Ep 9. More Hits That Were Covers

The Top Ten Revealed is back for another exciting episode, this time exploring More Hits That Were Covers. Hosted by rock music expert and radio personality Katie Daryl, the show counts down the top ten cover songs that became even bigger hits than the original versions.

Katie is joined by an all-star panel of music industry insiders to discuss each song and its impact on the industry. The panel includes guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, singer-songwriter Carnie Wilson, comedian Jim Breuer, and rock journalist Lonn Friend.

The episode kicks off with a look at some honorable mentions, including notable cover songs like "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston, originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton, and "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson, covered by Alien Ant Farm.

The countdown then begins with number ten: "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell. Originally recorded by Gloria Jones in 1964, Soft Cell's 1981 cover became a massive hit, topping the charts in multiple countries. The panel discusses what it was about Soft Cell's version that resonated with listeners and made it such a beloved classic.

Coming in at number nine is "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper. The song was originally written and recorded by Robert Hazard in 1979, but it was Cyndi's 1983 cover that became an instant party anthem. The panel talks about how the song's message of female empowerment resonated with a generation of young women and made it such an enduring classic.

At number eight is "Hallelujah" by Jeff Buckley. Originally written by Leonard Cohen, the song was covered countless times before Jeff Buckley's haunting rendition in 1994 became a beloved classic. The panel discusses how Buckley's emotional performance captured the heart and soul of the song in a way that no one else had before.

Number seven on the list is "Red Red Wine" by UB40. Originally recorded by Neil Diamond in 1967, the song was given a new life by the reggae band UB40 in 1983. The panel discusses how UB40's fresh take on the song, with its smooth reggae rhythms and lush harmonies, made it such a standout hit.

At number six is "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Sinéad O'Connor. Written by Prince and originally recorded by The Family in 1985, it was Sinéad's 1990 cover that became a global sensation. The panel reflects on how Sinéad's raw, vulnerable performance of the song captured the deep emotion and longing at the heart of Prince's lyrics.

Number five on the list is "I Fought the Law" by The Clash. Originally recorded by The Crickets in 1959, it was The Clash's 1977 cover that gave the song its punk edge and made it a classic. The panel discusses how The Clash's raw energy and social commentary brought new life to a song that had been around for decades.

At number four is "Respect" by Aretha Franklin. Written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965, it was Aretha's 1967 cover that became an anthem for the civil rights and women's rights movements. The panel talks about how Aretha's vocals, combined with the song's message of empowerment and equality, made it one of the greatest covers of all time.

Number three on the list is "All Along the Watchtower" by Jimi Hendrix. Originally written and recorded by Bob Dylan in 1967, it was Jimi's electrifying 1968 version that became one of his most iconic songs. The panel discusses how Jimi's incredible guitar work and fearless experimentation made the song his own and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest musicians of all time.

At number two is "The Man Who Sold the World" by Nirvana. Written and recorded by David Bowie in 1970, it was Nirvana's 1994 cover that introduced a new generation to the song and became a defining moment of the grunge era. The panel talks about how Kurt Cobain's haunting performance captured the song's darkness and sense of alienation in a way that spoke to an entire generation.

And finally, the top spot on the list goes to "With a Little Help from My Friends" by Joe Cocker. Written by The Beatles and originally recorded by Ringo Starr in 1967, it was Joe Cocker's unforgettable performance at Woodstock in 1969 that made it a classic. The panel reflects on how Joe's soulful, bluesy rendition of the song, combined with his gritty, emotional vocals, made it one of the greatest covers of all time.

Overall, More Hits That Were Covers is a fascinating look at some of the most beloved songs in music history and the unique ways in which artists have reinterpreted them over the years. With insightful commentary from a panel of music experts and unforgettable performances, this episode is sure to be a hit with music fans of all ages.