5 Acoustic Versions of Hit Songs That Are Arguably Better Than the Originals

Sometimes, the acoustic versions of notably not-acoustic songs just hit better. It takes a certain kind of talent to strip down a song and make it sound brand-new. These five acoustic versions of hit songs are just a few that are (arguably) better than the originals. It all comes down to personal opinion and taste!

1. Cat Power’s Cover of “Wonderwall” by Oasis

Cat Power’s version of “Wonderwall” by Oasis almost sounds like an entirely different song. The acoustic cover was recorded sometime in the late 1990s and aired on BBC Radio 1. For some reason, Cat Power didn’t add it to her cover album. We think she should have.

2. “Everlong” by Foo Fighters

The original recorded version of “Everlong” is still an incredible piece of work. However, the acoustic version is heartwrenchingly beautiful. Dave Grohl first performed the stripped-down version of Howard Stern’s radio talk show years ago, and it has since become a significant fan favorite. The acoustic version even made it to Foo Fighter’s greatest hits album, too.

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3. “Black” by Pearl Jam

“Black” is a notable gem from Pearl Jam’s debut 1991 record Ten. It’s a very personal track that was good enough to be a single, but wasn’t. Like many bands who performed an MTV Unplugged set in the 1990s, Pearl Jam blew fans out of the water when they performed this one in a stripped-down fashion. Few acoustic versions of songs are better than the originals, but many Pearl Jam fans would say this is a great example of one.

4. Johnny Cash’s Cover of “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails

Johnny Cash took Nine Inch Nail’s alt-rock track “Hurt” and made it into something stunningly unique and particularly heartbreaking. It’s one of the most haunting covers of a song of all time. It’s not often that a country singer can revamp a rock song like this, but Johnny Cash was simply built different.

5. Nirvana’s Cover of “The Man Who Sold The World” by David Bowie

Nirvana performed a number of iconic songs during their acoustic MTV Unplugged set in 1993. The session is still considered legendary today. The band’s take on this David Bowie classic is a glittering, grunge, and simple version of an otherwise intense, groovy, and upbeat rock song.

Photo by Frank Micelotta

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