Own it

Covers are tough. Sounds too much like the original, and everyone will wonder why you wasted their time. Sound too different, and you risk not doing the original justice.

But strike that Goldilocks balance, taking the song and making it your own but still showing the original reverence, there's the potential of being as good (if not better) than the original. That's what these covers do in spades.

This first one, by Iron & Wine, is so different, it took me a second to recognize the original (and I love the original).



If you liked Scrubs, this one will seem familiar. The original is a fantastic song, and yet somehow Obadiah Parker makes it his own.



Dennis's favorite Ingrid Michaelson does a beautiful cover here of the simply amazing "Skinny Love." If you don't know Bon Iver, make For Emma, Forever Ago your next album purchase.



And just for kicks, here's Michaelson rapping, which is so much cooler than you'd expect.