Eighties Cover Songs, Songs Beginning with L

Thanks to Warren Bakay for suggesting this page to me, I hadn't even realized until he mentioned it, the music industry is dredging up big hits from the last decade due to a not-so-surprising lack of imagination by the current stars. This should of course come to no suprise to most people, some big hits of the eighties were covers as well ("Mickey", "Der Kommisar", "You Keep Me Hanging On" (which was remade into a hit four times so far)). So far though, most covers have been pretty hideous. We only list songs that are originally from the eighties and are now being made into covers. We also only list a band if they're already well known or the group is making a lot of radio play with the remake.

Oh and to clear up a misconception a few people out there seem to be having about this page (and sending me very nasty letters). I have no problem with artists who do a cover of a song in concert, or because they are just starting out and don't have enough original material of their own for a full set of songs. As a matter of fact, cover bands can be great fun to go and see. All groups in modern history start out this way, I own a lot of The Beatles albums and they were the original cover group. A lot of early rock songs were covers of old R&B tunes. It's a fact of life.

This page currently edited by: . Past editor: Junior


Cover songs beginning with: [Index] [A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] [H] [I] [J] [K] [L] [M] [N] [O] [P] [Q] [R] [S] [T] [U] [V] [W] [X] [Y] [Z] [misc]

"L.A. Woman", Originally by The Doors, Remade by Billy Idol
Good cover but you just can't beat the original
"La, La, Love You", Originally by Pixies, Remade by Weston
Found on the 'Where Is My Mind?' tribute album.
"Land Down Under", Originally by Men At Work, Remade by Pennywise
these guys have to be the kings of covers. everything they do is brilliant
"Land Of Confusion", Originally by Genesis, Remade by In Flames
If you like Swedish death metal covers of 80s songs, this one rocks. Picture Phil Collins with a laryngeal tumor taking out his anger from balding on double bass drums...
"Land of Confusion", Originally by Genesis, Remade by Disturbed
It's alright. Not much changed from the original. Just heavier and good singing. Not as good as their shout cover.
"Land of Confusion", Originally by Genesis, Remade by In Flames
Great Stuff!! In Flames are a Sweden Death Metal Band! and i think a rockpop song from the 80`s in death metal version are the most original thing i ever heard!
"Landslide", Originally by Fleetwood Mac, Remade by Dixie Chicks
Don't much care for country music, but the chicks do a nice job.
"Landslide", Originally by Fleetwood Mac, Remade by Dixie Chicks
I'm sorry but this was just not up to par with the original. You just can't compare Natalie Maines' voice to Stevie Nicks.
"Landslide", Originally by Fleetwood Mac, Remade by Smashing Pumpkins
I like this version, it had a nice sound to it. Billy's vocals added something different than the original. I like it better than the Dixie Chicks one.
"Landslide", Originally by Fleetwood Mac, Remade by Dixie Chicks featuring Sheryl Crow
Many people forget that Sheryl was playing the guitar because her singing with Natalie Maines of DC wasn't noticible.
"Landslide", Originally by Fleetwood Mac (Stevie Nicks), Remade by Tori Amos
If I wasn't such a fan of the song, I wouldn't have recognized it. Tori Amos's piano accompaniment is radically different from the rythmic guitar-strumming of Stevie Nicks, changing the song from a vaguely sixties-hippie intellectual song to an introspective dream. I'm not sure which I like better... they should really be considered two entirely different songs. But they're both beautiful in their own right.
"Landslide", Originally by Fleetwood Mac, Remade by Smashing Pumpkins
Great cover! Much better than the Dixie Chicks version.
"Landslide", Originally by Fleetwood Mac, Remade by Smashing Pumpkins
Billy Corgan before he turned into an egotistical freak.
"Landslide", Originally by Fleetwood Mac, Remade by Dixie Chicks
Not completely terrible, but too twangy.
"Last Caress", Originally by The Misfits, Remade by NoFX
Its Incredibly good, also its really cool cuz NOFX puts their own little signature with the ska chords.
"Last Caress", Originally by Misfits, Remade by Metallica, AFI, NOFX
all very good. AFI and NOFX sound very similar but Metallica sounds quite different but still very good
"Last Caress", Originally by The Misfits, Remade by NOFX
This song is more punk then me.
"Last Christmas", Originally by Wham!, Remade by Hilary Duff
Both the songs are very good
"Last Christmas", Originally by George Michael, Remade by Jimmy Eat World
Really quite good very talented band
"Last Kiss", Originally by Wayne Cochran, The Cavaliers, Remade by Pearl Jam
"Last Kiss" was released in June 1964 on Josie Records by The Cavaliers. Very clear song, no doubt Pearl Jam is very happy on made this version,but my choice is The Cavaliers.
"Lay All your Love on Me", Originally by ABBA, Remade by Helloween
Interesting take on the tune. Helloween can do no wrong.
"Legs", Originally by ZZ Top, Remade by Kid Rock
"Let It Whip", Originally by Dazz Band, Remade by SR-71
this cover rocks! if you like something upbeat and fun...this one is definitely the way to go!
"Let My Love Open the Door", Originally by Pete Townsend, Remade by Audio Adrenaline
Excellent cover--worthy.
"Let it Out", Originally by Tears For Fears, Remade by Skoota
A so-so rap using the chorus to "Shout" by Tears For Fears. I think this guy's from England.
"Let it Whip", Originally by Gap Band, Remade by SR - 71
Only song I've ever heard from this band, and I heard it first in a TV show promo. HIGHLY recommend this cover, it's top-notch.
"Let the Good Times Roll", Originally by The Cars, Remade by Powerman 5000
Very excellent if you like me are highly entertained by dark covers of 80's Pop songs.
"Let's Dance", Originally by David Bowie, Remade by Atrocity
A metal version of this classic 80s song by the German band "Atrocity". From their album "Werk 80", which contains a whole bunch of great metal versions of popular 80s songs. Rather slow paced, nice chorus.
"Let's Go", Originally by The Cars, Remade by Amethyst
Dead-on cover, sounds almost like the original! http://www.amethyst80s.com/mp3s.htm
"Let's Go All The Way", Originally by Sly Fox, Remade by ICP
same great beat! but ICP's was louder and more in-your-face (of course!) still prefer Sly Fox's anytime.
"Let's Go Round Again", Originally by Average White Band, Remade by Louise Nurding
A good recreation of the original.
"A Letter to Elise", Originally by The Cure, Remade by Blink 182
Performed on MTV Icon: The Cure
"LetÂ's Dance", Originally by David Bowie, Remade by Puff Daddy & the Notorious B.I.G. & Mase
D.BowieÂ's track has the clear 80ies Sound in it. Sounds wonderful and full of power. But the Bad-Boy-Version is also very hot. ItÂ's a little bit smoother, with a deep base-line. And u canÂ't say sumthinÂ'against Puff DaddyÂ's "No Way Out"-Album, itÂ's burnin - with the untouchable rap of Biggie
"Levon", Originally by Elton John, Remade by Jon Bon Jovi (solo)
If you're aware of Jon Bon Jovi's vocals, and enjoy his voice, he turns the original Levon, also great, into another version, also great (and a nice change) I can flip between the two, after initially liking Jon's better; most likely cuz' it was different; both are great!
"Liberian Girl", Originally by Michael Jackson, Remade by Tupac Shakur
it's just incredible how much Cover versions he made in his career.
"Life Is Life", Originally by Opus, Remade by Laibach
military industrial hammeer beat very good and different!!
"Light My Fire", Originally by The Doors, Remade by Type O Negative
Type O does a lot of covers, especially live and this one is great.
"Light My Fire", Originally by The Doors, Remade by Goathemy
Just check em: http://www.mp3.com/goathemy Also has "Paint It Black" and "California Dreamin"
"Light My Fire", Originally by The Doors, Remade by Massive Attack
Massive Attack has an edge over everybody, in my opinion. This cover is very different than the original, but very cool. I believe Horace Andy is on vocals.
"Light My Fire", Originally by The Doors, Remade by Amorphis
It sounds fun but agressive give a try!
"Like A Prayer", Originally by Madonna, Remade by Dj Doo
A decent cover of the original, DJ Doo's version is upbeat and loud, but still keeps some of the structure of the original. To find this song and more, you can visit their site at www.mp3.com/djdoo.
"Like A Prayer", Originally by Madonna, Remade by Rufio
very awesome song better than the original in my mind
"Like A Prayer", Originally by Madonna, Remade by H2O
I heard the cover before I heard the original, so the original sounds way too slow and I prefer the punked out version.
"Like A Prayer", Originally by Madonna, Remade by Rufio
really really good, a definite must for cover fans.
"Like A Prayer", Originally by Madonna, Remade by 2sexy
I think it's a very well made, dance tune.
"Like A Prayer", Originally by Madonna, Remade by H2O
Appended to the end of the last track "Underneath the Flames" of H2O's 2001 album "Go." It rocks!
"Like A Prayer", Originally by Madonna, Remade by Mad House
A truely awful cover. Just when you thought there may be a summer without another bad holiday record this monstrosity hits the airwaves. Terribly dated Aqua style europop beat and some model doing a bad impersonation of Madonna, could it get any worse? The original was great this is just plain bad.
"Like A Virgin", Originally by Madonna, Remade by The Lords Of The New Church
When Stiv Bator and the Killer Lords did this cover, you'd swear it had to be a joke, and you'd probably be right. So laugh along with them.
"Like A Virgin/ Like A Surgeon", Originally by Madonna, Remade by Weird Al Yankovic
FUNNY MTV...
"Like a Prayer", Originally by Madonna, Remade by Guster
Softer acoustic style
"Like a Prayer", Originally by Madonna, Remade by Rufio
Much better than the original. Of the punk goes pop cd
"Like a Virgin", Originally by Madonna, Remade by Teenage Fanclub
It is on "Threesome" soundtrack, really really really loved it! It is a 80's cover of a 80's song, very good anyway!
"Limelight", Originally by Rush, Remade by Smashing Pumpkins
A live cover song. Billy and company did it in a show in Toronto, While noting at the end that Rush was a big influence in his music. It's an acousitc number and its very interesting indeed
"Lips Like Sugar", Originally by Echo & The Bunnymen, Remade by Coldplay
rocks hardcore
"Listen To Your Heart", Originally by Roxette, Remade by DHT
Totally loved it!!!
"Listen to Your Heart", Originally by Roxette, Remade by DHT
cool techno/dance remix of the song.
"Little Fighter", Originally by White Lion, Remade by Death by Stereo
Sounds very similiar to the orginal. Not bad for a punk cover.
"Little Honda", Originally by Beach Boys, Remade by Yo La Tengo
very creative faster electrified version.
"Little Jonny Jewel ", Originally by Television, Remade by Siouxsie And The Banshees
i find it better than the origonal
"Live Wire", Originally by Motley Crue, Remade by Fozzy
This cover by Fozzy (band of the WWE Superstar, Chris Jericho) is as awesome as covers get. I love the original to death, and i love the cover even more.
"Livin On A Prayer", Originally by Bon Jovi, Remade by Philmore
"Livin' After Midnight", Originally by Judas Priest, Remade by The Donnas
Great version of this song by an all female band. The Donnas really rock!
"Livin' on a prayer", Originally by Bon jovi, Remade by Philmore
This is a good punk rock cover
"Living On A Prayer", Originally by Bon Jovi, Remade by Hazell Dean
Fans of the original will vomit up chunks when they hear Hazell's thumping HiNRG cover.
"Living On Video", Originally by Trans-X, Remade by Pakito
The Original From Trans-x is a great song!
"The Living Years", Originally by Mike and the Mechanics, Remade by Russel Watson
Absolutely brilliant
"London", Originally by The Smiths, Remade by Anthrax
"London Calling", Originally by The Clash, Remade by Captain Tractor
On the East of Edson CD. If the Clash had been a celtic folk rock band from Canada, the original would have sounded much like the cover.
"London Calling", Originally by The Clash, Remade by The Pogues
A celticsized version of the Clash's post-apocolyptic classic. It was recorded during the brief time that Joe Strummer sang with the Pogues, lending it a little more authenticity.
"London Calling", Originally by The Clash, Remade by The Pogues (Live)
This is one of my favorite songs of all time and was super-sweetly done live and on bootlegs from The Pogues!
"Long Train Runnin'", Originally by Doobie Brothers, Remade by Bus Stop
An excellent song! An even greater cover! I absolutely LOVE this song.
"The Longest Time", Originally by Billy Joel, Remade by Me First And The Gimmie Gimmies
come on people why doesnt anyone mention me first and the gimmie gimmies. if you like cover songs by 1 of there albums (they do nothing but covers)
"The Longest Time", Originally by Billy Joel, Remade by Rockapella
Considering it's the best a capella song made within the past 20 years, and Rockapella is an a capella group, their rendition was very good. The pace and rhythm was almost like that of the piano man. And hey I cannnot diss the group that sang the theme song to Carmen Sandiego
"Look What The Cat Dragged In", Originally by Poison, Remade by Slaves On Dope
Well, this wasn't exactly great art when Poison did it. It survives the trip from macho hair metal to macho Ozzfest material in about the same shape. With all the shouting and pseudo-rap going on, you might miss the singing, but again, it's not like Poison's Bret Michaels was this big vocal godsend.
"Looks That Kill", Originally by Motley Crue, Remade by Diesel Boy
Sounds excatly the same
"Looks that Kill", Originally by Motley Crue, Remade by Pink Cream 69
Pink Cream 69 is an awesome band, but this cover sounds quite a bit like the original.
"Losing My Religion", Originally by R.E.M, Remade by Graveworm
I don't know if that song is from the eighties, but it's a good cover.
"Lost In Your Eyes", Originally by Debbie Gibson, Remade by Deborah Gibson
Former teen queen/stage actress Deborah Gibson remade the song with the O'Niell Brothers for their "Someone You Love" CD, which is much mellow with a 'Norah Jonesque' sound compared to the '80's pop ballad she wrote for her second album "Electric Youth" (1989).
"Love Bites", Originally by Judas Priest, Remade by Nevermore
Good tune, they do not butcher Rob and company at all
"Love Bites", Originally by Def Leppard, Remade by QED
This is another song tranformed into a dancefloor smash! It's got a great techno flair...even my headbanging sister from the 80's happens to LOVE it!!
"The Love Boat", Originally by Duran Duran, Remade by Deftones
"Love Buzz", Originally by Shocking Blue, Remade by Nirvana
Both Great! Prodigy covered/ sampled it too on their latest album. That song is called Phoenix.
"The Love Cats", Originally by The Cure, Remade by Tricky
"Love Hurts", Originally by Nazareth, Remade by Cher
I guess it depends on your style for which song is better. Nazareth's version is very deep, but I am a cher fanatic. So, my vote goes to cher.
"Love In The First Degree", Originally by Bananarama, Remade by SUSHI (japanese)
LOVE IT!
"Love Is In Control", Originally by Donna Summer, Remade by Sheena Easton
Much, much better. I find the original very clumsy and not greatly sung. But Sheena really puts effort into it. Very camp and very disco. I absolutly love it. From her 'Fabulous' album.
"Love Is The Drug", Originally by Roxy Music, Remade by The Divinyls
this is a cool female version of the song made famous by roxy music
"Love Me In Your Special Way", Originally by El Debarge, Remade by Tamia
Miss Tamia took an already fantastic song, and made it perfect. Her range takes the song to new heights, and it is worth the price of admission alone for her Nu Day cd, which came out in 2000.
"Love Me Two Times", Originally by The Doors, Remade by Aerosmith
"Love Me Two Times", Originally by The Doors, Remade by Aerosmith
never heard the original but aerosmiths sounds cool, no idea if it does the Doors justice.
"Love My Way", Originally by Psychedelic Furs, Remade by Live
Its an awesome cover of an awesome song.
"Love My Way", Originally by The Psychedelic Furs, Remade by Jon Auer
Minimalist, evocative with low-fi distortion in the background. Feels very different from the original, certainly worth a listen.
"Love My Way", Originally by Psychedelic Furs, Remade by Live
Not a bad cover - they didn't do too much with it except that it's a little faster and more rock, less keys.
"Love My Way", Originally by The Psychedelic Furs, Remade by Powderfinger
Fans of the original will hate this version - the band slows it down and give it almost a grinding industrial edge - but Powderfinger are still a very talented band.
"Love My Way", Originally by Psychedelic Furns, Remade by LIVE
A very well-done cover!!
"Love On A Two-Way Street", Originally by Stacy Lattisaw, Remade by Gloria Estafan
Sounds eerily similar.
"Love Rollercoaster", Originally by Ohio Players, Remade by Red Hot Chilli Peppers
I love the Red Hot chilli Peppers version. It is from the Beavis and Butthead Do American Sound track
"Love Shack", Originally by The B-52s, Remade by Amazin' Blue
An accapela (sp?) version...impressive, but IMO not as good as the original.
"Love Song", Originally by The Cure, Remade by 311
its totally hott
"Love Song", Originally by The Cure, Remade by Snake River Conspiracy
Totally revamped version of the original. Has a Manson'like quality to it. Very fun XD.
"Love Song", Originally by The Cure, Remade by Snake River Conspiracy
Completely awesome. The combination of Tobey's great voice and the electronic music make it unforgettable.
"Love Song", Originally by The Cure, Remade by Anberlin
Great cover from a unknown band. Check them out good stuff.
"Love Song", Originally by The Cure , Remade by 311
I've heard Love Song before but when I bought 311 greatest hits 93 - 03 I was blown away! They turned it into a real love song. better than the original!
"Love Song", Originally by The Cure, Remade by Jack Off Jill
Track 66 on clear hearts grey flowers, a much heavier version yet far more engaging than the dreary snake river version
"Love Song", Originally by The Cure, Remade by 311
Very romantic cover.
"Love Song", Originally by The Cure, Remade by 311
The music was almost identical but it was sung much slower and darker, not a good change. the orginals better.
"Love To Love You Baby", Originally by Donna Summer, Remade by No Doubt
From the Zoolander Soundtrack, kinda catchy
"Love Vigilanties", Originally by New Order, Remade by Poi Dog Pondering
not as good as it could have been, but still not bad
"Love Will Tear Us Apart", Originally by Joy Division, Remade by Squarepusher
An Ambient/Electronica interpetation of the Joy Division classic. A really well done cover.
"Love Will Tear Us Apart", Originally by Joy Division, Remade by Paul Young
A much maligned at the time cover, Young's soulful tones add another dimension to this classic. Worth a listen.
"Love Will Tear Us Apart", Originally by Joy Division, Remade by Tea Party
Live vesion. If you like the tea party, you will like this
"Love Will Tear Us Apart", Originally by Joy Division, Remade by BIS (B.I.S.)
loved the original very much, this is very good cover, also for kraftwerk fans
"Love Will Tear Us Apart", Originally by Joy Division, Remade by Moonspell
A very good death metal version of this classic song. A+ here.
"Love Will Tear Us Apart", Originally by Joy Division, Remade by Radiohead
not as wonderful as the original, but a very nicely done cover all the same.
"Love Will Tear Us Apart", Originally by Joy Division, Remade by Cranes
Really one of the best covers of this song! Look hard but you will find it!
"Love Will Tear Us Apart", Originally by Joy Division, Remade by Unbroken
i just love that song.
"Love Will Tear Us Apart", Originally by Joy Division, Remade by The Cure
I love the cure but the original is better
"Love Will Tear Us Apart", Originally by Joy Division, Remade by Fall Out Boy
They turned it into commercial BS. Really lousy cover, avoid at all costs!
"Love Will Tear Us Apart", Originally by Joy Division, Remade by Nouvelle Vague
A completely different twist on this classic dirge turning it into a accoustic latin lounge experience.
"Love Without Anger", Originally by Devo, Remade by The Aquabats
This track is from the (sadly) import only Devo tribute album "We are not Devo." It's a great tune, sped up and turned into what sounds like a good old Aquabats song.
"Love You Down", Originally by Ready For The World, Remade by INOJ
Good, more upbeat.
"Love is All Around", Originally by Wet Wet Wet, Remade by Bill Nighy
From the Love Actually Soundtrack, remade into "Christmas is All Around," an awful cover. One verse is repeated throughout the whooole song... seriously this is torture.
"Love, Need, And Want You (1983)", Originally by Patti Labelle, Remade by Nelly & Kelly Rowland
Nelly & Kelly Rowland's hit Dilemma, was sample of Patti Labelle's Love, Need, and Want you. The hooks are almost identical. I didn't realize it until my dad was listening to his oldies tape and it came on. That explains why Patti Labelle is in the music video for Dilemma. I actually like the original better, the newer one got played out WAY to fast!
"LoveSong", Originally by The Cure, Remade by Snake River Conspiracy
Great.
"LoveSong", Originally by The Cure, Remade by A Perfect Circle
This is actually a very cool cover; not only do they do a cool version of Love Song, but they intertwine music and a few lyrics from "Diary Of A Madman" by Ozzy Osbourne! I would have never thought the two would work together so well! I just happened to run across it when I searched for "covers" on a peer-to-peer.
"The Lovecats", Originally by The Cure, Remade by Tricky
"Lovely Day", Originally by Bill Withers, Remade by Luther Vandross featuring Busta Rhymes
Busta's rapping made this cover more palatable than it deserved to be.
"Lovely Day", Originally by Bill Withers, Remade by S.O.U.L. System
This is from the Bodygaurd soundrack; kinda C&C sounding but really catchy..I find myself thinking of this one instead of the original because of the upbeat.
"Lover Come Back To Me", Originally by Dead Or Alive, Remade by Ross Alexander
the original of this was a classic hi-nrg track, the cover version was absolutely dreadful, poor production and the vocals could never match the unique style of Pete Burns from Dead or Alive. Better by the original instead of this drossy cover version.
"Lovers In A Dangerous Time", Originally by Bruce Cockburn, Remade by Lucky Dube
Very good slow reggae version. Nice melodies and even better musical arrangements.
"Lovesong", Originally by The Cure, Remade by 311
In my opinion this was a good cover but the original is still the best. The Cure truly makes it an actual "Love song".
"Lovesong", Originally by The Cure, Remade by 311
I couldn't believe it was them singing it. His voice surprising matches Robert Smith's.
"Lovesong", Originally by The Cure, Remade by Snake River Conspiracy
Interesting Industrial/synth cover with a hard hitting sound to it, female vocals give it a completely different feel.
"Lovesong", Originally by The Cure, Remade by 311
The Cure is beyond awesome and 311 is totally cool on its own level with their unique sound and reggae feel. I absolutely love The Cure but I have to admit that i like the cover better, its more upbeat and funky. Good job 311!
"Luka", Originally by Suzanne Vega, Remade by Lemonheads
GREAT COVER
"Lyrics of Fury", Originally by Eric B. & Rakim, Remade by Tricky


Cover songs beginning with: [Index] [A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G] [H] [I] [J] [K] [L] [M] [N] [O] [P] [Q] [R] [S] [T] [U] [V] [W] [X] [Y] [Z] [misc]
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