7 cover songs to add to your playlist

A good cover song can make you hear a song like you’ve never heard it before. A fresh stance on an old tune can make you appreciate it in a whole new light.

We've compiled a list of our favorite covers you must hear, from the slow and powerful rendition of Britney Spears' hit "Toxic" by Israel’s Yael Naim to Darius Rucker's revival of an Old Crow Medicine Show classic. These seven songs are definitely worth adding to your library.

'Hit Em Up Style' by Carolina Chocolate Drops

Originally performed by Blu Cantrell

https://youtu.be/H2oBQMnHkLQ

Another alternative take on an early 2000s hit – this time, folk group Carolina Chocolate Drops take on Blu Cantrell’s beat with the banjo, fiddle and a little bit of beatbox.

'Wagon Wheel' by Darius Rucker

Originally perfomed by Old Crow Medicine Show

https://youtu.be/hvKyBcCDOB4

Former Hootie and the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker takes on the country classic (and favorite Southern bar sing-a-long) "Wagon Wheel."

'Toxic' by Yael Naim

Originally performed by Britney Spears

https://youtu.be/zqKZ_WIK5ms

Indie singer-songwriter Yael Naim slows down Britney Spears' pop anthem. This Israeli talent exposes a whole new side to this top charter.

'Hurt' by Johnny Cash

Originally performed by Nine Inch Nails

https://youtu.be/vt1Pwfnh5pc

Johnny Cash exudes pure emotion in this powerful cover. His next-level emotion will make you think he wrote the song himself.

'Valerie' by Mark Ronson feat. Amy Winehouse

Originally performed by The Zutons

https://youtu.be/4HLY1NTe04M

Mark Ronson and Amy Winehouse picked up the tempo and added a fresh spin to the Zutons hit – and their cover has become more popular than the original!

'Open Your Heart' by Ofra Haza

Originally performed by Madonna

https://youtu.be/wWeuULp46s0

Israeli singer and actress Ofra Haza shares a beautiful rendition of Madonna’s hit. Listening to Haza’s cover will make you appreciate this song in a new light.

'At Last' by Beyoncé

Originally performed by Etta James

https://youtu.be/Q8FHwsATN0E

Beyoncé closes out the list with her powerful rendition of the Etta James classic, "At Last." One of the world's most influential artists, Beyoncé paid a graceful tribute to the timeless song in her performance at the 2009 Inaugural Ball.

Share your thoughts and tell us your favorite cover song in the comments below!

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