Maitlynn’s Top Classic Rock Cover Songs

I've always loved the power and the "vibe" of this song and, of course, love some Jimi Hendrix, but I didn't learn until this past weekend that "All Along The Watchtower" was actually a cover! Bob Dylan originally did the song but, no hate to Bob, but his songs are pretty easy to amp up and make your own. What Jimi did with "All Along The Watchtower" is pure art.

When I first started diving into Classic Rock, Led Zeppelin has always been at the top. I definitely don't think I'm alone in that one. When I first came across "Dazed and Confused" I will admit I listened to it more because it shares a name with that Matthew McConaughey movie. However, when I did actually listen to it, I was in love. It's bluesy, it's a little psychedelic, it's something you can completely immerse yourself in. Zeppelin added so much dimension to the original Jake Holmes version.

This is one that while I don't think it surpassed the original by Brownsville Station, I think it was just as good! Motley Crue added their own spark and flavor to this song and many young Crue fans can recognize this one first. With Motley Crue's reputation as the "bad boys" I can't think of a more perfect song for them to cover and absolutely kill it!

While I know Johnny is technically considered more country, he transcends music tastes and is beloved among the masses. Classic Rock fans and artists alike find/found inspiration in Cash. His cover of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt" is up there with one of the best, most heartbreaking covers I have ever heard. The fact that Cash kind of flipped the script and while many people have covered his songs, he decided to cover a song by a group far younger than him. It's dark, it's moody, it's emotional and it is beautiful.

Another cover that is maybe not "better" than the original but just as good is Marilyn Manson's cover of Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus." Growing up my dad was a big fan of both and turned me to be the same. Honestly, I could do a whole list just dedicated to Marilyn Manson covers because he's just that good at them in my book. This cover of "Personal Jesus" adds an even more Manson-style "hard" tone to it. Whenever I hear those dogs barking in the beginning I get amped up, say "OH HERE WE F-ing GO" and am ready to join in with "Reach out and touch faith." I know Manson isn't necessarily "Classic Rock" but he's always mixed into my rock playlists and for that, he earns a spot on my list.