Music Monday: Best Rock Covers of Songs from Other Genres
Pop music: people love it or hate it, and those who hate it cannot even avoid it. Since it is everywhere, and yes I mean everywhere, there is no way to escape it. This is where covers come into play. These are the best rock covers of pop songs that I have discovered and have no shame in jamming out to.
13. Payphone – Crown the Empire
Original artist: Maroon 5
This cover was featured on Punk Goes Pop 5. Crown the Empire formed in 2010 in Dallas, TX and have released three full length albums and an EP. Their genre is post-hardcore and are signed to Rise Records.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JiMO1-W1CM
12. Bad Romance – Halestorm
Original artist: Lady Gaga
This cover was featured on a YouTube channel. Halestorm formed in 2005 in Red Lion, PA and have released three full length albums. Their genre is hard rock and are signed to Atlantic Records.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vmhnxVF1GU
11. Cool for the Summer – Halocene
Original artist: Demi Lovato
This cover was featured on their YouTube channel. Halocene formed in 2008 in Phoenix, AZ and have released a full length album and two EPs. Although, they are more popularly known for their Punk Goes Pop like covers. Their genre is pop rock and they are not signed to any label.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsqldB5Lc7o
10. Skyfall – Our Last Night
Original artist: Adele
This cover was featured on their YouTube channel. Our Last Night formed in 2004 in Hollis, NH and have released four full length albums and two EPs. Their genre is post-hardcore and were signed to Epitaph Records, but recorded their most recent EP and album independently. They are going on tour this fall with Hands Like Houses, The Color Morale, and Out Came the Wolves.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F_fg4QrBvI
9. Toxic – Our Last Night
Original artist: Britney Spears
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYEGAfJaYBQ
8. What Do You Mean? – A Story Told
Original artist: Justin Bieber
This cover was featured on their YouTube channel. A Story Told formed in 2013 in Charleston, West Virginia and have released a full length album and two EPs. Their genre is pop rock and are not signed to any label.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U01kmJkiGF0
7. Torn – Hands Like Houses
Original artist: Natalie Imbruglia
This cover was featured on Punk Goes 90s Vol. 2. Hands Like Houses formed in 2008 in Canberra, Australia and have released three full length albums and two EPs. Their genre is a mix of post-hardcore and hard rock and are signed with Rise Records.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M58IJO7N32s
6. Womanizer – The All-American Rejects
Original artist: Britney Spears
This cover was featured on a multitude of YouTube channels. The All-American Rejects formed in 1999 in Stillwater, OK and have released four full length albums. Their genre is alternative rock and are signed to Interscope Records.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXsdvsZHQf8
5. Cheap Thrills – Janick Thibault
Original artist: Sia
This cover was featured on his YouTube channel. He is the lead singer of the band, Story Untold who were previously known as Amasic. They formed in 2013 in Laval, QC and have released their debut EP. Their genre is pop rock and are signed to Hopeless Records.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTOti9yD0U4
4. Black Skinhead – Catfish and the Bottlemen
Original artist: Kanye West
This cover was featured on BBC Radio’s YouTube channel. Catfish and the Bottlemen formed in 2007 in Llandudno, Wales and have released two full length albums and two EPs. Their genre is indie rock and are signed to Island/Communion Records.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcjP5PbW9Gw
3. Blank Space – I Prevail
Original artist: Taylor Swift
This cover was featured on their YouTube channel. I Prevail was formed in 2013 in Southfield, MI and have released an EP and their debut full length will release Oct. 21, 2016. Their genre is post-hardcore and are signed to Fearless Records.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czb_CZfWko8
2. Don’t Let Me Down – Fame On Fire
Original artist: The Chainsmokers
This cover was featured on their YouTube channel. Fame On Fire formed in West Palm Beach, FL and have released their debut single with their EP on its way. The majority of their videos include their covers. Their genre is alternative rock and are not signed to a label.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfKeLXYPdRU
1. Cold Water – Against the Current feat. Tyler Carter of Issues
Original artist: Major Lazer feat. Justin Bieber and MØ
This cover was featured on their YouTube channel. Against the Current formed in 2011 in Poughkeepsie, NY and have released a full length album and two EPs alongside a variety of covers too. Their genre is pop rock and are signed to Fueled by Ramen Records.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQmh-gwvk_M
Allison Wulfhorst is a freshman majoring in journalism. To contact her, email her at akw5392@psu.edu.
