Country music contains more cover songs than any other genre. In the modern era, artists dip into vintage collections and pull songs from their influences to record. However, until around the mid-‘80s, it wasn’t strange to see two or more versions of the same song drop within months of one another. In those days cover songs were meant to do what the name implies: overshadow or “cover” the success of previous versions.
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Due to the wealth of covers in the genre, fans often debate the best covers. Some say that a transformative song like Johnny Cash’s rendition of “Hurt” is the pinnacle. Others believe that a song that completely overshadows the original like Reba McEntire’s “Fancy” is the best. On the other hand, some fans just like hearing their favorite artist singing songs they already enjoyed.
[RELATED: 4 of the Most Covered Country Songs of All Time]
Recently, members of the r/country subreddit took up the debate. Dozens of fans came to share their opinion on the best cover song in country music.
Fans Debate the Best Country Cover Song
Many fans came to the thread to share their picks for the best country cover songs. While there were nearly as many additions to the list as there were commenters, many agreed on the one song that is not in the running. “I know ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ by Chris Stapleton is going to show up. The next time I hear it will be too soon,” one fan commented. “I would be fine with never hearing Stapleton’s butchering of that song again as long as I live,” another agreed. “I would love to never hear this song again. A million times is enough,” the original poster added.
One song that came up in the thread several times was Whitey Morgan’s cover of Townes Van Zandt’s “Waitin’ Around to Die.” One commenter noted that Van Zandt’s widow left a comment on the song’s official YouTube video saying how much she enjoyed the cover adding that Townes would have loved it as well.
Several artists came up in the conversation multiple times. Fans praised Dwight Yoakam for his covers of “Streets of Bakersfield” by Buck Owens, “Purple Rain” by Prince “Honky Tonk Man” by Johnny Horton, and others. Alan Jackson got love for his cover of Tom T. Hall’s “Tall, Tall Trees” and “Summertime Blues” by Eddie Cochran.
Some fans praised the Chicks for their cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” while others were shocked to learn that “Travelin’ Soldier” was a cover.
The Debate Goes on Forever and the Party Never Ends
The Reddit thread didn’t get us any closer to finding the best country cover song. However, it did celebrate several top-tier tracks. Let’s look at a few of what I consider the best of the best.
Reba McEntire’s cover of “Fancy” only came up one time in the thread. That’s likely because many fans don’t realize that it’s a cover. Bobbie Gentry wrote and recorded the song in 1969, more than two decades before McEntire put her stamp on the song. Gentry had a solid crossover hit with it. However, McEntire’s rendition is nothing short of country gold.
Johnny Cash’s cover of “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails came up several times in the thread for good reason. This transformative cover not only introduced Trent Reznor’s songwriting to a new audience but it also presented the lyrics from a new perspective. Reznor initially thought hearing the song was like watching someone sleep with his girlfriend upon his first listen. However, after seeing the video, he said it was like watching some guy sleep with his girlfriend and leave with her.
Several more country covers of non-country songs including Dwight Yoakam’s “Purple Rain” and Sturgill Simpson’s “In Bloom” came up in the thread several times. I’d like to present Silverada’s cover of “The Way” by Fastball in this category.
My Pick for the Best Country Cover Song
So, what I’m saying here is that it’s nearly impossible to pick the best country cover because there are so many metrics by which to judge.
However, if I had to pick my favorite cover song by a country artist, I’d choose Charley Crockett’s rendition of “Jamestown Ferry.” Tanya Tucker originally recorded the Bobby Borchers and Mack Vickery-penned song for her debut album Delta Dawn. Crockett’s sound fits the song like a glove.
In fact, I’d go as far as to say that Crockett does some of the best cover songs in the genre today. He’s released several albums over covers in recent years that showcase his respect for those who came before him and his mastery of the genre.
Featured Image by Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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