There are actually many cover versions better than the original. The thing is, in cases where the cover version is much better, people just don’t know the originals.

Consider who wrote the originals for these cover versions:

Eric Clapton — Cocaine

Joan Jett — I Love Rock and Roll

The Animals — House of the Rising Son

Blondie — Hanging on the Telephone

Soft Cell — Tainted Love

Cream — Crossroads

Led Zeppelin — You Shook Me

Elvis Presley — Hound Dog

Dusty Springfield — Spooky

Okay maybe Respect beats all of those.