Five Cover Songs that Are BETTER than the original.

Usually, an original artist has the best version of their song. These are the exceptions.

5. Respect-Aretha Franklin (Originally by Otis Redding)

That's right, Aretha Franklin's signature song is actually a cover of a song by Otis Redding. Otis' version is okay, but not in the same league. The roles are reversed in Franklin's version, and a lot more soul is to be found here, plus a lot of music is actually added. It's a lot more prominent for a reason, it's better. Sorry Otis, we respect you man, but your version just doesn't stack up.

4. Between you and Me-Relient K (Originally by DC Talk)

The DC talk version isn't bad, but it's overproduced with a very Boys II Men feel, something DC Talk suffered from a lot. While Matt Thiessan is not the singer Michael Tait is, this cover feels a lot more heartfelt, more emotional and more real. It's just a better song, and that's all there is to it.

3. Mad World-Michael Andrews and Gary Jules (Originally by Tears for Fears)

While the original new-wave song by Tears for Fears is fun, nostalgic and catchy, Michael Andrews and Gary Jules bring the song to the next level. It's slow, meditative and emotive. You can't not love it. The original, well it could turn some people off and doesn't make you think as much as it perhaps should have. Andrews and Jules take this song and make it great.

2. Electric Feel-Justice (Originally by MGMT)

Enough old folks music, let's talk about stoners! MGMT's version of this song is enchanting amazing, and can probably give you a contact high. It was one of my favorite songs ever. Then I heard the Justice version and wow. I'm not even a big Justice fan, this is their best song, and it's a doozy. Insanely dance-to-able and unforgettable. The original seems a little uneventful by comparison, and considering how amazing and layered the original is, that's saying a heckuvalot.

1. Hurt-Johnny Cash (Originally by Nine inch Nails)

You saw this coming. If you didn't you're stupid. Nine Inch Nails does a fine job okay, but the changes that Cash made make the song 10,000 times better. It goes from a fairly good piano-based rock ballad to a world-shattering experience. Reznor emphasizes the wrong words, his vocals are overly breathy and he makes it much more laborious than it should be. Cash lets it come from his soul, every moment is pitch perfect. It's rumored that he finished the video within hours of his death. While I don't think that's true, if you can get through the video with dry eyes, you have no soul. NO SOUL!!!