Thank goodness for country covers.
Whether it’s an artist performing a cover live at their concert or releasing a re-recorded version of a beloved song, these remakes capture the essence of what country music is all about: celebrating music through the retelling of stories.
Personally, covers are some of my most anticipated releases because they offer the closest experience to hearing a favorite song again for the first time (without the amnesia, of course). Many artists pay tribute to their influences by reimagining classic hits, despite the risk of not living up to the original, but plenty still manage to bring something fresh and unique to the table.
Chances are, your favorite artist has released at least one cover–whether it’s a nod to a 90s western hit or a pop song reworked into their style. Of course, there are the iconic ones such as “Tennessee Whiskey” and “Cover Me Up,” which have earned their own legendary status. But here are a few other amazing reinventions by country artists.
Dreams – Ian Munsick
Original Artist: Fleetwood Mac
Ian Munsick’s take on Fleetwood Mac’s iconic song, “Dreams,” is equally as unique as his unmistakable voice. While the original is an entrancing rhythmic anthem, perfect for any road trip, Munsick’s version featured on his 2021 album, Coyote Cry, elevates the track into something entirely new. The full 3 minutes and 10 seconds is one of the most ethereal listening experiences you’ll find.
Munsick completely reimagines the song with an intricate layering of instrumentals and eccentric production. His voice seamlessly echoes the melodies throughout, and the descending beat drop after the first chorus really amplifies the song’s entrancing vibe. Most notably if there’s one thing he knows how to do best, it’s a distinctive fiddle, which adds a fresh twist to the track. Kudos to the Wyoming ranch hand for putting such a bold and fun spin on the number-one hit.
How to Save a Life – Wyatt Flores
Original Artist: The Fray
Chances are if you grew up in the early 2000s, listening to The Fray’s, “How to Save a Life” immediately evokes a wave of gut-wrenching nostalgia.
The song is a certified masterpiece but 23-year-old rising artist from Oklahoma, Wyatt Flores has done such a remarkable job paying tribute to it. After performing the 2005 ballad countless times on tour, his rendition quickly became a fan favorite leading him to release the studio version in December 2023, just weeks before it appeared on his album Half Life. In his post, he humbly shared, “My goal of recording a cover of How To Save a Life was never to outdo The Fray…I wanted to slow down the song so people had the chance to listen to the lyrics and the meaning behind the song.”
Flore’s gritty voice adds a unique depth to the song, which is known for its choral piano and alternative rock vibe. His version opens with delicate guitar picking, gradually building to an intense dramatic chorus, all while being accompanied by powerful violins. The raw emotion of the whole production makes it a natural fit for country music.
Slow Dancing in a Burning Room – ERNEST
Original Artist: John Mayer
John Mayer’s “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” is another one of those iconic early 2000s ballads that pulls you into a melancholic trance. The haunting tale of a couple doomed to crash and burn is perfectly paired with the song’s tranquilizing melody.
Ernest has released two versions of the track: one on his 2024 album Nashville, Tennessee, and another the year previously as a part of Ernest and the Fellas Unplugged: Circle Sessions. From the very first beat, his cover is captivating. While Mayer’s signature guitar riffs are unmistakable, Ernest honors them beautifully, adding his own fiery, soul-stirring instrumentals. His intense take on the song deepens its emotional impact, making it a standout addition to his discography.
Islands in the Stream – ERNEST and Hailey Whitters
Original Artists: Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton
Speaking of ERNEST’s impressive covers, he also delivers a charming duet with Hailey Whitters on an updated version of “Island’s in the Stream”. While it’s true that the legendary pairing of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton can never be topped, Ernest and Whitters do a fantastic job of keeping this classic love song feeling fresh.
The duo fully embraces the 80s yacht country vibe, with the music video taking place in a run-down dive bar where they perform the song karaoke-style. Their version stays largely true to the original, ERNEST and Whitters breathe new life into it with vibrant vocals and an authentic production featuring a captivating drum beat and charming strings. There’s no option but to sway along while listening to this song.
Burning House – Kameron Marlowe
Original Artist: Cam
“Burning House” has always been a hauntingly beautiful song. First released by Cam a decade ago on her 2015 album Untamed, it was long overdue for a second wave of recognition.
It’s interesting to hear male vocals on this track, but if anyone’s up for the challenge, it’s Kameron Marlowe. Stripped down to just a guitar and Marlowe’s engrossing voice, the cover reveals a softer side to his typically gravelly vocals. After sharing an acoustic version on TikTok and receiving overwhelming fan demand, he officially released it as a single in November 2024. The cover feels very reminiscent of his January 2025 single, “Here Lies the Fool,” which only heightens my anticipation for his upcoming album Sad Songs for the Soul.
Stay – Noah Thompson
Original Artist: Rihanna
Noah Thompson is no stranger to covering songs. His soulful voice and stellar renditions were key to his success on American Idol in 2022. One of his most popular performances from season 20 was Rihanna’s hit “Stay.” Thompson later admitted at first he didn’t even want to sing the song since it was a bit outside of his comfort zone.
A big shout-out to whoever encouraged him to take it on, because his rendition is nothing short of phenomenal. “Stay” went on to become Thompson’s second single after the show. His voice echoes on this track with a deep sorrowful guitar melody and heart-thumping bass.
Wildflowers – Trampled by Turtles
Original Artist: Tom Petty
As you may recall this past June, Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty was released, featuring over 20 country artists covering some of Petty’s greatest hits. However, six years earlier, Trampled By Turtles were among the first in country music to pay tribute to Petty, releasing their bluegrass-infused version of his 1994 hit, “Wildflowers.”
What sets their remake apart is their ability to preserve the stripped-down essence of the original with a more frenetic country sound. With its charming banjo and the band’s harmonious vocals, the track is sure to tickle the eardrum–leaving me to wonder why Trampled By Turtles wasn’t included on the tribute album.
Dive – Luke Combs
Original Artist- Ed Sheeran
While Luke Combs’ 2024 cover song of “Fast Car” is notably his most popular, he has another exceptional recording that deserves attention. In 2018 Combs blessed country music with a bare-bones version of Ed Sheeran’s “Dive”.
Just a year after Sheeran released the soulful ballad on his ÷(Divide) album, Combs released the entirely unique cover alongside an acoustic performance of “One Number Away” at Sound Stage Nashville. Combs’ powerful voice brings a rich depth to this love song, making it a captivating listen. Sheeran clearly appreciated the cover, as he joined Comb’s on stage for a duet and later collaborated with him on “Life Goes On” for Sheeran’s 2023 album Subtract.
What Are You Listening To? – Megan Moroney
Original Artist: Chris Stapleton
Can it get any better than a Chris Stapleton x Megan Moroney crossover? The Georgia girl’s cover of Stapleton’s 2013 ballad, “What Are You Listening To?” is pure magic. While Stapleton’s original is unbeatable, his impeccable songwriting skills lend themselves well to anyone’s vocals.
Moroney, a pro at delivering “emo cowgirl country anthems” nails the vibe here. Her raspy, heartfelt voice brings a fresh perspective to the song, adding a feminine touch to its bittersweet heartbreak. What started as a social media cover eventually became an official release in 2023, and it’s clear her version has its own undeniable charm.
Wasting All These Tears – Austin Snell
Original Artist: Cassadee Pope
This list features several powerful, emotional tracks, and Cassadee Pope’s 2013 debut single, “Wasting All These Tears” fits perfectly into that theme. While the song quickly became a country radio staple, Pope’s journey started in a punk rock band before The Voice. She’s since returned to her roots, re-releasing a more rock-tinged version of the song—“Cassadee’s version”—with an angsty edge.
In 2022, Georgia native Austin Snell also reclaimed the track as his own, adding a gritty sound from the male perspective. His slowed-down acoustic version brings a darker tone with brooding vocals and a deeper bass line. While Snell doesn’t hit the same high-pitched notes as Pope, his raw, earthy growl and backroads vibe blend seamlessly with the melody. My favorite part is the echoing vocals which perfectly capture the haunting sorrow of the song.
Jersey Giant – Evan Honer and Julia Digrazia / Sam Barber
Original Artist: Tyler Childers
The final bonus on this list is a cult classic among Tyler Childers fans, even though his version of “Jersey Giant” has never been officially released. Until Childers blesses the world with his take, these covers will just have to do. Luckily, several emerging artists share the same passion for the song and have put their own spin on it.
In December 2022, Evan Honer and Julia Digrazia, two fresh faces in country music, teamed up to release their version. I’d argue that the strumming of the song’s five chords is what gives it that catchy charm and their rendition stays true to that. With the acoustic guitar at the forefront and subtle picking in the background, the simple production allows their beautifully blended voices and the snappy tune to shine through.
Another must-hear cover of the song was released by rising star Sam Barber, who’s had a breakout year with his latest album Restless Mind. Barber’s distinctive timbre of growling vocals not only helps him to stand out from the crowd but also gives the song a fresh edge. His version picks up the tempo with fast-paced strumming and a full band that bulks up the sound. Things really kick off after the first chorus, when an enthusiastic electric guitar and fiddle spice up the melody.
Both covers are great alternatives to listening to Tyler Childers’ version on YouTube.