Sometimes there’s just no improving upon the original, as is true with the two cover songs I’ve chosen to highlight here today. Both are stellar efforts, but the results illuminate just how genius the songcraft of Tracy Chapman can be. One will always remain inextricably connected to the singer-songwriter, while the other is a should-have-been classic. Leading with the latter…

“All That You Have Is Your Soul” – Emmylou Harris
Emmylou Harris has often covered other folks’ songs, though I didn’t give Harris a second thought until she ventured beyond country music for the Daniel Lanois-produced disc, Wrecking Ball, in 1995. I’ve always been a fan of Lanois’ sonic style, and Harris’ voice perfectly fit his many-layered aural pocket.

In June, Harris released All I Intended To Be, another interpretive collection. Midway through the album, Harris covers “All That You Have Is Your Soul,” a stunner from Tracy Chapman’s Crossroads. I’ve long felt that her sophomore effort was criminally overlooked, and the track I often played over and over was (and is) “All That You Have Is Your Soul.” Harris treats the song with her signature tender touch. Hear here:

Here’s hoping you’ll seek out the original version, too (though you’ll have to settle for the old-school CD route, as very little of Tracy Chapman’s catalog is offered via download). It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Chapman and Emmylou Harris have crossed paths: In 2000, Harris contributed vocals to Chapman’s Telling Stories (“The Only One”).

Purchase Emmylou Harris’ cover of “All That You Have Is Your Soul” via Amazon, iTunes.

“Fast Car” – Mutya Buena
Mutya Buena was a founding member of The Sugababes, one of my favorite UK acts. As has often been the history of successful girl groups, Buena eventually took the solo route. After a strong start, things sort of fizzled out (fourth single “B-Boy Baby” didn’t do so well). In February, she was dropped by her label.

Last year, BBC Radio 1 invited artists of all stripes to record left-field covers to celebrate the iconic station’s 40th anniversary. Buena hitched a ride on Chapman’s signature hit, “Fast Car,” adding some soul to the once-spare song (the cover served as the “B-Boy Baby” b-side, too). Hear here:

Purchase Mutya Buena’s cover of “Fast Car” on the import release, Radio 1: Established 1967, available via Amazon.

The Radio 1: Established 1967 compilation is a treasure-trove of cool covers. While not all work, there are many that are a delightful surprise; I’ll likely spotlight a few more in the weeks and months ahead.

As for Tracy Chapman, current label Atlantic Records recently announced that she’s working on her eighth studio album. No release date has been set.