Female Cover Songs You Need Right Now
Female cover songs are becoming more popular than ever, and it’s not hard to understand why especially during a time in history when women’s reproductive rights are under attack. In a world that has traditionally treated the music industry as though having a dick somehow makes a person better at playing an instrument and singing songs with important messages, female cover songs have the opportunity to prove the opposite. By taking popular songs made by men from all genres over the course of history and making them better, female musicians are showing the world what they bring to the table (and always have.) So in the spirit of women’s empowerment, I embarked on a quest to find the best female cover songs.
Female Cover Artists Bring Inclusivity to Music
Even today, enjoying music written by men feels a little bit like walking through a field full of landmines. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve caught myself mindlessly singing along with the radio or my playlist when out of the blue I hear myself and suddenly realized the true nature of the misogynistic shit coming out of my mouth. And honestly, the genre of the music makes no difference. One is no better than the other, and this sparked my interest in searching out the best female cover songs.
The rising number of female artists like Miley Cyrus, Sophia Urista, Kina Grannis, and Taylor Swift covering old and new songs written by men is thrilling. There’s something exciting about this movement and the resulting female cover songs that even men can’t resist. It’s like female artists are cracking a hidden door open for women to step through. We can now fully enter that sacred musical space where music conveys more than messages about falling in love.
We get to hear the sound of rebellion carried on a woman’s trembling vocal cords. And when female artists do remake love songs written (or made popular) by men, we are allowed to experience passion outside of the conventional, heteronormative box that we’ve been forced into for most of our lives.
The following are the best female cover songs, that are better than the originals.
20 Cover Songs by Women
Skinny Love by Birdy Cover Song (Bon Iver)
I Can’t Feel My Face by Alessia Cara (The Weeknd cover song)
Get Lucky by Daughter (Daft Punk cover)
Nothing Else Matters by Miley Cyrus (Metallica Cover)
Miley Cyrus knows how to do covers right and that is why she easily lands on the list of Best Female Cover Songs. Metallica fans had a hard pill to swallow when this cover launched. Even the die-hard metalheads who still don long hair and leather couldn’t deny the Miley killed this heavy ballad. I bet some of them secretly have it on their mixed tapes.
Killing in the Name by Sophia Urista (Originally by Rage Against the Machine)
Rage Against the Machine played at one of the first concerts I ever attended. It was one of the most powerful musical experiences I had had up until that day. I remember being crushed by sweaty men moshing on all sides of me. There’s something extra powerful about listening to this song being sung by a talented WOC. I could put this on repeat for hours.
War Pigs by Maya Azucena (Originally by Black Sabbath)
I’ll be honest, I could have cared less about Black Sabbath growing up. I could not relate. This female artist changed everything.
Heart-Shaped Box by Kawehi (Originally by Nirvana)
Wake Up by Sophia Urista (Originally by Rage Against the Machine)
In The Air Tonight by Larkin Poe (Originally by Phil Collins)
Oh, Phil, I do love you, but this is something special. I get goosebumps. The original just doesn’t have the same effect.
Across the Universe by Fiona Apple (Originally by the Beatles)
I grew up with the Beatles, but to be fair, this was never one of my favorite songs. Now when Fiona sings it, it’s a whole different story. There’s also something particularly satisfying about watching the video. Fiona stays almost rebelliously calm as men loot and destroy everything around her…timely, don’t you think?
Love Song by Adele (Originally by The Cure)
This is a sexy song. As far as cover songs go, Adele made this one about a billion times sexier than The Cure ever could have.
I’m on Fire by Amy Macdonald (Originally by Bruce Springsteen)
While there may be some disagreement around whether or not this cover song is better than the original, it’s a powerful performance regardless. And who wouldn’t love hearing this song in a woman’s voice.
Love Yourself by Karlijn Verhagen (Justin Bieber cover)
Black Hole Sun by Norah Jones (Original Sound Garden)
This cover song is a hell of a moving tribute to the original artist. You may even find yourself enjoying this version more.
Wicked Game by London Grammar ( Originally by Chris Isaak )
Chris Isaak made the ladies swoon with this one…but so does London Grammar.
Final Note: I do realize that there have been powerful female musicians across time. I’m not denying that. So save your breath (angry little typing fingers) and time. I’m just pointing out that the music industry has been and still is largely controlled by men and is historically misogynistic.
Grenade by Nina Nesbitt (Bruno Mars cover)
Don’t Tell Em by Lorde (Jeremih cover)
Riptide by Taylor Swift Cover Song (Vance Joy)
Do I Wanna Know by MS MR (Arctic Monkeys cover)
Sweater Weather by Kina Grannis (The Neighbourhood cover)
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