Which Famous Artists Didn't Like Their Song Covers?

Many artists have expressed dissatisfaction with cover versions of their songs for various reasons including differences in interpretation, commercial exploitation, or simply personal taste. Here are some notable examples where these renowned musicians have spoken out against covers of their work:

Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan, a legendary figure in the music industry, is known to be critical of some covers of his songs. For instance, he reportedly was not fond of the way Jimi Hendrix interpreted his masterpiece, The Times They Are A-Changin'. Dylan’s dedication to the authenticity of his music often makes him protective of how his songs are performed and interpreted by others.

Van Morrison

Van Morrison has expressed disdain for many covers of his songs, particularly the cover of Brown Eyed Girl. He feels that many cover versions lack the soul and essence that he intended to convey in his original performance. This sentiment is shared by many artists who believe that their songs hold a special place in their creative process and that any deviation could diminish the integrity of their work.

The Rolling Stones

Mick Jagger, the frontman of The Rolling Stones, has been known to be critical of some covers, particularly when they stray too far from the original sound or intent of the song. One notable example is when they voiced their concerns over a cover of their hit Angie. Jagger and the band believe that some covers fail to capture the raw energy and emotion that made the original so powerful.

Prince

Prince was famously protective of his music and expressed dissatisfaction with various covers, including Sinead O'Connor's rendition of Raspberry Beret. He felt that these covers did not do justice to the complex layers of his work. This protective stance is common among artists who have a deep connection to their music and aim to maintain its authenticity.

Radiohead

Radiohead has been critical of some covers of their song, Creep. The band's intricate harmonies and unconventional approach to pop music often result in covers that fall short of their original vision. Frontman Thom Yorke has particularly noted that many covers simplify the song's haunting melody and lost much of its power.

Kurt Cobain and Nirvana

Kurt Cobain, the co-founding member of Nirvana, disliked the cover of Something in the Way. Cobain felt that the cover, which was given new prominence through its use in the hit movie Birdman, failed to capture the pain and despair that he wanted to convey in the original.

Leo Sayer's Controversy with "The Show Must Go On"

Leo Sayer, a mesmerizing performer with an amazing voice, was reportedly not pleased when "Three Dog Night" changed the lyrics of his song The Show Must Go On from "I won't let the Show Go On" to "I must let the show go on." The Three Dog Night version, while popular, lacked the gravitas of the original, which featured Leo performing the song in a white-faced Pierrot clown costume. This costume further brought to life the self-deprecating lyrics that highlight the struggles of fame and the feeling of being a staged, performative tradition.

Paul McCartney and "Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da"

Paul McCartney, a co-founding member of The Beatles, is known to have hated Marmalade's cover of "Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da." Marmalade's version was a number 1 hit in the UK and considered the most commercially successful cover of a Beatles song at the time. However, McCartney felt deeply that the cover version did not match the original's charm and simplicity, which he felt was lost in the more polished and catchy rendition by Marmalade.

These examples show that the interpretation of a song can vary widely, and artists often have a strong attachment to their original vision. Whether it's through protecting the integrity of their creative work or maintaining the raw emotion behind their lyrics, many artists choose to be careful about who gets to perform their songs.