Joe Cocker covered U2’s “One” on his recent album Heart & Soul. It’s very Joe Cockerish, but I like U2’s version better. I tend to prefer the original version of songs unless the cover artist changes it drastically. I like Johnny Cash’s version of “One” because of this.
I think Joe Cocker has taken U2’s basic arrangement, and sang it with his voice. Shoot, I could do that, but I will spare the world from that monstrosity.
I liked Limp Bizkit’s cover of George Michael’s “Faith” because it was completely different from the original. I love Sid Vicious’s cover of Sinatra’s “My Way” for the same reason.
I may prefer U2’s version because I got to meet them, but I’m hoping that that isn’t clouding my musical taste.
Joe Cocker’s style has always been lush backgrounds and coarse vocals. I don’t think he intended to copy U2, it’s just that the styles overlapped this time.
I think the best cover song Johnny Cash ever did was “Hurt,” and I would love to know how he came in contact with a Nine Inch Nails song.
I forgot about “Hurt”. That was a great cover. It falls very well into my “change it drastically” preference.
I can see Johnny Cash being a big NIN fan.