10 Cover Songs That Outshine The Original

6. Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah

Jeff Buckley may no longer be with us but his legacy lives on. Jeff Buckley's performance of Hallelujah is captivating, iconic, and haunting. Leonard Cohen's version is great in it's own right but where Cohen's version seems somewhat subdued Buckley's interpretation demands your attention from start to finish. The decision to leave the band out in favor of just a single guitar proves to be in Buckley's favor. Ever heard the saying less is more? Well that is definitely the case here. Where Cohen's version has many different layers and instruments Jeff Buckley manages to make due with just his voice and one guitar. Cohen has some great talent but vocally he can't compete with the range Buckley displays here. Jeff is for lack of a better term a wailer and he isn't afraid to let loose here. The melancholy guitar playing is haunting and memorable but it's the vocal performance that really sticks with you. Leonard Cohen's version will always be a good listen that leaves you satisfied but one listen to Buckley's performance has the potential to bring you to tears and weep like a baby, it's that powerful.