8. Hurt - Johnny Cash (originally by Nine Inch Nails)

There was no way this wasn't going to feature on one of the playlists, so here we have it - Cash's iconic and moving version of 'Hurt'.

It's seen as the definitive version of the songs, and was released around a year before Cash passed away, giving the already-stunning song even more power.

9. Need You Now - Wonderland (originally by Lady Antebellum)

From one Irish pop act breaking up to another, this time girl-band Wonderland, who never saw the success their debut record deserved.

Their sound (heavily influenced by the likes of The Corrs) was something a bit different, and this Lady Antebellum cover was a highlight on a fantastic debut (and disappointingly stand-alone) album.

10. Feeling Good - Muse (originally by Cy Grant in the musical The Roar of the Greasepaint - The Smell of the Crowd)

It's surprising that the Nina Simone version of this isn't actually the original, but it was originally written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for this musical in 1965.

Muse's take on the song gave it so much power, it becomes a fantastic anthem and phenomenal live song, showcasing their sound's best trademarks.

11. Stacy's Mom - Bowling for Soup (originally by Fountains of Wayne)

In line with Bowling For Soup's sense of humour, this was released a couple of weeks ago, the band explaining on an email announcement: "Everyone thought they did it anyway...so they freakin did it!"

It's a nice nod to frequent mistakes (thinking BFS originally did this, or that Weezer sung 'Teenage Dirtbag'), and is just a faithful, straight-up cover done very well indeed.

12. Since U Been Gone - A Day To Remember (originally by Kelly Clarkson)

Taking a power-pop ballad and turning it on its head, A Day To Remember turn Kelly Clarkson's hit into a surprisingly great post-hardcore track.

It's become a rock club anthem, with good reason, and the song lends itself shockingly well to this heavy, riff-soaked style.

13. 99 Red Balloons - Goldfinger (originally by Nina)

Originally released in German by Nina, an English version was penned for the band by Kevin McAlea, which was eventually covered by pop punk/ska band Goldfinger.

It's an excellent interpretation of the track, and pays a nice tribute to the original by singing the final German verse.

14. Come On Eileen - Save Ferris (originally by Dexy's Midnight Runners)

Often wrongly attributed to No Doubt, this third wave ska take on 'Come On Eileen' was actually recorded by now-defunct Save Ferris.

Monique Powell's soaring vocals add a new quality to the song, showcasing it for what it is - much more than a novelty, it's a fantastic, infectious pop tune.

15. Don't Stop Me Now - McFly (originally by Queen)

McFly released this in 2006 as the official song for Sport Relief, and there were many people wondering if they'd pull it off.

Doubters were proven wrong as the pop-rock quartet covered it brilliantly, doing both the vocals and guitar solo justice in fine form.

That's another week done. If you use Spotify, you can check out the playlist here (or the full, extended version here). Got any suggestions? Have we missed out your favourite cover? Let us know and we'll add it to the extended playlist.

Female First - Alistair McGeorge

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