Top 20 Best Covers of Elvis Costello Songs

Elvis Costello boasts an impressive repertoire of about 600 published songs, yet his exploration of other artists’ works is equally noteworthy.

Below is a list of 20 standout covers that Costello has either officially recorded or performed live. This selection just scratches the surface of his vast cover catalog. For instance, you won’t find his renditions of “Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan or “Domino” by Van Morrison here, but they’re out there somewhere, waiting to be discovered.

“You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away,” the Beatles

Costello, much like many musicians of his era, was deeply influenced by the Beatles. His fascination led to a period of collaboration with Paul McCartney, resulting in more than a dozen songs. Although a studio version of Costello’s cover of “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” is available, his live renditions often mashed with his own “New Amsterdam” are also worth a listen.

“Edith and the Kingpin,” Joni Mitchell

Joni Mitchell’s influence on Costello dates back to his school days. In 2007, he took part in a tribute album to Mitchell, covering “Edith and the Kingpin” from her album The Hissing of Summer Lawns. He holds Mitchell in high regard, once stating, “No one is remotely operating on her level.”

“She,” Charles Aznavour

Originally a hit for Charles Aznavour in 1974, “She” became more widely known when Costello covered it in 1999 for the film Notting Hill. This cover marked Costello’s first Top 20 hit in the UK in over a decade, peaking at No. 19.

“Good Year for the Roses,” George Jones

Country legend George Jones had a hit with “A Good Year for the Roses” in 1970. Costello covered it on his 1981 country-themed album Almost Blue. In a conversation with Jones in 1992, Costello mentioned that he regarded Jones as an American vocalist on par with icons like Sarah Vaughan and Frank Sinatra.

“I Can’t Stand Up for Falling Down,” Sam and Dave

This 1967 ballad by Sam & Dave received an uptempo makeover from Costello and the Attractions in 1980 for their album Get Happy!!. The lively version was a hit in the UK, remaining high on the charts for several weeks.

“The Weight,” the Band

Costello has frequently covered “The Weight” by the Band, often alongside other notable musicians such as Nick Lowe and Levon Helm. His admiration for the Band is well-documented in his memoir, where he recounts a chance meeting with Helm and Rick Danko on a New York City fire escape.

“You’re No Good,” Linda Ronstadt

Though Linda Ronstadt’s original vocal is unmatched, Costello’s take on “You’re No Good” from his 1989 album Spike is noteworthy. Ronstadt has also covered several of Costello’s songs, including “Alison,” which he credits with keeping his tour bus running in the late ’70s.

“Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” Nina Simone

Numerous artists have covered Nina Simone’s 1964 hit “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” Costello’s version, featured on his 1986 album King of America, is described as a “slow, violent version.”

“Sugaree,” Jerry Garcia

In 2022, Costello delivered a stirring rendition of Jerry Garcia’s “Sugaree,” alongside covers of other Grateful Dead songs and even Neil Young’s “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere.”

“I Still Miss Someone,” Johnny Cash

Costello honored Johnny Cash by recording “I Still Miss Someone” for his 1991 album Mighty Like a Rose. He also performed the song as a duet with Emmylou Harris on various occasions.

“Running Out of Fools,” Aretha Franklin

Costello’s 1995 album Kojak Variety featured a cover of Aretha Franklin’s “Running Out of Fools.” Inspired by seeing Franklin perform on The Cliff Richard Show in 1970, he described the moment as life-changing.

“So You Want to be a Rock ‘n’ Roll Star,” the Byrds

Costello appreciated the Byrds’ transformation over a short period. In a 2022 interview, he discussed how their various phases, including the psychedelic and country influences, captivated him.

“I Threw It All Away,” Bob Dylan

Costello has covered many Bob Dylan songs, but his version of “I Threw It All Away” is particularly striking. A chance backstage meeting with Dylan in the late ’70s further cemented the mutual respect between the two artists.

“Brilliant Disguise,” Bruce Springsteen

Costello contributed a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Brilliant Disguise” to the 2003 tribute album Light of Day. He has often cited Springsteen’s early work as a pivotal influence on his own music.

“Long Distance Love,” Little Feat

Costello’s 1975 attendance at a Little Feat concert left a lasting impression. He later honored them by covering “Long Distance Love” for a tribute album to Lowell George.

“Baby, It’s You,” the Shirelles

Costello teamed up with Nick Lowe for a duet of the Shirelles’ “Baby, It’s You,” released on his 1987 compilation album Out of Our Idiot.

“Tell Me Why,” Neil Young

Costello performed Neil Young’s “Tell Me Why” at the 2010 Bridge School Benefit, an event organized annually by Young and his late wife Pegi for speech-impaired children.

“Wild Night,” Van Morrison

Among his various Van Morrison covers, Costello’s take on “Wild Night” is particularly noteworthy, showcasing his admiration for Morrison’s work.

“Beginning to See the Light,” the Velvet Underground

Costello resonated with the Velvet Underground’s approach to commercial success. He once remarked that although they didn’t sell many records, everyone who bought one started a band, highlighting their significant cultural impact.

“Purple Rain,” Prince

Although Prince denied Costello permission to cover “Pop Life,” it didn’t deter Costello from appreciating Prince’s music. His performance of “Purple Rain” in 2013 is a testament to that admiration.