10 Amazing Covers By Music Artists You Didn't Expect

Originally released in 1983 by German new-wave band, Nena, and given the name '99 Luftballons', this simply iconic song is the chosen tune for whistlers everywhere. It's instantly recognisable, and its synth-infused hook makes it so very ripe for covers to be explored.

By the time Goldfinger released their take on the song as part of their Best Of album in 2005, the ska-punk heyday was firmly in the rearview. As such, fans can appreciate this cover with rose-tinted spectacles, which helps the song greatly as the year roll by, and Goldfinger fans get older.

Goldfinger's cover feels less innocent, with frontman John Feldmann's contribution replacing the original's pretty vocals, and the synthy melody being thrown out in favour of noisy, jagged guitars. An unexpected German verse in the song's back half makes it feel faithful to the tune's origins.

It was featured in turn-of-the-century comedy movies like Eurotrip and Not Another Teen Movie, and as such it's a song that is so very nostalgic.

Taking Nena's crowning track and giving it an angsty ska-punk makeover, Goldfinger struck gold, forging something truly fresh and immensely listenable.