Bob Dylan covers have been abundant through the years. Dylan has released so many songs in his career that it’s almost impossible to know them all. Sometimes I’ll listen to a song from a favorite band for years before suddenly learning it’s a Bob Dylan cover (yes, it’s included in this list). Here are some of the most unexpected Dylan covers that you may not see coming.
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“It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” — Bad Religion
In 2012, Bad Religion contributed to the compilation album Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan. The L.A. punk band recorded a Bob Dylan cover of “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue,” turning it from a harmonica-infused folk tune to a punk rock anthem.
Bad Religion may seem unexpected, but when it’s really considered, they’re actually a great match for Bob Dylan. Both Bad Religion and Dylan have long dealt with injustice in their music, fighting for equality and protesting organized religion, authoritarianism, and fascism.
“Señor (Tales of Yankee Power)” — Dierks Bentley
Country star Dierks Bentley covered “Señor (Tales of Yankee Power)” along with Chris Thile and the Punch Brothers for his 2010 album Up On The Ridge. The original was released in 1978 and is a slow, rambling narrative tune in Bob Dylan’s signature nasal vocals. In contrast, Bentley’s Bob Dylan cover takes a bluegrass turn with the addition of Thile and the Punch Brothers. They increased the tempo, which created a sense of urgency.
“Make You Feel My Love” — Kelly Clarkson
In 2019, Kelly Clarkson and Ben Platt covered “Make You Feel My Love” during an episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show. They performed a reworked composition that featured additional instrumentals, adding guitar and drums. Bob Dylan’s original is simply backed by piano and a little vocal echo. However, Clarkson and Platt transformed the song into more of a musical theater-style tune.
“Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” — Wyclef Jean
In 2002, Wyclef Jean released a cover of “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” for his album Masquerade. This version includes additional lyrics, rapping, and asides that create an alternate narrative specific to Wyclef Jean’s experiences.
During the chorus, he shouts out people he knows who have died. He includes “my daddy that passed away,” “to my people doin’ time,” 2Pac and Biggie, Freaky Tah and Big Heavy, and “the princess” Aaliyah. It’s definitely an unexpected take on a Bob Dylan tune, but one with a strong voice.
“Desolation Row” — My Chemical Romance
This is perhaps one of the biggest transformations of a Dylan song, besides the previous Wyclef Jean cover. The original “Desolation Row” is a jaunty, acoustic guitar-driven song with strong imagery. In the My Chemical Romance’s Bob Dylan cover, the imagery is still strong, but the instrumentation is obviously vastly different.
The band recorded this cover for the 2009 film Watchmen, but it’s since become a well-known staple in their discography. This blend of MCR’s distinct style and Bob Dylan’s equally distinct lyrics is the perfect marriage of artistry and inspiration. Gerard Way’s unique wailing and half-talking works perfectly paired with the longer lyrical lines that Dylan is known for.
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