7 Of The Indie Covers That Reinvented Legendary Classic Rock Songs

Sometimes a song doesn’t need to be written again—just reimagined. Indie artists have a unique way of breathing new life into music that has already stood the test of time. With a fresh perspective and often minimal instrumentation, they manage to uncover something different in tracks that many of us thought we knew inside and out.

Classic rock, with its larger-than-life riffs and thunderous energy, might seem like sacred ground to some. But for indie musicians, it’s a canvas to experiment with tone, emotion, and mood. What happens when raw distortion is swapped out for delicate acoustic strumming? Or when soaring vocals are delivered in an understated whisper? The result isn’t just a tribute—it’s a transformation.

This list dives into seven indie covers that don’t just mimic the originals—they reinvent them. Whether it’s a stripped-back rendition that highlights the lyrics or a completely genre-flipped approach, these covers offer a new way to hear songs that many of us grew up with.

1. “Silver Springs” – Lykke Li

Lykke Li’s take on Fleetwood Mac’s “Silver Springs” brings a haunting delicacy to the song’s emotional core. Her breathy vocals, paired with an echo-laden production, give the track a dreamlike atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with Stevie Nicks’ impassioned original. The result is less of a confrontation and more of a quiet ache.

What stands out in Lykke Li’s version is how she captures heartbreak in a more subdued, internalized way. The instrumentation is sparse but effective, wrapping her voice in a gauzy veil that lets the listener drift with the sorrow rather than be hit head-on by it. It’s restrained but powerful in its own right.

As part of Just Tell Me That You Want Me: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac, the cover serves as a standout moment. It respects the original while venturing into new emotional territory, making it a perfect example of how indie artists can reimagine a song without losing its soul.

2. “She Said She Said” – The Black Keys

The Black Keys are no strangers to gritty, blues-infused rock, so taking on The Beatles’ “She Said She Said” seemed like a natural fit. Stripping the song down to just drums and guitar, they leaned into the raw energy that defines their sound, turning the psychedelic swirl of the original into something rougher and heavier.

Their version maintains the core structure of the 1966 classic, but dials up the distortion and urgency. Patrick Carney’s pounding drums and Dan Auerbach’s crunchy guitar lines push the song into garage rock territory. It’s less of a nod to the ‘60s and more of a drag-it-through-the-mud reinterpretation.

What’s refreshing about this cover is how unapologetic it is. The Black Keys didn’t try to replicate the song’s psychedelic charm; they threw it into their own universe instead. And in doing so, they proved that reinterpretation can be as much about energy as it is about melody.

3. “Pale Blue Eyes” – The Kills

The Velvet Underground’s “Pale Blue Eyes” is already a minimalist, introspective gem, but The Kills manage to make it even more stark. Their cover embraces the same simplicity but swaps out Lou Reed’s soft melancholy for a grittier, edgier mood. It’s raw and hypnotic in its own way.

With their trademark heavy bass and drum machine loops, The Kills inject a darker sensuality into the track. Alison Mosshart’s vocals are distant yet commanding, offering a contrast that redefines the song’s intimacy. Instead of lullaby-like softness, there’s a controlled burn throughout.

The most compelling thing here is the chemistry between band and material. “Pale Blue Eyes” fits The Kills like a well-worn leather jacket—familiar, but with just the right amount of attitude. They didn’t just cover it—they absorbed it and let it come out sounding uniquely theirs.

4. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” – My Morning Jacket

My Morning Jacket’s rendition of John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane” taps into the timeless emotion of departure and longing. Their version, featured on The Music Is You: A Tribute to John Denver, adds layers of vintage rock flavor without overwhelming the tender sentiment of the original.

Where Denver’s take is straightforward and heartfelt, My Morning Jacket adds a slow-burning intensity. The vocals are airy and emotional, supported by a twangy guitar and a nostalgic tone that harks back to late-night drives and lonely hotel rooms. It’s deeply evocative without being overdone.

The band doesn’t reinvent the song so much as reframe it. They understand the emotional weight of the lyrics and let that guide the arrangement, resulting in a cover that feels both faithful and fresh. It’s a beautiful homage with just enough indie grit to make it stand apart.

5. “Oh! Darling” – Florence + the Machine

Florence + the Machine’s version of The Beatles’ “Oh! Darling” is a masterclass in vocal drama. Recorded during a live session at Abbey Road Studios, it finds Florence Welch channeling every ounce of theatrical flair into her performance. The result is spine-tingling and unforgettable.

Unlike Paul McCartney’s bluesy belt, Welch leans into a soaring, almost operatic delivery. She doesn’t hold back—each note is packed with emotion and intensity. Backed by minimal instrumentation, her voice takes center stage, commanding attention and redefining the track’s tone.

It’s easy to imagine this version being part of a Florence + the Machine album—it fits that well. Instead of trying to replicate the Fab Four, Welch and her band reinterpret the song as if it were written just for them. It’s a bold and triumphant reinvention that honors its roots.

6. “God Only Knows” – JR JR

Covering a song as revered as The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” is no small feat, but JR JR approached it with reverence and creativity. Their indie pop spin on the track shifts the focus from lush harmonies to dreamy textures, making it feel like a love letter filtered through a hazy lens.

The cover blends vintage lyricism with a modern soundscape. The shimmering synths and gentle beats create a vibe that’s more introspective than the jubilant original. Yet, it retains that sense of awe and vulnerability that makes the song timeless in the first place.

What makes JR JR’s version work is its sincerity. They don’t try to outshine or mimic The Beach Boys. Instead, they explore the song from a different emotional angle, resulting in a rendition that feels intimate, modern, and unmistakably indie.

7. “Rhiannon” – Best Coast

Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon” has long been associated with mystical energy and sweeping rock drama, but Best Coast strips it down into something more grounded and lo-fi. Their version, from the tribute album Just Tell Me That You Want Me, is more coastal breeze than midnight spell.

Bethany Cosentino’s vocals are at the heart of the cover. While the piano-based backbeat may feel a bit offbeat to some, her voice carries the emotional weight, adding a relaxed but sincere quality to the iconic track. It’s less about theatrics and more about feeling.

The band’s approach brings the song into a new light, trading in Stevie Nicks’ enchantment for West Coast melancholy. It might not be perfect, but it’s a refreshingly honest take that reflects the stripped-back charm that Best Coast is known for.