Not only is it one of the most famous rock ‘n’ roll songs of all time, but it is also one of the most covered. Released by Bob Dylan in 1967 and launched into international fandom by Jimmi Hendrix in 1968, “All Along The Watchtower” has become a staple to all rock ‘n’ roll fans in some capacity. Furthermore, given the two’s success with the song, it seems to belong to both of them. That being so, it lives on in nearly every corner of pop culture and does so through various forms. Though, most notably through covers.
Whether it was by your kid’s garage band or some local bar’s cover band, this song has been covered a plethora of times by bands of every kind. Famous bands and musicians who have covered the hit include Neil Young, Eddie Vedder, and Richie Havens. However, their covers at times seem a bit forgettable. So, here are what we believe to be the three best covers of the iconic ’60s hit.
1. Dave Matthews
At first, this one comes as an enormous shock. Nothing about Dave Matthews screams piercing guitar riffs and lyrics about unethical hierarchy, but he tackles the feat and does so quite well. Even though Matthews has covered the song numerous times, the first known cover of the song transpired at Farm Aid in 1995. More in line with Dylan’s original, Matthew slows the song down, focuses on the words, and lets the music come second.
Nearly unrecognizable when first listened to, Matthews’ rendition is purely his own creation. Commendable to say the least, as to butcher this song means committing rock ‘n’ roll sacrilege. It’s unique, and creative, and kicks down any walls the song has ever been guarded by. Matthews truly outdoes himself on what was seemingly meant to be an innocent cover.
2. Eric Clapton & Lenny Kravitz
Given Hendrix’s turning the song into a guitar-shredding expose, it makes sense that guitar virtuosos Clapton and Kravitz hit this one out of the park. Performing at the Concert of the Century at the White House in Washington, DC in 1999, Clapton and Kravitz didn’t alter the song all too much. However, the majesty of the song resides in the perfect execution of Dylan’s original arrangement and Hendrix’s dramatic flare.
With Kravtiz on rhythm guitar and Clapton on lead, the song comes to life with Kravitz’s crystal clear R&B vibe and Clapton’s piercing guitar solos. Again, nothing about this song is seemingly that new. However, it’s the fact that they tried to perfect something already perfect that notches them a spot on this list.
3. U2
Released in 1988 on Rattle and Hum, everything about U2’s cover pertains to their iconic ’80s presence. Instead of taking on the original 60’s psychedelic tone, U2 turns the song into something of their own. Mimicking their infamous ’80s sound such as on songs “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “New Year’s Day,” the Irish rock band brings the song to a different generation. Though, that’s another beauty of the song, it’s timeless lyrics.
Regardless, the nearly complete metamorphosis of the song brings an incredibly fresh new spin to the tune. Which, is incredibly refreshing as this song has been covered in the same exact fashion too many times to count. In all, U2’s cover might be unorthodox, but it does so with grace and style and some ’80s flare.
Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
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