Musicians Who Covered Their Own Songs

Covering your own song is not something that artists often do, as they typically create new material to keep their fans interested. However, sometimes an artist will re-record one of their old songs for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they want to update the arrangement, reinterpret the lyrics, or simply improve the recording quality. In this article, we’ll explore five artists who covered their own songs, and examine the different approaches they took to re-recording their material.\r \r 1. Johnny Cash \r \r Johnny Cash famously covered his own song "Folsom Prison Blues" twice, with two very different results. The first version, recorded in 1955, features a faster tempo and a more upbeat arrangement. However, when Cash re-recorded the song in 1968, he slowed down the tempo and gave the track a more brooding, contemplative feel. The lyrics are the same, but the two versions of the song sound like they were written for completely different moods. The 1968 version of "Folsom Prison Blues" became one of Cash's signature songs, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest country songs of all time.\r \r 2. Prince \r \r Prince was known for his prolific output of new material, but he also revisited some of his older songs throughout his career. One example is "When You Were Mine," a track from his 1980 album "Dirty Mind." Prince re-recorded the song in 1987 for his album "Sign o' the Times," giving it a funkier, more danceable arrangement. The lyrics, which are about a former lover who has moved on to a new partner, remain the same. However, the new version of the song showcases Prince's growth as a musician and producer, and highlights his ability to create infectious grooves that get people moving.\r \r 3. Fleetwood Mac \r \r Fleetwood Mac's 1975 album "Fleetwood Mac" featured the hit song "Landslide," which was written and sung by guitarist Lindsey Buckingham. In 2003, the band re-recorded the song for their album "Say You Will," with a slightly different arrangement and some updated lyrics. Buckingham's voice had matured over the years, and the new version of "Landslide" features a more nuanced vocal performance. The updated lyrics reflect the passage of time and the changes that have occurred in the band's career, with references to "the children" and "the past."\r \r 4. The Beatles \r \r The Beatles covered their own song "Revolution" in 1968, giving it a slower, bluesier feel than the original version. The lyrics, which were written as a response to the political turmoil of the time, remain the same. However, the new arrangement of the song showcases the band's versatility and willingness to experiment with different styles. The slower tempo and bluesy guitar riff give the song a more contemplative feel, and the addition of a horn section adds an element of soulful elegance.\r \r 5. Bob Dylan \r \r Bob Dylan has covered his own songs countless times over the course of his career, but one of the most notable examples is "Tangled Up in Blue." Dylan first recorded the song for his 1975 album "Blood on the Tracks," but re-recorded it in a different arrangement for his 1997 album "The Best of Bob Dylan, Vol. 2." The new version features a more subdued vocal performance from Dylan, and a more stripped-down arrangement that puts the focus on the lyrics. The updated version of "Tangled Up in Blue" showcases Dylan's ability to reinterpret his own material, and his willingness to explore different musical approaches.\r \r