4 Country Covers That Are Just as Good, if Not Better, Than the Original Versions

Covers can be a gamble. Listeners are sentimental about their music. Changing up a song too much can cause an uproar. On the flip side, recreating a song note for note can feel like a pale imitation. The four artists on this list got it right. Listen to these country covers–that are arguably better than the original–below.

4 Country Covers That Are Just as Good, if Not Better, Than the Original

1. “Ol’ Red” – Blake Shelton

Because “Ol’ Red” is so intertwined with Blake Shelton‘s career, it’s hard to imagine anyone else did this song before him. Nevertheless, this song was originally performed by George Jones. Shelton made this haunting track his own in 2001. It quickly became just as–if not more popular–than the original tale of prison breaks and heartaches.

Now, Ol’ Red, he’s the damnedest dog
That I’ve ever seen
Got a nose that can smell a two day trail
He’s a four legged trackin’ machine
You can consider yourself mighty lucky
To get past the gators and the quicksand beds
But all these years that I’ve been here
Ain’t nobody got past Red

[RELATED: Post Malone Brings Out “F—ing Legend” Blake Shelton for Surprise Duet During Milestone Nashville Show]

2. “Tennessee Whiskey” – Chris Stapleton

In terms of country covers usurping the original recordings, “Tennessee Whiskey” is one of the most famous examples. Though most people probably are aware now, there was a time when no one even knew that this Stapleton track was a cover. That’s the magic of this country icon’s artistry. His sound is so unique that he makes every song he touches his own.

You’re as smooth
As Tennessee whiskey
You’re as sweet
As strawberry wine
You’re as warm
As a glass of brandy
And honey, I stay stoned on your love
All the time

3. “Hurt” – Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash’s decision to cover Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt” still seems a mystery. Industrial rock seems a far cry from Cash’s country roots. Nevertheless, this cover works. Cash’s smoky vocals helped to drive home this song’s painful sentiment.

And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt

4. “Higher Love” – Keith Urban

Keith Urban worked overtime to deliver this country cover of “Higher Love.” In the accompanying visual, Urban performs every instrument himself, building up the lush sound of this song little by little. The end result is equally as enticing as Steve Winwood’s original version.

Bring me a higher love
Bring me a higher love, oh
Bring me a higher love
Where’s that higher love I keep thinking of?

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadio