Eighties Songs That Were Remakes

Not every hit of the eighties was original material. There were some songs that were coveres of songs from other decades, and even other contemporay artists. This page is just a simple list of which songs weren't by their original artist when they were made into hits in the eighties. I also have a page of songs from the eighties that are being remade now and a page about cover bands for the eighties.

This page currently edited by: Gwen. Past editor: Junior

"(Sittin' on the) Dock of the Bay", Originally by Otis Redding, Remade by Michael Bolton
I don't like Michael Bolton, so that gives you a clue as to how I liked his remake.
"20th Century Boy", Originally by Marc Bolan/T-Rex, Remade by World War III
I'm not a fan of T-Rex, Wolrd War III's version was far better, but then whose ever heard of Worls War III.
"99 Red Balloons ", Originally by Nena, Remade by Goldfinger
It's missing Nena's cute German accent.
"99 Red Balloons", Originally by Nena, Remade by Reel Big Fish
Very good ska type cover of Nena's original song
"Action", Originally by Sweet, Remade by Black 'n' Blue
The version of Def Leppard is even better, but that one is made in the 90's
"Against All Odds", Originally by Phil Collins , Remade by Mariah Carey featuring Westlife
Against All Odds is the correct song title. You have it listed on your site as Take A Look At Me Now (those lyrics are apart of the chorus, not the song title).
"Ain't That A Shame", Originally by Fats Domino, Remade by Cheap Trick
Great cover...it sounds awesome on the live album but there is a drum beat that gets skipped so that gives me hope as a junior rock star!
"All Along the Watchtower", Originally by Bob Dylan, Remade by Many
Hendrix got the credit on your site for originating the song. That's understandable, because the Hendrix cover is well known, the original is not. The Dylan original is on the album John Wesley Hardin if your want to check it out.
"All Along the Watchtower", Originally by Jimi Hendrix Experience, Remade by U2
The remake just doesn't cut it.
"All Fired Up", Originally by Rattling Sabres, Remade by Pat Benatar
This was written by Kerryn Tolhurst. Original clip is on youtube.
"All I Have To Do Is Dream", Originally by The Everly Brothers, Remade by Andy Gibb & Victoria Principal
They say love is blind and that's what happened to Andy when he asked Victoria to do this duet with him. In all fairness; the original is pretty hard to top anyway.
"All I Have To Do Is Dream", Originally by The Everly Brothers, Remade by Andy Gibb & Victoria Principal
They say love is blind and that's what happened to Andy when he asked Victoria to do this duet with him. In all fairness; the original is pretty hard to top anyway.
"All I Have To Do Is Dream", Originally by The Everly Brothers, Remade by Jeff Bridges & Karen Allen
From the "Starman" motion picture starring Bridges and Allen.
"All I Want Is You", Originally by U2, Remade by Mary Beth Maziarz
Not U2, but good, sweet and lovelorn rather than dark and slightly psycho.
"All Right Now", Originally by Free, Remade by Pepsii & Shirley
Cheryl "Pepsii" Riley and Shirley Moreland were Wham!'s backup singers on their single, "Young Guns (Go For It}".
"All Right Now", Originally by Free, Remade by Rod Stewart
Very cheesy cover. Makes us pine for Rod's earlier days.
"All Shook Up", Originally by Elvis Presley, Remade by Ry Cooder
How did he ever get away with this? It went from a bluesy inspired song to a disorganized mess of a rap song almost overnight.
"All Through The Night", Originally by Jules Shear, Remade by Cyndi Lauper
"Alone", Originally by I-Ten, Remade by Heart
Great version. I-Ten was a project by the songwriters Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly. Ann Wilson really does a great job with this song.
"Always On My Mind", Originally by Elvis Presley (and others), Remade by Pet Shop Boys
Absolutely scrumptious cover version presented with gorgeous OTT flair by Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe. Just wonderful. The music video is taken from their "It Couldn't Happen Here" film, and features Joss Ackland as a blind psychotic member of the cloth from their childhood ("I smell youth. Vintage youth")
"Always Something There To Remind Me", Originally by Sandie Shaw, Remade by Naked Eyes
The original 45 is readily available!
"Amanda", Originally by Boston, Remade by Brooklyn Queens
"Anarchy In The U.K.", Originally by Sex Pistols, Remade by Motley Crue
I've heard both versions of this song and, the devil's advocacy not withstanding, I like the Sex Pistols' version of this song a lot better than I like the Crue's version of this song. But the Crue didn't do a bad job.
"Anarchy In The UK", Originally by Sex Pistols, Remade by Megadeth
the sex pistols version is good but the megadeth version is alot harder and better
"Anarchy In The UK", Originally by The Sex Pistols, Remade by Motley Crue
Musical murder. How did they get away with this.
"Angel Of the Morning", Originally by Merilee Rush, Remade by Juice Newton
"Are You Experienced?", Originally by Jimi Hendrix Experience, Remade by Devo
Another cover of a Hendrix song that falls short of the original.
"Are You Experienced?", Originally by Jimi Hendrix, Remade by Belly
A band founded by former Throwing Muses singer Tanya Donelly.
"Ashes to Ashes", Originally by David Bowie, Remade by Tears for Fears
Like 'em both. The vocals in the Tears for Fears version are unmistakeable!
"Auf Wiedersehen", Originally by Cheap Trick, Remade by Anthrax
This is a hard rocker. Anthrax's version was mixed more cleanly, but then again, it was nearly a decade after the original. Plus, you can't match Rick Nielsen's guitar style of the late 70's
"Bad Moon Rising", Originally by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Remade by The Reels
"Bad Side of the Moon", Originally by Elton John, Remade by April Wine
I haven't actually heard Elton's version, but I have heard April Wine's, and it's of course one of their bigger hits, and one of my favorites of theirs.
"Ball Of Confusion", Originally by The Temptations, Remade by Love and Rockets
'Ball of Confusion' is a timeless tune that all generations can appreciate. The Love and Rockets version rips thru you like a buzzsaw, with cutting, if not frightening, lyrics and grinding guitar riffs! One of my all time 80's faves.
"Ball Of Confusion", Originally by The Temptations, Remade by Tina Turner
Tina's powerful vocals plus the synths make this version better than the original. At least it's louder.
"Bang A Gong (Get It On)", Originally by T-Rex, Remade by Power Station
I liked both versions, but the PS version opted to omit the last line and just repeat "Get it on, bang a gong".
"Beast Of Burden", Originally by Rolling Stones, Remade by Bette Midler
"Bette Davis Eyes", Originally by Jackie De Shannon, Remade by Kim Carnes
"Big Yellow Taxi", Originally by Joni Mitchell, Remade by Counting Crows
Not a bad cover, but still missing something.
"Bizarre Love Triangle ", Originally by New Order, Remade by Stabbing Westward
The cover adds a mix of industrial overtones and crashing power chords but remains true to the orginal. I like New Order better.
"Black Betty", Originally by Hattie Leadbelly Leadbetter, Remade by Ram Jam
Ram Jam's version is of course the only version anybody knows, and deservedly so, it rocks. However the original, if you can find it, is quite interesting and worth a listen.
"Blackbird", Originally by The Beatles, Remade by Sarah McLachlan
I'm pretty partial to Sarah, so this isn't a fair example.
"Black Magic Woman", Originally by Fleetwood Mac, Remade by Santana
Almost identical. If you want to form your own opinion, Fleetwood Mac's version can be found on their debut album of the same name.
"Blinded By The Light", Originally by Bruce Springsteen, Remade by Manfred Mann's Earth Band
If you haven't had a chance to hear Bruce's original version, I suggest you give it a whirl. It's totally different and actually quite good, however I have to give the nod to Manfred Mann.
"Blue Monday ", Originally by New Order, Remade by Orgy
The cover is punky and edgy but remains true to the orginal. Pretty damn good.
"Born To Be Wild", Originally by Steppenwolf, Remade by The Cult
Another classic rock tune. The Cult are a great band, but whilst it's not a bad cover, they should have left it alone.
"Born To Run", Originally by Bruce Springsteen, Remade by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
A rare cover from the "Welcome To The Pleasure Dome" album of 1984.
"The Boxer", Originally by Simon and Garfunkel, Remade by Emmylou Harris
This song was released as a single but didn't go very far. Not only was her version shorter than the original by two minutes but it had a bluegrass flavor. I'm not a fan of bluegrass so I didn't really enjoy this cover version. I thought the original was much more effective.
"The Boy From New York City", Originally by The Ad-Libs, Remade by The Manhattan Transfers
The remake is quite an improvement.
"Breakaway", Originally by Chuck Jackson, Remade by Big Pig
This tune which opens the film "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" was originally called I CAN'T BREAK AWAY.
"Break It To Me Gently", Originally by Brenda Lee, Remade by Juice Newton
These sound so similar you can't tell the difference.
"Bringing On The Heartbreak", Originally by Def Leppard, Remade by Mariah Carey
You know a cover song is terrible when a washed up old pop star covers a rock song.
"Burning Down the House", Originally by Talking Heads, Remade by Tom Jones and The Cardigans
This is such a rocking remix, I'd dare say even better than the original!
"Can't Get Used to Losing You", Originally by Andy Williams, Remade by The (English) Beat
An oldie tinged with a ska beat. Yeh, I liked it.
"Can't Hurry Love", Originally by Diana Ross and the Supremes, Remade by Phill Collins
I really like Phill's version of this song. Of course I may just be a little bit biased. :)
"Ca Plane Pour Moi", Originally by Plastic Bertrand, Remade by The Damned
The Damned made an english version of this smash hit, "Jet Boy Jet Girl", around 1980. I don't know the meaning of the original title nor the lyrics, but I've heard that they were kinda nasty.
"Cecilia", Originally by Simon and Garfunkel, Remade by Time Two
Shanti Jones is the name of the lead singer of Times Two..
"Celluloid Heroes", Originally by The Kinks, Remade by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
References several famous stars including Bette Davis.
"China Girl ", Originally by Iggy Pop , Remade by David Bowie
Bowie's "China Girl" got a lot of radio attention. Ray Manzarek, of the Doors, had a radio program in the early eighties and played the two back to back. Iggy's influence on recording artists was definite seen.
"Come And Get These Memories", Originally by Martha and The Vandellas, Remade by Ellen Foley
Stop right there, Ellen! Your cover blows.
"Come On Eileen", Originally by Dexy's Midnight Runners, Remade by Save Ferris
It is not as good as the original, but it is pretty cool.
"Come Together", Originally by The Beatles, Remade by Aerosmith
I wonder why nobody's put this up yet.
"Come Together", Originally by The Beatles, Remade by Howard Jones
Howard plays a lot of Beatles covers-Come Together is on his Live Acoustic America CD in the middle of one of his songs called Exodus. When he was in SLC, UT in 2002, he performed another Beatles cover, "Because", during his acoustic set of the show
"Come Together", Originally by The Beatles, Remade by Ike And Tina Turner
It could have done better without Ike's overproduction on keyboards, but Tina was on fire.
"Come Together", Originally by The Beatles, Remade by Michael Jackson
"Come To Me", Originally by The Bee Gees, Remade by Barry Manilow & Dionne Warwick
Initially liked the cover, but I listen to the Bee Gees' version and decided I like it better.
"Come Up And See Me (Make Me Smile)", Originally by Cockney Rebel, Remade by Duran Duran
Definitely love Duran Duran's b-side cover of this song, which was featured on the b-side of "The Reflex" and later, in 1994, on the "Threesome" original motion picture soundtrack
"Crimson and Clover", Originally by Tommy James & The Shondells, Remade by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
"Crimson and Clover", Originally by Tommy James and the Shondells, Remade by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
I'm indifferent about this cover song. Joan did a good job with it.
"Dancing Days", Originally by Led Zeppelin, Remade by Stone Temple Pilots
Probably the best track off the Led Zepp tribute album.
"Dancing Queen", Originally by ABBA, Remade by Kylie Minogue
What was Kylie thinking? I know Aussies love ABBA, but it was bad enough when the A*Teens covered it.
"Dancing With Myself", Originally by Billy Idol, Remade by The Donnas
Another song remade for the movie soundtrack, 'Mean Girls'. It's a very good cover song and i enjoy it.
"Dancin' Shoes", Originally by Faith Band, Remade by Nigel Olson
If course Nigel made it a Top Twenty hit, but it will always be a Faith Band song to me.
"Danicng In The Streets", Originally by Martha/Vandellas, Remade by Mick Jagger/David Bowie
I love this version of this song!
"The Day Before You Came", Originally by Abba, Remade by Blancmange
Haunting, I heard this cover first, always makes me wonder what happens next, but that the point isn't it?
"The Day Before You Came", Originally by Abba, Remade by Echo & The Bunnymen
A lesser known Abba tune, surprisingly, as I would say it was one of their better tunes. The cover was pretty good too. I heard the cover first, but I would say both versions are on a par.
"Daydream Believer", Originally by Monkees, Remade by Mary Beth Maziarz
This song was used in Dawson's Creek a lot. Who knew that the Monkees signature hit would sound so good as ballad and by a woman? This is her website www.marybethmusic.com/
"Daydream Believer", Originally by The Monkees, Remade by Anne Murray
"Daydream Believer", Originally by The Monkees, Remade by Smash Mouth
I really like this cover even though the original band doesn't really appeal to me.
"Days", Originally by Kinks, Remade by Kristy Mckoll
almost similar
"Dear Prudence", Originally by Beatles, Remade by Siouxie and the Banshees
Liked the cover. Never really heard the original though.
"Demolition Man", Originally by Sting, Remade by Grace Jones
Depends on your taste for Grace, but I liked the remake.
"Demolition Man", Originally by Sting, Remade by Manfred Mann's Earth Band
"Didn't I (Blow Your Mind)", Originally by The Delfonics, Remade by New Kids On The Block
I thought the version by the delfonics was really weak, the version by NKOTB is awesome, also the group does an awesome insturmental break in the song.
"Don't Be Cruel", Originally by Elvis Presley, Remade by Cheap Trick
Elvis was gyrating in his grave, which isn't a good thing.
"Don't Dream It's Over", Originally by Crowded House, Remade by Sixpence None the Richer
Very sexy remix.
"Don't Leave Me This Way", Originally by Thelma Houston, Remade by Communards
"Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me", Originally by Elton John, Remade by George Michael & Elton John
This was recorded live by George and Elton.
"Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me", Originally by Elton John, Remade by Roger Daltrey
I have to say that I like Roger's better. Plus it was used in the Lost Boys.
"Don't You(Forget About Me)", Originally by Simple Minds, Remade by Billy Idol
Almost identical to the original.
"Do Ya", Originally by ELO, Remade by Ace Frehley
Being I was critiquing I might as well submit a couple to ya.
"Do You Know The Way To San Jose", Originally by Dionne Warwick, Remade by Frankie Goes To Hollywood
Off Welcome to the Pleasuredome. I think this one may have been written by Burt Bacharach. I have memories of my college roommate dancing around the dorm room. It's Frankie.
"Dream A Little Dream", Originally by Mamma Cass, Remade by Mickey Thomas
Mamma Cass' version was a cover in itself, the original being written by Gus Kahn in the 40's. However, I always think of the movie with Corey Feldman lip syncing to this version with Mickey Thomas (Of Starship). Also, check out the end credits with a "duet" version that has Jason Robards joining Feldman and lip syncing to MEL TORME!!!!
"Dream Lover", Originally by Bobby Darin, Remade by Ricky Nelson
Nelson's slower version was more obscure from the charts than Darin's original.
"Dream On", Originally by The Righeous Brothers, Remade by Alabama
Not to be confused with the Aerosmith hit, The Righteous Brothers recorded this song in 1974, and Alabama made it a #1 hit on the country charts.
"Drift Away", Originally by Dobie Gray, Remade by Uncle Kraker
Their voices sound identical, but I think the original has more soul.
"Drive My Car", Originally by The Beatles, Remade by The Breakfast Club
Not a bad cover. Very very cheesy 80s. Band better known for their hot "Right On Track". I still love this version.
"Drive My Car", Originally by The Beatles, Remade by The Breakfast Club
Not a bad cover. Very very cheesy 80s. Band better known for their hot "Right On Track". I still love this version.
"Earth Angel", Originally by The Penguins, Remade by New Edition
A wonderful remake from the "Karate Kid II" soundtrack, as well as New Edition's cover album!!
"Eloise", Originally by Barry Ryan, Remade by The Damned
An absolute riot - my favourite Eighties track, always brings back memories of Dave Vanian with a Gothic quiff, camping it up on "Top of the Pops"!
"Elvira", Originally by Dallas Frazier, Remade by The Oak Ridge Boys
It was bass singer Richard Sterban's "oom-pop-a-maw-maw" solo in the chorus of the song that made "Elvira" a hot hit the second time around.
"Eternal Flame", Originally by Bangles, Remade by Atomic Kitten
"Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn't)", Originally by Buzzcocks, Remade by Fine Young Cannibals
Prefer the cover personally.
"Everybody Plays The Fool", Originally by The Main Ingredient, Remade by Aaron Neville
a little known fact is that the lead singer for "The Main Ingredient" is Cuba Gooding Sr.
"Everybody Wants To Rule The World", Originally by Tears For Fears, Remade by Nas
I think it totally kicks ass, Nas is amazing and he really updates this great song.
"Everything I Own", Originally by Bread, Remade by Culture Club
Bread version has a sense of sadness. Culture Club version is more upbeat
"Everything I Own", Originally by Bread, Remade by Culture Club
It was Boy George of Culture Club who remade "Everything I Own" not Culture Club. I believe this was one of his first solo releases off his first solo album, "Sold".
"Every Time You Go Away", Originally by Daryl Hall and John Oates, Remade by Paul Young
"Fame", Originally by David Bowie, Remade by Duran Duran
Little known b-side of 'Careless Memories'. Considering the band doing it, of course it was good, but it doesn't have quite as much...personality as the original.
"Family Man", Originally by Mike Oldfield, Remade by Hall & Oates
Hall & Oates added a last verse which pretty much ruins the song. Oh well...
"Feel Like Making Love", Originally by Bad Company, Remade by Kid Rock
I thought the cover was awful!! I don't think anyone should be allowed to try to cover up an already EXCELLENT song!! Kid Rock ruins the song by adding a mellow sound to the verses then blasting into the chorus with a rap/rock sound. Absolutely terrible! Stick to the originals!
"Fooled Around And Fell In Love", Originally by Elvin Bishop, Remade by Henry Lee Summer
Henry did better with this cover than with the Cornelius Brothers/Sister Rose song "Treat Her Like A Lady", thanks mainly to Joe Walsh's guitar solo.
"Footloose", Originally by Kenny Loggins, Remade by Good Charlotte
Pretty awesome. One of the few cover songs that I like.
"Forever Young", Originally by Alphaville, Remade by Laura Branigan
Even though I can't resist Laura's amazing voice, I like the Alphaville version better.
"For The Love Of Money", Originally by The O'Jays, Remade by The Bulletboys
A great version of the funky classic.
"For You", Originally by Bruce Springsteen, Remade by Manfred Mann's Earth Band
"Free Ride", Originally by Edgar Winter Group, Remade by
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