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Who sings it better, Chris Stapleton<\/a> or George Jones<\/a>? How about this one: Darius Rucker<\/a> or Old Crow Medicine Show?<\/p>\n This next one is probably most difficult. Does Blake Shelton<\/a> have the better version of “Home” or is Michael Bubl\u00e9’s original where it’s at?<\/p>\n Each year produces a new country music cover or an album filled with cover songs. Artists made tribute albums for rockers including the Eagles<\/a>, Rolling Stones<\/a> and Tom Petty.<\/p>\n Brooks & Dunn<\/a> asked for help in making their own tribute album, and the Reboot<\/em> series produced several gems.<\/p>\n You’ll find\u00a0Brooks & Dunn on this list, but not for a song they recorded originally.<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/strong><\/em>: 30 Best Country Covers of Non-Country Songs, Ranked<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Often, the artist that writes a song gives its most personal performance, but that’s not always the case.<\/p>\n Kris Kristofferson is an example of a country songwriter topped by an out-of-genre cover.<\/p>\n Tom Cochrane wrote “Life Is a Highway” before Rascal Flatts<\/a>, but does his version hold up?<\/p>\n Analytical data (airplay stats, sales etc. …) helped decide which version is better, but in most cases, we trusted our ears.<\/p>\n After all, when you’re having these kinds of barroom debates, do you really want to be the nerd that cites RIAA certifications?<\/p>\n It’s far more convincing to describe how a particular version makes you feel.<\/p>\n Find 14 of the best country covers below, and our explanations for which song was better.<\/p>\n In most cases, the cover is better.<\/p>\n Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
12 Country Covers Better Than the Original and Two That Just Aren’t<\/h2>\n