From Weezer to Metallica: The best and worst cover songs of 2018
Imitation is the highest form of flattery they say, but that's not always the case.
When it comes to covering an artist, things can go both ways, as we've learned from the plethora of cover songs in 2018. While some of them paid homage to the original with deep reverence, a select few arguably surpassed the original — a rare moment that pops up every now and then in music history. There were even some bizarre propositions that just didn't sound right on paper, but were executed with surprising grace.
At the same time, there were some well-intentioned attempts that didn't really come out right and, of course, the occasional cover that makes you wonder what exactly the artist was thinking. Or whether they were thinking at all.
Looking back at the strange and wonderful musical year that has been 2018, here is our pick of the best and the worst of the year, from toe-curling eargasms to nail-on-chalkboard assaults.
The Best
LCD Soundsystem - 'Home / I Want Your Love' (Chic cover)
Always one to wear their influences on their sleeves, LCD Soundsystem covered Chic’s 1978 track 'I Want Your Love' for the Spotify Singles series earlier this year. The NYC dance-punk icons interpolated the track with one of their own smash hits, 'Home,' from their 2010 album 'This Is Happening.' The result is a glorious, 10-minute banger with a seamless transition that shows the many facets of LCD as they warp Chic's track into their own aesthetic. Keyboardist Nancy Wong fills in for the female vocals in the second half of the song, adding some flair to her impeccable synth work.
The timing of the cover couldn't have been more apt considering Nile Rodgers & Chic released their comeback album 'It’s About Time' this year marking the group’s first album in 26 years.