Cover albums are more than tributes — they’re a lens into an artist’s soul. When done right, they reimagine the familiar, adding fresh layers of feeling and artistry. Here are ten of the greatest, counting down to number one.

10. David Bowie – Pin Ups (1973)

Bowie’s love letter to the London scene of the ’60s shines with glam rock swagger. Covering The Who, The Kinks, and more, Pin Ups shows Bowie having fun while tipping his hat to his roots.

9. Tori Amos – Strange Little Girls (2001)

Tori turns the tables on male-written songs, reinterpreting them from a female perspective. Her version of Eminem’s “’97 Bonnie & Clyde” is chilling, proof of the power of voice and context.

8. George Michael – Songs from the Last Century (1999)

Smooth and smoky, this jazz-tinged collection sees George Michael covering classics like “Roxanne” and “My Baby Just Cares for Me.” His voice, rich and emotive, gives these songs a lounge-like elegance. It’s a stylish, heartfelt tribute to 20th-century standards.

7. John Lennon – Rock ‘n’ Roll (1975)

A nostalgic romp through early rock, Lennon dives into tracks by Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly. It’s rough, raw, and full of the energy that made him a legend in the first place.

6. Cat Power – The Covers Record (2000)

Chan Marshall’s stripped-down takes on Dylan and the Stones are quietly haunting. Sparse and intimate, each song feels like a whispered secret.

5. Jeff Buckley – Live at Sin-é (1993)

Recorded in a tiny café, this live EP captures Buckley’s magic. His covers — from Van Morrison to Edith Piaf — showcase a voice capable of pure grace and wild emotion.

4. Eva Cassidy – Songbird (1998)

Released after her death, this compilation highlights Cassidy’s unmatched talent for cover songs. Her takes on “Fields of Gold” and “Over the Rainbow” are pure, emotional masterpieces.

3. Aretha Franklin – Aretha’s Greatest Hits (1971)

Technically a compilation, this album includes iconic covers of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Let It Be.” Aretha doesn’t just sing them — she transforms them.

2. Joe Cocker – With a Little Help from My Friends (1969)

Cocker’s gravelly voice and soulful delivery turn Beatles and Traffic songs into powerful new experiences. The title track is practically unrecognizable — and unforgettable.

1. Nina Simone – Nina Simone Sings the Blues (1967)

This is the gold standard. Simone’s deep, expressive voice wraps around blues and folk classics, adding passion, pain, and politics. Her cover of “My Man’s Gone Now” is heart-wrenching, and “Backlash Blues” still rings true.