Stairway to Heaven' was already mentioned) could also be considered a definite shoe-in for mostly poorly timed cover. I am, of course, talking about Joss Stone's cover of the White Stripes' "Fell In Love With A Girl" (which she took the liberty of renaming it "Feel In Love With A Boy") not only because she stripped the song of its raw intensity and replaced it with a dull, unimaginative so-called 'R&B groove', but mainly because she released it as her breakthrough single when the single she was covering was LESS THAN A YEAR OLD at the time.

ghostof'lectricity Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 04:18 PM EST

I hate self-absorbed histrionics from MALE vocalists who over-estimate their vocal talents. With that in mind:

Guns 'N' Roses' cover of "Live and Let Die": even Linda McCartney's incompetent backing vocal on the original by McCartney and Wings didn't ruin it, but Axl and crew almost did.

Same band, different '60s legend: G 'N' R: "Knockin' On Heaven's Door": Bob Dylan's original was a restrained meditation on approaching death which he wrote for the anti-Western film "Pat Garrett and Billy the KId"; Acrimonious Axl and his boys turned into another chapter of "All About Axl."

Aerosmith: "Come Together." Mick Jagger once said to a groupie who had been with Steve Tyler, "Why mess with the imitation Mick Jagger when you can have the original?" Aerosmith took a break from being the low-quality imitation of the Stones to cover this Beatles classic, setting poor John Lennon, lead vocalist on the original, spinning in his grave.

CitizenVA Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 04:14 PM EST

Diana Krall singing "Love Me Like A Man". She just sucks every bit of life and soul out of the piece! :(

CVA

LadyTiger Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 03:58 PM EST

Michael Bolton, When a Man Loves a Woman was truly awful, even though he's a talented singer. Jessica Simpson, on the other hand, is not talented, and so I would have to vote that her covers are the worst.

And I also like Dolly Parton's version of I Will Always Love You better than Whitney's. Dolly's is just more sad and heartfelt.

Jannie Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 03:49 PM EST

Rod Stewart's cover of Van Morrison's "Have I Told You Lately." He murders it.

jones Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 03:45 PM EST

Anyone on American Idol's cover of "Against All Odds." It is one of my all-time favorite 80's power ballads and it is butchered so often on American Idol that is physically pains me. I can only recall Ramiele and Scott Savol's horrible renditions, but I know more exists. Oh, and Mariah's version of it is pretty bad as well.

Stephanie T. Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 03:44 PM EST

Correction "Smell's Like Team Spirit"

Stephanie T. Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 03:43 PM EST

Tori Amos, Nevermind

MsDaisy Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 03:37 PM EST

I'll probably get run out of this forum for this one: Whitney Houston's cover of "I Will Always Love You". Dolly's original version was so pure and heartfelt and Whitney's was just overdone caterwauling.

rob Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 03:15 PM EST

On the Jerkey Boys movie soundtrack, tom jones covers lenny kravitz's "are you gonna go my way" in spectacular awefulness.

dma69 Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 03:07 PM EST

My list (not in any particular order of badness):
1) Jessica Simpson - Angels
2) Will To Power - Baby I Love Your Way/FreeBird
3) Jessica Simpson - Take My Breath Away
4) Madonna - American Pie
5) Duran Duran - 911 Is A Joke
6) Jessica Simpson - These Boots Are Made For Walking
7) Britney Spears - (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
8) Tom Jones - Kiss
9) Celine Dion - I Drove All Night
10) anything sung by William Hung

Phil Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 02:58 PM EST

Has anyone heard the truly atrocious R.B.D. cover of the dance(freestyle) classic "Let The Music Play" from the early 80's by Shannon? This group had have some pretty successful Latino hits, and their own show, I believe, and though one of their members is gay and proud, he himself should be ashamed of this truly HORRID cover version. I'd almost go so far as to say, he should have had his gay card revoked, since Shannon's version can be heard at just about any retro night at ANY gay club! It made my ears bleed.

TheBookPolice Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 02:42 PM EST

Avril Lavigne doing System of a Down's "Chop Suey"....live.

If the link below doesn't work, it's on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfM1U74tMJw

Celimene Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 02:41 PM EST

Yeah, Jessica Simpson covering "Angels" is a crime against music. Though I would pay good money to hear her take on "Mr. Roboto," purely for the trainwreck factor. Tell me that wouldn't work. Come on.

And yes, William Shatner did some poetry-reading style covers of songs. But they're seven shades of awesome and shall not be criticized here. The best of them are "Rocket Man" and "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds".

amah Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 02:29 PM EST

Haha, I giggle just thinking about JSimp's version of "Take My Breath Away." An apt title for the song, apparently, as she sounded like she was going to have an asthma attack.

nicole Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 02:20 PM EST

Gwen Stefani doing Talk Talk.*yuck*

invalidname Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 02:20 PM EST

There's a whole podcast for covers, you know: coverville.com. Great stuff, but not much in the way of bad covers.

For those who dare, I'll nominate Dennis DeYoung's cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Fire".

Broadway Baby Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 02:12 PM EST

My first thought was Celine Dion's I Drove All Night so I'm pleased to see a number of people agreeing here. Also Britney Spears doing Satisfaction - horrific - really horrific.

AJ MacReady Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 02:09 PM EST

Apologies, Mr. Slezak, but they WERE correct, Anastacia fan or no - that travesty they called a "You Shook Me" cover WAS the worst ever. Even more so than the monkey dung that Simpson tried to pass off as music; it was horrible, but not quite in the same league. I haven't heard anything that is. Perhaps Madonna's American Pie - the woman should be punished. PUNISHED, I say. Publicly, even; that would be best. It would deter those who might consider defiling a classic. Which again, has a lot to do with why Dion's was so bad and Simpson's wasn't - I don't know many people who would claim "Boots" to be a classic. But, of their type, "You Shook Me" and "American Pie" most CERTAINLY are classics. As such, they should be either left alone, or treated with respect. And watching Celine Friggin Dion lamely attempt to air guitar is NOT respect. Thank you -

Anna Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 02:01 PM EST

Gwyneth Paltrow and Huey Lewis's absolutely horrid rendition of Smokey Robinson's "Cruisin'." They took a soulful and sexy song and turned it into something bland and creepy. And don't get me started on Paltrow doing The Temptations' "Just My Imagination." Ugh!

Andrea's right Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 01:56 PM EST

Light my Fire was written by Robbie Krieger and Jim Morrison and was covered by Jose Feliciano. And I also dislike Feliciano's version.

KellsBells Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 01:40 PM EST

Hands down Lindsay Lohan doing Stevie Nick's The Edge of Seventeen. Why does God hate us? Why did he let LiLo cover that song???

Rasha Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 01:40 PM EST

Fall Out Boy's cover of "Beat It" with John Mayer on guitar. I love John Mayer, but neither did the song justice. I'm a firm believer that Michael Jackson songs should only be performed by MJ himself, unless you're stripping to it ala Carlton Banks on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

NineDaves Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 01:24 PM EST

I still cry a bit everytime I hear Britney's cover of "I love Rock and Roll." Why Britney? Why would you do that to me?

Dixie Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 01:13 PM EST

Almost forgot...Celine Dion's cover of "Back in Black" nearly shriveled my ovaries. Only time will tell if the damage was permanent.

Dixie Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 01:08 PM EST

Any Jessica Simpson cover, Madonna's American Pie, Kelly Osbourne's Papa Don't Preach, Pat Benatar's I Need A Lover That Won't Drive Me Crazy

Stephanie T. Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 12:59 PM EST

Any and every song covered by Jessica ("Duck Face")Simpleton.

Mariah Carey's covers of Ded Leppard and Badfinger (Without You) are both terrible.

There are way too many horrible covers. I'll go with Jay Black's live version of Marty Balin's "Hearts" and Duran, Duran's version of Led Zeppelin's "Thank You".

Nick Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 12:44 PM EST

Alice Cooper's cover of The Beatles' _Because_ for that ill-fated soundtrack to that lousy "Sgt Pepper's" movie. I mean, I can appreciate creativity, but this was an entirely different plane--both dreadful AND monotonous.

Also, I hate Tiffany's cover of "I Think We're Alone Now." And whoever came up with the idea of mixing "Free Bird" with "Baby I Love Your Way" oughta be shot.

Andrea again Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 12:43 PM EST

To whoever said Feliciano wrote Light my Fire...I could be wrong, but I always thought that Robby Krieger wrote it. And didn't the Doors record it in 1966 and Feliciano in 1968?

Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 12:37 PM EST

This is not singing!

Stopthemadness Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 12:34 PM EST

Jessica Simpson singing Angels. Ouch, my ears are bleeding!!!!!!!!!

Sandy Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 12:33 PM EST

Tom Jones' remake of Prince's "Kiss" (one of my favorite songs) nearly killed me.

Bandit Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 12:32 PM EST

I vote Jessica Simpson, Take My Breath Away! I so wish her breath would be taken away when she sings this godawful breathy painful to listen to cover of this song. Do record execs have a CLUE on how most of the public think she's a horrible singer???! Guess they are blinded by her, um, assets.

Hey Andrea Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 12:31 PM EST

Jose Feliciano wrote the song. The Doors covered HIM.

Sorella Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 12:28 PM EST

JESSICA SIMPSON! She butchered the gorgeous song ANGELS, it makes me cringe when I hear it. Plus with her breathy awful renditions f These Boots and Took my Breath Away, she's the all-time worst.

CarrieKat Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 12:25 PM EST

Jessica Simpson should not do covers. EVER. These Boots, Angels, and Take My Breath Away - ALL very, very, very awful!

Chris Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 12:23 PM EST

How about Duran Duran covering "911 is a Joke"?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3EGljZ-N_Y

And I can't believe nobody has mentioned William Hung yet.

JohnO Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 12:15 PM EST

I agree with Jennifer - Celine's "I Drove All Night" was devoid of emotion.

Arden Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 12:13 PM EST

Oh yes, and here's the proof:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBqT3CoXoDM
They also performed it on SNL.

Jelana Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 12:04 PM EST

Arden, really? I did not know about the Puff Diddy/Kashmir thing. My ears just popped off my head and ran away at the very thought. It's not the worst? I do have to say that Madonna American Pie cover is excruciating.

Melissa M. Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:56 AM EST

Michael Bolton - When a Man Loves a Woman. Way to turn one of the single best, authentic, raw, and spontaneously created pieces of heartfelt music out there into a studio-created, schmaltzy piece of garbage. Worst of all, many younger people believe it's the "real" version!! Ugh.

Sarah Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:50 AM EST

Unfortunately, Lauren, I am not kidding. Celine remade "Alone" on her Taking Chances album. I suggest anyone that's a fan of the original, beware, you're in for some definite cringing.

Chip Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:47 AM EST

Madonna's version of "American Pie" is absolutely nothing compared to the Brady Bunch's.

Andrea Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:43 AM EST

This may garner me a lot of hate mail but I could never stand Jose Feliciano's cover of the Doors Light my Fire. Maybe it's the way he butchered the chorus..."lightmyfire-lightmyfire-lightmyfire" in this really weird nasal staccato thing. Eeesh. I don't know if it's the worst EVER but it's pretty darned bad.

April Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:34 AM EST

Why is Jessica Simpson only singing song covers? I'm with the crew that says her version of Angels is HORRIFIC! On the flip side, the Spanish version of Angels is beautiful.

Lauren Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:33 AM EST

Sarah, please tell me you're joking when you say Celine Dion had the gall to cover "Alone," one of my all-time favorite songs. I'm getting a cavity just thinking about it. Celine, Ann Wilson you are NOT.
However, I thought Carrie Underwood did a nice job of covering it when she was an Idol contestant.
I agree...anything by the awful Jessica Simpson. Why, oh why, is she still around?

Jane Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:32 AM EST

I loved Shatner's version of Rocketman. It was pure Shat.

pede Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:30 AM EST

Mariah Carey's horrid version of Def Leppard's "Bringing on the Heartbreak". I renamed it "Bringing on the Earache". Pop divas should NEVER attempt anything even remotely resembling rock.

Jack Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:21 AM EST

If you think Jessica Simpson doing "These Boots" is awful, try listening to the version by Megadeth.

BrandonK Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:20 AM EST

And didn't William Shatner cover a few songs in his weird poetry-reading-style stuff?

JennyK Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:19 AM EST

No question - Hillary Duff's atrocious cover of "My Generation." It's not just the fact that she really can't rock. It's the fact that either she or her people changed the lyrics to "Hope I DON'T die before I get old." If you're doing an iconic rock song, maybe you shouldn't change the most famous line from that song to something that completely negates the song's message. I'm sure the Disney people or her agents didn't want her stirring any controversy, but if that's true, they should have picked another song.

BrandonK Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:17 AM EST

Oops, Anastacia with a "c". Hee hee. I guess they'd better take away my fan card.

BrandonK Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:17 AM EST

Aw, I like Celine and Anastasia's cover of that song! It's high-energy and they really get into it.
I count just about everything sung on "American Idol" as a cover, so I'm going to say there are plenty of worse covers from the various seasons of that show.

Mags Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:17 AM EST

I can't stand the Tom Jones/Gwen Stefani version of "Burning Down the House." Ick.

Jackie Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:14 AM EST

Jessica Simspon doing Robbie Williams' beautiful "Angels". I just discovered this recently on youtube but OMFG is it TERRIBLE. She BUTCHERS IT. I'm getting angry just thinking about it...

Arden Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:11 AM EST

While it's not the worst, P. Diddy aka Puff Dadday aka whatever covering "Kashmir" for the freakin' GODZILLA SOUNDTRACK. Even worse, he had Jimmy Page's help!

Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 11:09 AM EST

There is no argument, there is no debate. The WORST song cover of ALL time is British singer Lemar's cover of The Darkness's "I Believe in a Thing Called Love." Hunt it down and discover true atrocity.

aaa Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:55 AM EST

I'm gonna have to go with Limp Bizkit's cover of 'Behind Blue Eyes'. Do I really have to list any reasons why? I mean...it's Limp Bizkit.

Larry Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:54 AM EST

I Love ANASTACIA and really enjoy the Celine and Anastacia duet on Diva's! It was campy fun just like it should have been.

Tenna Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:45 AM EST

I have to second Jessica Simpson's take on Robbie Williams' "Angels" -- oh man, I never thought a song that gorgeous could sound so horrible.

MK Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:44 AM EST

The first cover I remember being up in arms over was Smash Mouth's "I'm a Believer". But I'm sure there's something on one of the 72 volumes of "Rod Stewart Caterwauls through the American Songbook" that's more painful--I think he might deserve his own subcategory.

Catherine Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:43 AM EST

Well Any cover by Jessica Simpson will do as the worst cover!!!

James Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:42 AM EST

Going back a few years, MC Hammer did a half-sung, half-rapped remake of "Have You Seen Her". As a bonus, it had maybe the single worst lyric I've ever heard--"The girl is hard to see, like an unseen v.j." I'm queasy just thinking about it... Oh, and I second the Anastacia kudos!

Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:36 AM EST

What about Dolly Parton's Stairway to Heaven? UGH!!!!

Carla Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:34 AM EST

For me the worst song cover is Courtney Love and Hole doing "Gold Dust Woman." Stevie Nicks should never have let that happen!

dan jones Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:33 AM EST

I don't care how many people already said it.... Madonna's American Pie is so awful it should be a war crime.

carole Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:32 AM EST

Faith Hill's version of 'Take another piece of my heart' - janis joplin would vomit.

Winona Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:24 AM EST

Since somebody already mentioned Madonna's "American Pie", I'll throw my vote to Everclear's "Brown Eyed Girl".

Sarah Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:22 AM EST

Easily, without a doubt, the horrid version of Hearts "Alone" that Celine Dion took upon herself to "remake". What was once a charged, seductive ballad is now a sappy, sticky love song. She definitely doesn't have the right type of voice to handle a rock song.

jes Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:19 AM EST

Weird! Just as I'm reading this story...AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long" is on the radio.

Em Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:16 AM EST

Let's not disregard the horrifying screeh of Michael Bolton covering practically every song ever written.

Jennifer Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:12 AM EST

Oh, and Celine Dion's version of "I Drove All Night." I know, let's take ALL of the longing and emotion out of the song and just make it an experiment about how long and high a single note can be dragged out. Over and over. Oh, and to truly kill the original sentiment, let's record it for a car commerical. Vomit.

Sam Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:11 AM EST

You give such a perfect example of the worst song cover that I'm momentarily unable to think of anything else that comes close. JS's version leaves nothing to the imagination, while NS's version, tame by comparison, is still sexy. Ah, Jess, over the top as usual.

Jennifer Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:10 AM EST

Another vote for Jessica Simpson, but it's for the way she shrieked her way through Robbie Williams' "Angels." That was a travesty.

Ceballos Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:07 AM EST

Slezak, you make a strong case, but I actually agree with Allison...I absolutely hate Simpson's version of "Take my Breath away"!

However, my pick would be Madonna's version of "American Pie"...just brutal.

Amy Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 10:03 AM EST

The first song that comes to mind is The Jonas Brothers version of Aha's Take On Me. I only heard it because they "sang" it on Dancing with the Stars, otherwise I might have been spared the total annihilation of an iconic 80s song by those super sappy tween brother nightmares.

Emily Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 09:59 AM EST

The most painful and cringeworthy remake I have ever heard has to be "Sweet Child of Mine" by Sheryl Crow. Aaaccckkk! What was she thinking?

Allison Mon, Jul 7, 2008 at 09:59 AM EST

I will stick with your Jessica Simpson but instead insist that her rendition of "Take My Breath Away" was far worse than "These Boots.."
She took a classic 80s song that is still a staple at high school dances and screeched it to death. Not only do I hate her version, I can barely listen to Berlin's version without thoughts of her creeping in my head.