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Should we judge a song by its cover?

They say you should never judge a book by its cover. However, with music this certainly isn't the case. Will any of these beauties earn a spot on your playlist?

Miley Cyrus - Jolene
Despite her 'bad girl of pop' image, Miley is undoubtedly one of the best country singers in the industry. Her cover of Dolly Parton's classic showcases her soulful, passionate voice beautifully. This version is arguably better than the original, it's just stunning. It's been incorporated into my summer playlist for the past couple of years, and will no doubt remain there for many more years to come!  

Soft Cell - Tainted Love
This 80's anthem was actually pinched from soul mama Gloria Jones. I won't insult your intelligence by describing the song - chances are you're already humming it!

Hozier - Problem
Hozier has proved to be one of the hottest new artists and this song is rather fitting with such a title. He's transformed Ariana Grande's bubble-gum pop into a gritty, sexy masterpiece. Whatever 'it' is, the native Irishman certainly has bucket loads of it. It's exactly what a cover should be. He's managed to unearth a stunning story from an overplayed 'money maker' song. If you haven't heard it - go listen now!

The Vitamin String Quartet- Sail
The Vitamin String Quartet are the masters of the art of covers. They've covered everything from Gaga to ACDC. Consequently, it was rather challenging just to pick one - they could have filled the whole list ten times over! However, it was the enthralling contrast between the melodic violins and the gutsy cello of this song that won me over in the end. The song has such a satisfying, gritty sound, that you forget it's a string quartet. VSQ prove that classical instruments can do rock as well as the next man - but with more technical flair than your average rock 'n' roll band.

Vaccines - We are never getting back together
I didn't think it was possible to turn Tay-Swift into something so edgy and ballsy. But the Vaccines never fail to disappoint! The cheesy cliché song has been converted into a magnificent specimen of British indie rock and is one of the finest things the BBC Live Lounge has produced.

Tori Amos - Smells like teen spirit
When a song has been covered so many times, it's hard to appreciate it's reinventions. However, Amos executes the song in a mesmerising and enthralling manner, creating a sound  that is haunting and simply stunning. The track is heightened through the incorporation of her hypnotic poetry - evoking ambiance and raw emotion of the finest calibre.

Miley Cyrus - Why'd only call me when you're high?
She's back. This woman knows how to do a cover. Her rendition of the Arctic Monkey's hit has possesses a bluesy-country vibe, making it original whilst staying true to the original and doing it justice. So much so, that AM front man Alex Turner has admitted that this is his favourite cover of the song. Miley - we salute you!






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