Just Rock ‘n’ Roll: The Best Rolling Stones Songs Sung by Others

Not only was “As Tears Go By” a top 10 hit for the famous English singer, but it was released before the Stones even released the song themselves. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, this is one of the band’s most popular ballads, but Faithfull’s version tends to be more celebrated. Faithfull became a household name and eventually an international pop-rock star after its release.

“Little” is in name only. When Little Richard went into the studio or on stage, he always gave it his all. This was no different with his cover of “Brown Sugar”. With the screaming and screeching, wailing and howling, Richard’s soulful version of this Stones classic has to be at the top of any cover list. Like most of Little Richard’s songs, his cover is a feast for the ears.

The British soul singer made a name for herself through her collaborations with George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, but this rousing version of “Play With Fire” also caused a stir in the early 1970s. Copeland’s voice is full of bombast and her interpretation of the piece has an almost arena rock feel.

With more than a dash of Ziggy Stardust, Bowie delivers a futuristic performance with this great Stones song. His version is just as fast as the original, with great piano work amidst an original interpretation that really captures the legendary singer’s musical moment. Some critics felt it was a bit over the top, but Bowie wanted to do big things at this point in his career and push the boundaries of the concept.

Many have covered this rock’n’roll classic, but none have been as unique as new wave rockers Devo. It was the second cut of the band’s acclaimed debut Q: Are we not men? A: We are Devo! There was nothing comparable at the time, and Devo’s Version is still one of the best cover songs of all time. If anything, it introduced the world to one of the most creative acts in music history.

Legend has it that Mick Jagger suggested Ronstadt cover “Tumbling Dice” to showcase her rock’n’roll side. It proved to be a successful move. The cover was a top 40 hit for the famous singer and she sang it in the 1978 film FMThe film was a box office flop, but the soundtrack went platinum and cemented Ronstadt’s status as one of the most popular singers of the 1970s.

For the casual alternative/post-punk fan, the English band The March Violets were not on many radars in the 1980s. At least not in America. However, the band did deliver one of the better contributions to the soundtrack of the 1987 John Hughes film Somehow wonderful, with this cover of the Rolling Stones from 1967 Between the buttons. It’s an above-average 80s-style cover and a tribute to the film’s female co-lead: Amanda Jones, played by Lea Thompson.

On Jane’s live album of the same name, it is listed simply as “Sympathy.” For fans of the band, this may have been their introduction (bongos and all) to a unique and conceptually creative sound from these 1990s alt-rock giants. Many groups have attempted to cover “Sympathy for the Devil,” and not all have been successful. This one, if anything, might top the list for its originality.

The Rolling Stones’ version of this track was originally the B-side of the 1965 gem “Get Off My Cloud” and appeared on the British edition of the From our head album. However, this version by the Scottish alt-pop rockers is probably better known in the USA. With a touch of reggae flair, the song became a real radio hit and was frequently played on MTV.

This is another Stones cover that found international recognition. The Sundays were a respected British indie rock group in the 1990s, but this version of the country-tinged popular ballad caught the love of the masses. The Sundays’ version also found a home in the 1996 psychological thriller fearAlthough many groups and artists have taken on this song, The Sundays’ offering is still one of the best.

In all his blistering, frontal punk style, Social D has hit the jackpot with this cover of another Stones favorite. Mike Ness and co. are no strangers to successful covers of legendary songs. Listen to Social Distortion’s version of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.” Perhaps because frontman Ness truly appreciates the history of rock and roll and the attitude that goes with it.

The Folksmen are undoubtedly the greatest fictional folk music group of all time, but the band (featuring veteran actors Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer) have had success off-screen too. The trio’s version of the Stones’ early 1980s rocker “Start Me Up” is anything but a folk song. Perhaps that’s why it works so well.

Recorded for a project with music from the popular ABC show Desperate Housewives in the early 2000s. Phair was one of the most dynamic artists during the angst-filled alternative rock years of the 1990s and the decade that followed, and she doesn’t disappoint with this version of the rollicking song that showcases many facets of her talent.

Like “Miss Amanda Jones” from 1967 Between the buttons It’s a beautiful song from the band’s early days and tailor-made for a legendary talent like Lindsey Buckingham. In all his acoustic grandeur, Buckingham powers his way through a standout version of a song that shines whether played in a cafe or on stage in front of thousands.

“Fool to Cry” is one of the Rolling Stones’ most underrated works and at the same time one of the band’s most soulful works. Indie pop stars Tegan & Sara did this song more than justice when they were asked by actress and author Lena Dunham to cover the song for the Girl‘ soundtrack. What’s striking about this cover is that it shows the depth of the duo’s vocal talent.

Pretty much anything Jason Isbell does is going to be brilliant. This is no exception. With able backing from The 400 Unit, Isbell has made “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” a fairly regular cover at live performances. And more often than not, it’s one of the highlights of his shows. It’s a no-nonsense approach to rock ‘n’ roll that further underscores Isbell’s status as one of the greatest live musicians out there right now.