"(orig. Kenny Loggins, 1978) Loggins co-wrote it and released his jazzier, more experimental version first. The Doobies (with Michael McDonald’s creamy lead vocals, the signature synth riff, and that locked-in groove) turned it into a polished yacht-rock classic that hit #1 and won Record and Song of the Year Grammys. Most people know and prefer this version."

"(orig. Bob Dylan) Dylan’s spare folk original is atmospheric. Hendrix poured gasoline on it—searing guitar, urgent rhythm, and a sense of impending storm—that made Dylan himself later adopt elements of the arrangement. This is the definitive version for most."

"(orig. Nine Inch Nails) Trent Reznor’s industrial self-loathing becomes a stark, end-of-life confession in Cash’s weathered voice. The sparse arrangement and video only heighten the gravity. Reznor has said the song no longer felt like his afterward."

"(orig. Leonard Cohen) Cohen’s original is dry and wry. Buckley’s soaring, vulnerable, cathedral-like reading (building on John Cale’s arrangement) turned it into an emotional modern standard that far outstripped the source in popular consciousness."

"(orig. Otis Redding) Redding’s version is a solid R&B plea. Aretha flipped the perspective, added the R-E-S-P-E-C-T spelling, and turned it into a feminist anthem and one of the greatest vocal performances on record."

"(orig. The Family / Prince) Prince wrote it; The Family recorded a solid but relatively forgotten version. O’Connor’s raw, haunted, close-mic performance (and the famous video) made it a massive, deeply personal hit."

"(orig. Dolly Parton) Parton’s country original is beautiful and understated. Houston’s powerhouse, cinematic version (especially the a cappella opening and massive crescendo) made it a global phenomenon and one of the best-selling singles ever."

"(orig. The Beatles) The Beatles’ Revolver original is a bright, slightly psychedelic rock track. Earth, Wind & Fire turned it into a pure funk-soul explosion—tight horns, driving rhythm, and radiant vocals—that many prefer for its energy and groove. It became a sizable hit for them in 1978."

"(orig. Fleetwood Mac / Peter Green): Latin-rock fire and Carlos’s guitar turned a bluesy original into a signature hit."

"(orig. The Beatles): Cocker’s raspy, soulful, gospel-tinged reading completely reimagines the cheerful original."