Eighties Cover Songs, Songs Beginning with W

Thanks to Warren Bakay for suggesting this page to me, I hadn't even realized until he mentioned it, the music industry is dredging up big hits from the last decade due to a not-so-surprising lack of imagination by the current stars. This should of course come to no suprise to most people, some big hits of the eighties were covers as well ("Mickey", "Der Kommisar", "You Keep Me Hanging On" (which was remade into a hit four times so far)). So far though, most covers have been pretty hideous. We only list songs that are originally from the eighties and are now being made into covers. We also only list a band if they're already well known or the group is making a lot of radio play with the remake.

Oh and to clear up a misconception a few people out there seem to be having about this page (and sending me very nasty letters). I have no problem with artists who do a cover of a song in concert, or because they are just starting out and don't have enough original material of their own for a full set of songs. As a matter of fact, cover bands can be great fun to go and see. All groups in modern history start out this way, I own a lot of The Beatles albums and they were the original cover group. A lot of early rock songs were covers of old R&B tunes. It's a fact of life.

This page currently edited by: . Past editor: Junior


Cover songs beginning with: [Index] [A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] [H] [I] [J] [K] [L] [M] [N] [O] [P] [Q] [R] [S] [T] [U] [V] [W] [X] [Y] [Z] [misc]

"Waiting in Vain", Originally by Bob Marley, Remade by Annie Lennox
Absolutely mesmerizing... easily better than the original, but I'm not a Marley fan.
"Wake Up Everybody", Originally by Teddy Pendergrass, Remade by Ja Rule
Awesome, ranks up there with Nas doing "Everybody wants to rule the world"
"Walk Like An Egyptian", Originally by The Bangles, Remade by Linea77
A great metal cover
"Walk Like An Egyptian", Originally by The Bangles, Remade by Nobodys
it rocks...punk covering 80's songs...best of both worlds...
"Walk Like An Egyptian", Originally by The Bangles, Remade by Me First And The Gimme Gimmes
Awesome song. I have to say I was a guy growing up into the 80's so I wasn't too into the Bangles, but I love the remake of this song. It's funny, energetic, and even though it's a cover, original. Me First and The Gimme Gimmes cover almost any 80's song you can think of and some even older. From Jenny (867-5309) to Jeremiah was a Bullfrog they do em all. And they're all great.
"Walk On By", Originally by Dionne Warwick, Remade by The Stranglers
Terrific cover of the classic Bacharach & David love song. The Stranglers speed it up like many punk bands do with covers, but after the first verse there follows long keyboard then a guitar solos. Reminisant to the Doors' Riders On the Storm.
"Walking In My Shoes", Originally by Depeche Mode, Remade by Finger Eleven
Alot Heavier and faster than the original
"Walking In The Air", Originally by Theme From The Snowman, Remade by Nightwish
RRREEEEAAALLLLYYYYYYY great song!!!!!
"Walking On Sunshine", Originally by Katrina & The Waves, Remade by Aly & AJ
Not much different, but much cheesier than the original.
"Walking On Sunshine", Originally by Katrina And The Waves, Remade by Five Iron Frenzy
It's a pretty good cover.
"Walking On Sunshine", Originally by Katrina And The Waves, Remade by Me First And The Gimme Gimmes
Another great cover by MFATGG. You have to check them out they're awesome. If you're a fan of 80's music, or even a hardcore punk fan they're a must to listen to.
"Walking in L.A.", Originally by Missing Persons, Remade by Hagfish
featured on Before You We're Punk: A Punk Rock Tribute to 80's New Wave
"Walking on Sunshine", Originally by Katrina and the Waves, Remade by Pinhead Circus
Off their "Fall in Love All Over Again" album. thiers some wierd issues with the timing some parts are slowed down then sped up it's a wierd effect and it doesn't really work.
"Walking on the Moon", Originally by The Police, Remade by The Darkest Of The Hillside Thickets
An interesting, if not necesarily great cover. Faster, and a touch more up-beat.
"Wanted Dead Or Alive", Originally by Bon Jovi, Remade by The Slackers
A completely different song. It's nuts! They've turned it into a Gangja-infused reggae tune. Definitely worth a listen.
"Wanted Dead Or Alive", Originally by Bon Jovi, Remade by Tantric
I saw them live and they ended with this song (before the encore). I thought the guitarist wouldn't be able to hang, but he did and it rocked. Guess they were giving tribute to their 80's influnce.
"Wanted Dead or Alive", Originally by Bon Jovi, Remade by Montgomery Gentry
YUCK!!! Isn't bad enough that those little so called "country cuties" have to try to cross over into the pop genre. Now these guys have to cover a hella good 80s song!!! What is wrong with these people!!!! Tell them to get their own material!!!!!
"Warm Leatherette", Originally by The Normal, Remade by Chicks On Speed
Also covered by Grace Jones, this one's fairly recent. Having a semi-hit with their disco song "Glamour Girl", this is a fair cover.
"Warsaw", Originally by Joy Division, Remade by Miranda's Girlfriends
Insanely heavy pounding techno sound. A totally amazingly good cover.
"Wasted", Originally by Black Flag, Remade by Camper Van Beethoven
Quite a bit different from the original, but you can definitely understand all the words.
"Wave Of Mutilation", Originally by Pixies, Remade by Superdrag
I guess they were covering the album version of it, not the UK Surf version. Its alright. Found on the 'Where Is My Mind?' tribute album.
"The Way You Make Me Feel", Originally by Michael Jackson, Remade by Shakaya
It's actually pretty good. Although, it is ironic that it took a song written by someone else to make this rather crappy band sound good.
"We Built This City", Originally by Starship, Remade by Frenzal Rhomb
I believe that Frenzal cover this song extremely well and this is one of my favourite punk covers Frenzal give this song all the whiney starship vocals and therefore make this song briilant, although i do like the starship original frenzal perform it a lot better!
"We Built This City", Originally by Starship, Remade by Frenzal Rhomb
Interesting take on this crappy song.
"We Didn't Start the Fire", Originally by Billy Joel, Remade by Techmo Super Bowl
a great song the way it was truly destined to be played
"We Will Rock You", Originally by Queen, Remade by Flanic(unsigned)
This was covered by Flanic it is mostly a rap he raps with a british accent most of the time it sounds good he even did his own backing vocals and filmed his own video
"We Will Rock You", Originally by Queen, Remade by Warrant
This was from the original movie soundtrack, that featured Cuba Gooding Jr. It was a boxing movie. Warrant did an excellent job on their redention of a Queen classic. More of a harder rock version, blazing guitar solo at the ending, yet still maintained the classic essence of the original. This version of the song later made to Warrant's Best OF...disc in 1996/1997.
"We Will Rock You", Originally by Queen, Remade by Five
cheap...
"We're Not Gonna Take It", Originally by Twisted Sister, Remade by Donots
Cool cover version by the German Punk Band "The Donots". They played it as the last encore at every concert, and now it's available on the 7 track special EP "Donots go Metal" (a live and a studio version).
"We're Not Gonna Take It ", Originally by Twisted Sister, Remade by Joan Jett
Not bad, sounds a little like Bif Naked's version but i guess Joan needs the money.
"We're Only Gonna Die", Originally by Bad Religion, Remade by Sublime
From their 40 oz. To Freedom, Sublime makes a totally different sounding, but great cover.
"We're at the Top of the World", Originally by The Carpenters, Remade by The Juliana Theory
Well-played.
"Welcome Home (Sanitarium) ", Originally by Metallica, Remade by Apocalyptica
4 Cellos rocking out on Metallica shows you how melodic Metallica Really is.
"What A Feeling", Originally by Irene Cara, Remade by Navy Blue
The soundtrack to the 1983 movie "Flashdance" had a cover done 20 years later, by Navy Blue. The only thing they really changed was the beat.. it sounds much better, much edgier with a high-energy eurodance beat.
"What A Wonderful World", Originally by Louis Armstrong, Remade by Miss World
Didn't like the Miss World version, especially after the bomb sound effect turned it into a political statement.
"What About Love?", Originally by Toronto, Remade by Heart
The Canadian Band Toronto originally sang it in 1982 before Heart recorded it for their 1985 self-titled album. Ironically it was dropped from their album "Get it on Credit". It's now a bonus track on the CD.
"What About Me", Originally by Moving Pictures, Remade by Elton John
I Just have a question, does anybody now if Elton John ever covered the above song please let me know as I have a bet with my husband over it.
"What About Me", Originally by Moving Pictures, Remade by Shannon Noll
Pretty Good
"What Difference Does It Make", Originally by Smiths, Remade by Mr. T Experience
"What Difference Does it Make", Originally by The Smiths, Remade by Bobby Bare Jr.
it's a good cover. bobby bare jr.'s version is simialr to the original. they are a pretty good band based out of nashville.
"What I Got", Originally by Sublime, Remade by 311
This cover is excellent, because it's 311 as you've never heard 'em before - acapella.
"What I Like About You", Originally by The Romantics, Remade by Lillix
They couldnt sing if their lives depended on it. The original blows it away!!!! Nice try girls.
"What I Like About You", Originally by The Romantics, Remade by Suicide Machines
Better than average, not straying to far from the original while managing to be more entertaining. The sing-along, mosh-able style is great. "What I Like About You" would've been a lot better if it was played this way in the first place.
"What's Going On", Originally by Marvin Gaye, Remade by Bono and Chris Martin
Amazing!! This song really takes you to another place.
"What's Going On", Originally by Marvin Gaye, Remade by Various Artists
It is a really good song!!!! Perfect ramake even better than the original because there were so many people in volved!!
"What's Love Got To Do With It", Originally by Tina Turner, Remade by Warren G
Identical almost,and pretty boring.
"What's So Funny 'Bout)Peace Love And Understanding", Originally by Elvis Costello , Remade by A Perfect Circle
On new album full of covers
"Whats Goin' On", Originally by Marvin Gaye, Remade by A Perfect Circle
Its a very good, darker version of the original... in fact, all of eMotive is good.
"When Doves Cry", Originally by Prince, Remade by Ani Difranco
Very nice version of this song, stripped down with Ani's raw vocals.
"When Doves Cry", Originally by Prince, Remade by Ani DiFranco
excellent!
"When Doves Cry", Originally by Prince, Remade by Ginuwine
it is ok but no one can do it better than prince
"When Doves Cry", Originally by Prince, Remade by the Flying Pickets
a completly accoustic version of this song by the Flying Pickets, absolutly fantastic and way better than any other version I've heard (except maybe the barenaked ladies)
"When Doves Cry", Originally by Prince, Remade by Ginuwine
I'm sorry but this cover is about as genuine as a faux pearl necklace. Throughout the whole song it sounds as if someone is burping. It would also help if Ginuwine could dance half as well as Prince can. It should be on the PU label. It stinks! :p
"When Doves Cry", Originally by Prince, Remade by Yo La Tengo
They're masters of the cover version now, and this is a fantastic take of a great song.
"When Doves Cry", Originally by Prince, Remade by Barenaked Ladies
Awesome cover - they make it their own!
"When Doves Cry", Originally by Prince, Remade by Guy Sebastian
Awesome cover of this song!...personally i think he edges out Prince by that little bit...Brilliant!
"When Doves Cry", Originally by Prince, Remade by Patti Smith
Sung with an emotion only Patti could offer, with a taste of her punk roots in the overall feel of the song.
"When The Children Cry", Originally by White Lion, Remade by Seventh Day Slumber
nice cover, they are a Christian rock band......great original, good cover
"When The Rain Begins To Fall", Originally by Pia Zadora and Jermaine Jackson, Remade by Pappa Bear
yuck!
"When You Say Nothing At All", Originally by Keith Whitley, Remade by Ronan Keating and Alison Krauss
Never heard the original by Keith Whitley but I've heard Alison's version, and Ronan's because it was in Notting Hill. Alison has a nice voice, but I prefer Ronan's version.
"When You Were Mine", Originally by Price for Cyndi Lauper, Remade by Crooked Fingers
Great cover from Crooked Fingers formerly Archers of Loaf. go to a show, and check it out live. The more whiskey consumed on stage, the better likelyhood that you will witness this amazing cover!
"When You Were Mine", Originally by Prince, Remade by Mitch Ryder
One of the best covers ever. Mitch Ryder was being produced by John Mellencamp on this album entitled, "Never Kick a Sleeping Dog".
"When You Were Mine", Originally by Prince, Remade by Cyndi Lauper
The original was okay, but I surprisingly liked Cyndi's version way better, one of her best songs (it should have gotten more airplay)
"Where Did You Sleep Last Night", Originally by Leadbelly, Remade by Nirvana
Who knows on what Kurt was on when He heard this song and told to Himself "This gonna be an AWESOME song to cover!!!!" But It did!!!! A genius still a genius...
"Where Is My Mind", Originally by The Pixies, Remade by Placebo
the original was better..but it's good.
"Where Is My Mind?", Originally by Pixies, Remade by Nada Surf
The original was pretty relaxed, and a fantastic song. This is an even more relaxed song, and it manages to not botch it - just put a different spin on it. Of course, the original is one of the best songs ever. Found on the 'Where Is My Mind?' tribute album.
"Where Is My Mind?", Originally by Pixies, Remade by Toadies
A live version of the song. Guy doesn't really know all the lyrics, but its not bad.
"Where Is My Mind?", Originally by Pixies, Remade by Ghoti Hook
A really sped-up version of the song. Its not bad.
"Where is My Mind", Originally by The Pixies, Remade by James Blunt
Live cover, great job, sounds awesome!
"Where is my Mind", Originally by Pixies, Remade by Placebo
I was at the gig where they played this to an audience for a first time. I can't explain how electric it was. The version on they have put on disc is live but was done for a British radio station and you honeslty wouldn't know it was live. Molko has to reach for the higher notes but then that was the case with the original. I bet this version brings the Pixies and whole new generation of black nailpolish wearing fans.
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps", Originally by George Harrison, Remade by Spineshank
This song is AWESOME perhaps one of the greatest cover songs to ever be produced, so good it made it onto spineshanks debut album Strictly Diesel
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps", Originally by George Harrison, Remade by The Jeff Healy Band
beautiful cover
"Whip It", Originally by Devo, Remade by Los Prisioneros
If you are into spanish rock check these guys out. They did an awesome job changing the song from English to Spanish :) it rocks!
"Whip It", Originally by Devo, Remade by Moby
They say this is the Death Metal version.
"Whiplash", Originally by Metallica, Remade by Destruction
When Metallica's Whiplash was a breathtaking song, Destruction's cover is total madness and distortion, but meaning good!. Awesome.
"Whiskey in the Jar", Originally by Thin Lizzy, Remade by Metallica
they did good......
"Whisper to a Scream", Originally by Icicle Works, Remade by Acumen Nation
Incredible! Unfortuantely, they were sued and the 'Newer Wave' covers compilation it was on was recalled; but definitely worth getting your hands on. Their "Lawsuits are Fun" remix 1.2 on the Unkind single just doesn't cut it...
"White Lines", Originally by Grandmaster Flash, Remade by Duran Duran
"White Lines", Originally by Grandmaster Flash 1983, Remade by Duran Duran (1995)
One of the greatest songs ever made - Covered by oneof the greatest 80's bands of all time (Duran Duran)! What more can ya' ask for?
"White Man I Hammersmith Palais", Originally by The Clash, Remade by 311
Very good, similar to original
"White Riot", Originally by The Clash, Remade by Dropkick Murphys
It was on The Singles Collection Vol. 1. Pretty fuckin' nice.
"White Riot", Originally by The Clash, Remade by Angelic Upstarts
damn good band covering a damn good song!
"White Wedding", Originally by Billy Idol, Remade by Deathstars
more akin to the original in vocal styling than the murderdolls version, very nice synth with gothic vocals
"White Wedding", Originally by Billy Idol, Remade by Devlin
I listened to only 30 seconds of this song on Amazon.co.uk and this one wasn't very good. The vocals were not awful, but it didn't match up to Billy's version.
"White Wedding", Originally by Billy Idol, Remade by Murderdolls
I always loved this by Billy Idol, and this metal version REALLY ROCKS!
"White Wedding", Originally by Billy Idol, Remade by Murderdolls
i think this version is really good as it brings a new light to rock
"White Wedding", Originally by Billy Idol, Remade by Doro
Doro's version is harder,she really makes you forget Billy Idol's version was even made.
"White Wedding", Originally by Billy Idol, Remade by Devlin
By-the-numbers cover by Goth Metal band, Devlin. Female vox. Not too bad, but doesn't hold a candle to Doro's version :)
"White Wedding", Originally by Billy Idol, Remade by Sentenced
I think the best Idol's cover ever made is this one.
"White Wedding", Originally by Billy Idol, Remade by Murderdolls
This is a nice hard metal cover
"Wicked Game", Originally by Chris Isaac, Remade by HIM
As good as the original, not a fake really, u have to listen this very good remake.
"Wicked Game", Originally by Chris Isaac, Remade by Him (his Infernal Majesty)
awesome cover!! if anyone likes the original, they would definitely like this one. awesome song done by an awesome band.
"Wild Boys", Originally by Duran Duran, Remade by Atrocity
A metal-style version of this 80s classic (still one of my favourites from that aera) by the German metal band "Atrocity" with some rather hard guitar riffs. From their album "Werk 80", which contains a whole bunch of great metal versions of popular 80s songs.
"Wild Boys", Originally by Duran Duran, Remade by Mnemic
Vocals are a bit harsh but a nice melody.
"Wild Boys", Originally by Duran Duran, Remade by Phixx
Sounds exactly the same, on first hearing but is more rocky, the guitar sound drones the vocals at times.
"Wild Boys", Originally by Duran Duran, Remade by Mnemic
Industrial version of an 80's classic, with speeding drums and a much more evocative voice than LeBon's. Absolutely amazing. Available on "The Audio Injected Soul" album, released late 2004
"Wild Boys", Originally by Duran Duran, Remade by Deathline International
An industrial cover of one of Duran Duran's angstier songs ... seems natural to me. I'm surprised there aren't more industrial covers of Wild Boys, but the cover is considered a fan favorite by Deathline International listeners. Overall, the cover is amazingly true to the original.
"Wild Horses", Originally by The Rolling Stones, Remade by The Sundays and Bush
I love the version The Sundays did. Wasnt too thrilled with the version Bush had.
"Wild Horses", Originally by The Rolling Stones, Remade by Mazzy Star
Great song, Mazzy Star added her usual beauty to this song great cover!
"Wild Wild West", Originally by Kool Mo Dee, Remade by Will Smith & Sisqo with Kool Mo Dee
I prefer the newer version by far, but then again, I almost always like the cover versions of songs better!
"Wild horses", Originally by The Rolling Stones, Remade by The Sundays
Exquisite cover!
"Wind Beneath My Wings", Originally by Bette Midler, Remade by Sonata Arctica
Not a bad interpretation by this metal band.
"Wind Cries Mary", Originally by Jimi Hendrix, Remade by John Mayer
very nice
"Winterlong", Originally by Neil Young, Remade by The Pixies
the pixies have done other covers and they're all great. but i just love this version...it's even better than the original. ANY pixies song is a good song anyway!
"Wish", Originally by Nine Inch Nails, Remade by Linkin Park
Trent Reznor does it a lot better but I was a little impressed how Linkin Park played.
"Witchy Woman", Originally by Fleetwood Mac, Remade by Babes In Toyland
"With or Without You", Originally by U2, Remade by LCM
Awesome tranz version of the song with whitney houston samples.
"Woman In Love", Originally by Barbra Streisand , Remade by Rebekah Ryan
Not that great, the original was much better
"Woman In Love", Originally by Barbra Streisand , Remade by The Bluetones
Indie cover of the Barbra Streisand number 1!
"Won't Back Down", Originally by Tom Petty, Remade by Edgewater
Faster than the orginal and more modern with the guitars, thus changing the feel, but still captured the essence of the original. Can be found on their 2nd album "Lifter".
"Wonderful Tonight", Originally by Eric Clapton, Remade by Westlife
I thought that westlife did an amzing version of the song. The vocals really stand out
"Word Up", Originally by Cameo, Remade by Gun
very good cover, they turned this electro-pop-dance song into a rocking song with a wild guitar solo.
"Word Up", Originally by Cameo, Remade by Melanie Mel B/Scary Spice Brown
Just wanna point out that the "Spice Girls" never did a cover of this song - only Scary Spice, Melanie B, during her short-lived solo career. Song wasnt that bad. Video creeped me out though...
"Word Up", Originally by Cameo, Remade by Gun
Rock version of it,not good at all.
"Word Up", Originally by Cameo, Remade by Korn
It's a damn good song
"Word Up", Originally by Cameo, Remade by Gun
Never heard of the original but waaay better than the Spice Girls
"Word Up", Originally by Cameo, Remade by Gun
EXCELENT! Is a great cover with a style Hard Rock insupperable
"Word Up", Originally by Cameo, Remade by KoRn
It's not bad but someone should have told Jonathan Davis that dancable pop songs don't make very good rock songs.
"Word Up", Originally by Cameo, Remade by Korn
Amazing! A real change in pace for korn, and a major improvement on the origional
"Word Up", Originally by Cameo, Remade by Gun
I heard the original and i HATED it!! This verision is better than both Cameo and KoRn's versions. THIS SONG IS TRUE HARDCORE!!
"Words", Originally by Missing Persons, Remade by Halomaker
Halomaker really mixed the song around. It's an industrial mix but it will blow you away. It takes a couple listens to get used to it but it's well worth it.
"Working Class Hero", Originally by John Lennon, Remade by Marilyn Manson
Very dark. Brings a whole new look to it.
"Working In The Coal Mine", Originally by Allen Toussaint, Remade by Devo
repeatative but cool....hey it's devo!
"Working for the Weekend", Originally by Loverboy, Remade by Mr. Bungle
Amazing cover. Like a funny joke, and at the same time, you find yourself really rockin to a lame song done amazingly accurately and amazingly well. Its as though you can see Mr. Bungle's overwhelming skill show through the cheesy song.
"World (The Price Of Love)", Originally by New Order, Remade by Vitamin DDT
Pulsing techno beat. Very well done. I heard it in a club a few weeks ago.
"World In My Eyes", Originally by Depeche Mode, Remade by Sonata Arctica
Sonata Arctica makes excelents covers
"World In My Eyes", Originally by Depeche Mode, Remade by The Cure
A big cure fan...no doubt, but I felt they could've done a little better choice of song off of the Depeche Mode tribute disc.
"World in My Eyes", Originally by Depeche Mode, Remade by The Cure
I actually think this is a perfect cover for the Cure. It was really, really well done and held enough Depeche and Curesque qualities to make the song really enjoyable. You can't really go wrong, though with so close a genre covering one another...
"Wouldn't It Be Good", Originally by Nik Kershaw, Remade by Soulwax
It is a great cover, I would say.
"Wouldn't It Be Good?", Originally by Nik Kershaw, Remade by Danny Hutton Hitters
From the "Pretty in Pink" soundtrack. Not great.
"Wrapped Around Your Finger", Originally by The Police, Remade by Underoath
by far the best cover song to date...Underoath really shows their talent in this song with singing and adding in the screaming
"Wrapped Around Your Finger", Originally by The Police, Remade by Tori Amos
Loved it. She has a unique way of interpreting any song
"Wuthering Heights", Originally by Kate Bush, Remade by Angra
There are 2 versions of this cover:the cover... and the "speed" cover. The former sounds best to me. Amazing to know that these high pitches are sung by a man. Great fun to listen to.
"Wuthering Heights", Originally by Kate Bush, Remade by China Drum
Brilliantly turning the kate bush classic into a rock club dance anthem, for the rock lovers this is better than the original
"Wuthering Heights", Originally by Kate Bush, Remade by White Flag
The male lead of White Flag didn't even bother to change the lyrics. Thus singing from the female perspective (Cathy).
"Wuthering Heights ", Originally by Kate Bush , Remade by Pat Benetar
i didnt think it would sound right--but Pat kicks some major ass


Cover songs beginning with: [Index] [A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] [H] [I] [J] [K] [L] [M] [N] [O] [P] [Q] [R] [S] [T] [U] [V] [W] [X] [Y] [Z] [misc]
Do You Have a Song to Share?

Please check out the Cover Songs submission page.