The Best Remakes of Songs When Cover Versions Are Performed by the Opposite Sex

In the world of music, some tracks achieve their pinnacle when transformed by voices of a different gender. These changes not only breathe new life into the original but also introduce the song to a new audience. Here are some of the most notable examples that showcase why cover versions from the opposite sex can be considered among the best remakes.

The Stand By Me: From Ben E. King to Florence The Machine

One of the most famous instances of a male-to-female cover is Stand By Me. Originally sung by Ben E. King in 1961, this soulful ballad gained renewed popularity when it was covered by Florence The Machine for the soundtrack of the video game Final Fantasy XV. This version, released in 2016, brings a modern, epic orchestration to a classic song while maintaining the emotional intensity that made it a hit in the 1960s.

Girl Power: Cyndi Lauper’s Version of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun was first released by Robert Hazard in 1979, but it was Cyndi Lauper’s 1983 version that catapulted the song to fame. The original version did not achieve much success, but with Lauper's powerful vocals and iconic video featuring pro wrestler Captain Lou Albano (who coincidentally is Lauper's mother), the song became a hit. The retro-futuristic music video, shot in black and white, became a landmark in early MTV history, and its catchy hook and empowering lyrics contributed to its enduring popularity.

Trisha Yearwood’s Twist on "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)"

You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) was originally a hit for Dead Or Alive in 1984, but Trisha Yearwood's 1995 version is considered a shining example of a female cover. Thea Gilmore's rendition of the same song, while excellent, takes the runner-up spot. Yearwood’s version is more fitting for a country music CMA Awards performance, showcasing her simple yet effective arrangement and emotive delivery. Her clear, resonant voice and heartfelt performance make it a standout among the many interpretations of the track.

Boom Boom Tracy: Robert Hazard vs. Cyndi Lauper

While Girls Just Wanna Have Fun clearly won the remake battle, there’s another track that might test your opinion: Boom Boom Tracy. Robert Hazard's 1979 original version was a minor hit, but it was replacement hit Guns of Roses Sister by Lauper in 1984 that truly captured the essence of the song. Lauper's powerful vocals and more confident, anthemic tone elevate the track to a new level, turning what was a minor song into a club staple and providing a foundational moment in her early career. Later that year, Hazard’s version did somewhat better, but not nearly as well as Lauper's.

Classic Hits: Mike Nesmith and Linda Ronstadt’s "Different Drum"

Different Drum by Mike Nesmith is a folk-rock classic from the early '70s, but Linda Ronstadt's cover of the song adds a whole new dimension. Ronstadt's version is exquisite, with her rich, soulful voice complementing the song's upbeat tempo and pastoral imagery. It's a perfect illustration of how cover versions can transform a song and bring out different nuances that the original might have missed.

Jazz and Soul: Donna Summer and Kris Kristofferson

The Bug was originally a departure for country pop singer Mary Chapin Carpenter, but it became a hit for rock band Dire Straits. However, it was Donna Summer's cover of MacCallur Park, originally by Richard Harris, that brought this soulful track to the next level. Summer’s rendition, released in 1978, was a massive hit, redefining the song and showcasing her incredible vocal range. Her performance at a festival in Belgium in 2005, where she delivered this song with incredible power, is a must-watch for any fan of 1970s soul and RB.

Country Crush: Trisha Yearwood vs. Bruce Springsteen’s “Sad Eyes”

Sad Eyes by Bruce Springsteen is a poignant song full of heartache and longing. Trisha Yearwood's cover version for her album Only Love in 1997 reimagines the song in a country context, emphasizing its emotional depth with Yearwood's subtle, yet powerful delivery. While some fans might prefer Springsteen's version, others find Yearwood's country-infused approach more resonant, allowing the song to speak directly to a new generation of listeners.

Conclusion

The art of song cover remakes, particularly when performed by the opposite sex, has proven time and again to be a powerful and influential element in the music world. These versions not only introduce new energy and interpretation to beloved classics but also reveal the emotional core of a song in new and unexpected ways. Whether it's bringing a modern touch to an old soul ballad or performing an indie classic in a country style, these covers have the power to transform and inspire.