The 10 Greatest David Bowie Covers

David Bowie’s vast and varied catalog has inspired several covers by other musicians. And that’s why listening to David Bowie is like nothing else. It’s only inevitable that his legendary repertoire would motivate some covers. Check out these 10 greatest David Bowie song covers.

 

“Sound and Vision” – Beck (2013)

The symphonic version of “Sound and Vision” that Beck performed is eerie, providing a striking contrast to the upbeat and joyful version that David Bowie sang. It is a gem of a cover that is full of dramatics and is flooded with singers from the accompanying hallelujah chorus. It is possible that the legend would have been pleased with this version.

“Space Oddity” – The Flaming Lips (2017)

The Flaming Lips add noises suggestive of rocket launches, stratospheric excursions, and zero-gravity strolls, making David Bowie’s famous “Space Oddity” sound even more out of this world.

“Suffragette City” – Red Hot Chili Peppers (2012)

The Red Hot Chili Peppers toughen up “Suffragette City” by David Bowie. For all those alternative rock Bowie fans, the band puts their spin on the song with a hard-driving, headbanging interpretation.

“Modern Love” – Mipso (2022)

When compared to other re-imaginings of Bowie songs, Mipso’s rendition of “Modern Love” still manages to stand out. This performance is quite impressive because of the ethereal voices and harmonies, as well as the sparse instrumentation and arrangement.

“Under Pressure” – My Chemical Romance and The Used (2005)

My Chemical Romance and The Used give the classic Bowie and Queen collaboration “Under Pressure” a pop-punk spin in their cover version. Their cover packs just as much of a punch as the original, with vocals and power chords that are evocative of emo music from the early 2000s.

“Starman” – Sharon Van Etten (2022)

Sharon Van Etten’s rendition of “Starman,” which can be found on the soundtrack of Netflix’s Return To Space, is excellent. Spacey synthesizers and Van Etten’s ethereal vocals make for a mind-melting mix in this enchanting cover.

“Life On Mars?” – Trey Songz (2016)

Trey Songz’s rendition of “Life On Mars?,” featured on the soundtrack for the HBO series Vinyl, adds an R&B twist while retaining the song’s ethereal quality.

“Rebel, Rebel” – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (1993)

It is not necessary to come up with an entirely new cover design. In light of this, Joan Jett does not significantly modify Bowie’s “Rebel, Rebel” when the Blackhearts give the piece its signature jangle. Why’d have to change something great already?

“The Man Who Sold The World” – Nirvana (1993)

Nirvana’s rendition of “The Man Who Sold the World” by David Bowie from their 1993 MTV Unplugged concert is legendary. Kurt Cobain’s cracked; scratchy voice feels like the ideal vehicle for the song’s hypnotic combination of strings that plays underneath.

“Heroes” – Peter Gabriel (2010)

Peter Gabriel’s live performance of “Heroes” is a symphonic treat to watch and listen to. The swelling orchestra and Gabriel’s magnificent vocals combine to create a version of a Bowie classic that causes goosebumps to appear on any listener.