An icon of Aussie radio, Triple J’s Like A Version is a weekly show that sees artists play a stripped-back acoustic version of one of their songs, as well as a cover of a popular song- usually expressed in their own unique style. Like a Versions are often so popular they launch brands to new audiences and sometimes even earn them a spot on the Hottest 100.
While the acoustic originals are good, we’re really here for the covers- they’re often better than the original version of the song!
Check out our favourites below.
The Wiggles cover Tame Impala ‘Elephant’
The Wiggles’ rendition of Tame Impala’s ‘Elephant’ is a fun, lighthearted take on the classic song that still keeps all the original’s charm.
Starting with a bouncy banjo riff that quickly transitions into the familiar drum beat and guitar chords of the original. The lyrics have also been changed slightly to make the song more kid-friendly, making it a great choice for any family gathering.
Incredibly, this like a version took out the top spot on the 2021 Hottest 100— have we hit peak nostalgia?
Ocean Alley cover Player – Baby Come Back
Ocean Alley’s cover of Player’s ‘Baby Come Back’ is a unique and soulful re-imagining of the classic track, with a smooth, laid-back feel.
Chet Faker covers Sonia Dada – (Lover) You Don’t Treat Me No Good
Chet Faker’s version of Sonia Dada’s ‘(Lover) You Don’t Treat Me No Good’ is a stunning, heartfelt rendition of the original, with a stripped back, acoustic sound.
Haim covers Shania Twian – That Don’t Impress Me Much
Haim’s version of Shania Twian’s ‘That Don’t Impress Me Much’ is a modern and energetic take on the classic track, with a punchy, funky beat.
G Flip covers ‘Lady Marmalade’ by Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mýa & Pink
G Flip’s rendition of the classic “Lady Marmalade” is a vibrant and energetic take on the song. The cover showcases G Flip’s unique style, infusing the track with a fresh and lively sound that captivates listeners.
Silverchair covers ‘Yellow Submarine’ by The Beatles
Silverchair’s cover of The Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” is a delightful and creative rendition. The band brings their unique style to this classic song, creating a version that is both nostalgic and fresh.
The Wombats cover ‘Running Up That Hill’ by Kate Bush
The Wombats’ version of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” is a powerful and emotive rendition. Their distinctive style brings a new depth to the song, creating a version that is both haunting and captivating.
Bluejuice covers Boyz II Men – End of the Road
Bluejuice’s cover of Boyz II Men’s ‘End of the Road’ is a powerful, emotional rendition of the original, with an upbeat, rocking sound.
Childish Gambino covers Tamia – So Into You
Childish Gambino’s version of Tamia’s ‘So Into You’ gives the track a unique and soulful twist, with a slow, mellow sound.
Halsey covers Justin Bieber – Love Yourself
Halsey’s cover of Justin Bieber’s ‘Love Yourself’ is a beautiful and powerful rendition of the classic track, with a hauntingly melancholic sound.
San Cisco cover Daft Punk – Get Lucky
San Cisco’s version of Daft Punk’s ‘Get Lucky’ is a bright and vibrant take on the original, with a punchy, upbeat beat.
DMA’s Cover Cher – Believe
DMA’s cover of Cher’s ‘Believe’ is a stunningly beautiful rendition of the classic track, with a soulful, emotional sound.
Glass Animals Cover Gnarls Barkley’s ‘Crazy’
Glass Animals’ version of Gnarls Barkley’s ‘Crazy’ is a funky and energetic take on the song, with a thumping, upbeat beat.
Lime Cordiale covers ‘I Touch Myself’ by Divinyls
Lime Cordiale’s cover of Divinyls’ “I Touch Myself” is a unique and fun rendition. Their signature indie pop sound is infused into the song, creating a lively and entertaining version that is sure to engage listeners.
The Griswolds cover Vance Joy – Riptide
The Griswolds’ cover of Vance Joy’s ‘Riptide’ is an exciting and dynamic rendition of the original, with an infectious, driving rhythm.
Sly Withers cover Coldplay ‘The Scientist’
Sly Withers’ version of Coldplay’s ‘The Scientist’ is a captivating and emotive rendition of the classic track, with a hauntingly beautiful sound.
Cub Sport cover Billie Eilish – when the party’s over
Cub Sport’s cover of Billie Eilish’s ‘When the Party’s Over’ is a unique and heartfelt take on the song, with a dreamy, ethereal sound.
Ocean Alley cover Pink Floyd ‘Breathe/Comfortably Numb/Money’
Ocean Alley’s cover of Pink Floyd’s ‘Breathe/Comfortably Numb/Money’ is an electrifying, rock-infused rendition of the classic track, with an anthemic, soaring sound.
Vera Blue covers The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber ‘STAY’
Vera Blue’s cover of ‘STAY’ is a stunning and emotional rendition of the song, with her powerful and captivating vocals.
George Alice covers RÜFÜS DU SOL ‘Alive’
George Alice’s cover of RÜFÜS DU SOL’s ‘Alive’ is a beautiful and mesmerising rendition of the original, with a dreamy, ethereal feel.
The Jungle Giants cover Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa ‘One Kiss’
The Jungle Giants’ cover of ‘One Kiss’ is a unique and modern take on the classic, with their signature indie pop sound that truly brings the track to life.
Holy Holy cover Post Malone & Swae Lee ‘Sunflower’
Holy Holy’s version of Post Malone & Swae Lee’s ‘Sunflower’ is a captivating and soulful rendition of the original, with a smooth, mellow feel.
Death by Denim cover Harry Styles ‘Watermelon Sugar’
Death by Denim’s cover of Harry Styles’ ‘Watermelon Sugar’ is a powerful and energetic take on the classic track, with a driving, rock-infused sound.
Ruel covers Lenny Kravitz ‘It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over’
Ruel’s version of ‘It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over’ is a beautiful and emotional rendition of the classic, with his soulful and velvety vocals— you’ll want to get up and dance.
Triple One cover Cyndi Lauper ‘Time After Time’
Triple One’s cover of ‘Time After Time’ is a refreshing and modern take on the classic, with their signature indie pop sound and catchy hooks.
Tones and I covers ‘Forever Young’ by Alphaville
Tones and I’s cover of Alphaville’s “Forever Young” is a beautiful and emotional rendition. Her unique vocal style shines through in this cover, offering a heartfelt take on this timeless track that resonates with listeners.
Bluejuice covers ‘Video Games’ by Lana Del Rey
Bluejuice’s version of Lana Del Rey’s “Video Games” is a captivating and emotive rendition. Their distinctive style shines through in this cover, offering a new perspective on the melancholic track.
Little Simz covers ‘Feel Good Inc’ by Gorillaz
Little Simz’s cover of Gorillaz’s “Feel Good Inc” is a dynamic and engaging rendition. Her unique flow and style bring a fresh energy to the song, creating a version that is both familiar and innovative.
Tash Sultana covers ‘Electric Feel’ by MGMT
Tash Sultana’s version of MGMT’s “Electric Feel” is a mesmerising and soulful rendition. Her powerful vocals and instrumental skills shine in this cover, offering a deeply emotive take on the psychedelic track.
Triple One covers ‘Time After Time’ by Cyndi Lauper
Triple One’s cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” is a refreshing and modern take on the classic. Their signature indie pop sound and catchy hooks breathe new life into this timeless song.
