Cover songs that would push a singer to their limit (1,465 views)

[falsetokaiba]

A little bit of an alternative spin on the 'covers you want to hear' thread, I was wondering which songs certain singers could cover which would really put the singer in question through their paces. Something pushing the extremes of their range, or using a technique they only used sparingly in the rest of their career, or just anything else which might make it particularly demanding, but still within their capabilities/suited to their voice. A challenge, but a challenge you think they'd be up to.

[Captain Planet]

I think Freddie Mercury would sound as bad as Blaze Bayley singing Hallowed be Thy Name, the guy was always went quite chesty around Bb4-B4 and if he tried sustaining that on the fast passages of Hallowed he would have a bad time.

[falsetokaiba]

I did specify that the cover should be a challenge, but a challenge you think they'd be up to.

(Although for what it's worth, I think Freddie probably could have had a passable enough attempt at Hallowed Be Thy Name. Not really his usual style and he may not have had the same kind of ease belting in that kind of range as Bruce, but on a good day in studio I think he could have given it a shot.)

[Rodney Blazershorts]

I imagine Mercury would've avoided the C#5s for the most part (maybe transposing it down) but I could hear him belting that out in the studio, "Another One Bites the Dust" style.

['S]

Any decent balladeer attempting the major sixth leap in the climax of "Unchained Melody"

[Karen’s Kickassarole]

William Shatner doing literally anything

[queenfan11]

Peak-era Ronnie James Dio singing "Rock and Roll" by Led Zeppelin. Most of the song is sung in the A4-C5 area he excels in so much, but the E5s in the final verse would likely be difficult for him, but not impossible. While E5 was within his range most instances were very short ("Black Sheep of the Family", "Sensitive to Light") or screamy ("Gypsy", "What Cost War"- granted he was in his 50s at the time of the latter song). Of course, he could sing lower melody lines like Robert Plant himself did in live performances.

[halloweenjack95]

Eddie Vedder covering The Doors version of Back door Man would definitely push his voice. Maybe not to its limit but it be a great fit & is basically perfect for his voice.