10 Cool Cover Versions Of The Yardirds’ “Shape Of Things”

Best Covers Of Yardbirds Songs

KRLA Beat/Beat Publications, Inc., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

“Shapes of Things,” written by Jim McCarty, Keith Relf, and Paul Samwell-Smith of The Yardbirds, is widely regarded as one of the most influential songs in rock history. First recorded in December 1965 and released as a single in early 1966, this groundbreaking track showcased the band’s ability to blend the blues-rock foundation they were known for with new, experimental sounds that would come to define the psychedelic rock movement. Although it wasn’t initially featured on a studio album, the song later appeared on various compilations and live recordings, reflecting its lasting significance. With its powerful lyrics, innovative use of feedback, and pioneering guitar work by Jeff Beck, “Shapes of Things” marked a turning point in rock music, helping to push the boundaries of what could be achieved in the genre and inspiring countless artists who followed.

The song’s impact can be seen in the diverse array of cover versions featured in this list, each of which brings a unique interpretation to the original. Jeff Beck, a former member of The Yardbirds, delivered a fiery rendition on his 1968 solo debut, Truth, with Rod Stewart on vocals, adding a new depth and intensity to the track that made it a fitting choice to close our list. Meanwhile, artists like David Bowie and The Sweet reimagined “Shapes of Things” in the glam rock style of the 1970s, while contemporary bands like Deep Purple and Black Stone Cherry brought their own distinctive hard rock flavors to this classic song. Whether it’s Jimmy Page revisiting his roots with The Black Crowes or Gary Moore putting his blues-rock spin on the track, each version demonstrates the timeless appeal and versatility of “Shapes of Things,” proving that its influence on rock music is as profound today as it was over five decades ago.

# 10 – The Dead Milkmen

The Dead Milkmen, the Philadelphia-based punk rock band known for their satirical humor and irreverent style, put their unique spin on “Shapes of Things” with their cover included on the 1993 compilation album Now We Are 10. This limited-edition album was self-released by the band and made available exclusively to their fan club members through the DM Newzletter zine mail order. The compilation features a mix of early demos, live recordings, radio studio performances, and previously unreleased rarities, capturing the raw and eclectic essence of the Dead Milkmen’s music.

Their cover of “Shapes of Things,” originally by the Yardbirds and written by Jim McCarty, Keith Relf, and Paul Samwell-Smith, was recorded live at The Trocadero Theatre and WXPN Performance Studio.

# 9 – Black Stone Cherry

Black Stone Cherry’s self-titled debut album features a rocking version of the song.The album was released on July 18, 2006, through Roadrunner Records. Black Stone Cherry features is a powerful blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and Southern rock.  Produced by David Barrick and Richard Young, the album features Chris Robertson on lead vocals and lead guitar, Ben Wells on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Jon Lawhon on bass and backing vocals, and John Fred Young on drums who really kills it on here with some intense fantastic drumming.

Read More: Top 10 Black Stone Cherry Songs

# 8 – The Sweet

The Sweet, known for their pioneering glam rock sound in the 1970s, revisited the Yardbirds’ classic “Shapes of Things” on their 2012 album, New York Connection. This cover was released under Andy Scott’s version of the band, featuring a new lineup with Peter Lincoln on bass and lead vocals, Bruce Bisland on drums, Andy Scott on guitar, and Tony O’Hora on keyboards and backing vocals. New York Connection is a collection of cover songs that pay tribute to the music and artists that inspired the band throughout their career.

On this album, The Sweet brings a contemporary twist to “Shapes of Things,” maintaining the essence of the original British blues rock while infusing it with their distinctive glam rock style. The cover features a vibrant arrangement, with Scott’s signature guitar work adding a heavier, more modern edge, and Lincoln’s lead vocals providing a fresh dynamic. Bisland’s powerful drumming and O’Hora’s layered keyboard and backing vocals contribute to the track’s energetic and polished production.

# 7 – Jimmy Page & The Black Crowes

In 2000, Jimmy Page, former guitarist of The Yardbirds and the legendary founder of Led Zeppelin, joined forces with The Black Crowes to deliver a powerful live rendition of “Shapes of Things,” originally performed by The Yardbirds, on their collaborative album Live at the Greek. Recorded during two memorable nights at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, this album showcases the fusion of Page’s iconic blues-rock style with The Black Crowes’ Southern rock flair. The lineup features Chris Robinson on lead vocals, Rich Robinson and Audley Freed on guitars, Steve Gorman on drums, Sven Pipien on bass, and Eddie Harsch on keyboards, with Page bringing his signature guitar work to the forefront. Their rendition of “Shapes of Things” pays homage to Page’s roots with The Yardbirds, where he first experimented with the kind of blues-influenced rock that would later shape Led Zeppelin’s sound. This version smokes!

Read More: Top 10 Jimmy Page Projects Post Led Zeppelin

# 6 – Nazareth

Landing in the number six spot on our 10 Cool Cover Versions Of The Yardbirds, “Shape Of Things” is one of the heaviest versions of the song Shape Of Things that we have ever heard. Leave it to Nazareth to deliver a rock-hard cranking version of this legendary song. Moist people in the United States really only know Nazareth for their massive 1975 hit single “Love Hurts.” However, Nazareth, a band formed in Scotland in 1968, has released close to thirty studio albums throughout their very successful career, most recently released in 2022. This band is huge overseas. They are one of the most loved groups ever to come out of Scotland.

Read More: Complete List Of Nazareth Albums And Discography

# 5 – Gary Moore

Gary Moore, the Northern Irish guitarist known for his fiery playing and diverse musical style, delivered a powerful rendition of “Shapes of Things” on his fourth solo studio album, Victims of the Future, released on January 30, 1984. Moore’s version of the Yardbirds’ classic marked a high-energy interpretation that fused hard rock with his signature blues-influenced guitar work. This album also featured the debut of former UFO guitarist/keyboardist Neil Carter and bassist Bob Daisley. It was the last to include bassist Neil Murray, who returned to Whitesnake, and drummer Ian Paice, who would rejoin the reformed Deep Purple later that same year. Moore’s version of “Shapes of Things” reached number 77 on the UK Singles Chart, showcasing his ability to reinterpret a British blues-rock classic with a heavier, more aggressive sound.

Read More: Top 10 Gary Moore songs

# 4 – Rush

In 2004, the legendary Canadian rock trio Rush paid homage to their early influences with a cover of “Shapes of Things” on their Feedback album. This EP, released to commemorate the band’s 30th anniversary, features a collection of eight classic rock songs that inspired Rush during their formative years. With their rendition of “Shapes of Things,” originally by The Yardbirds, Rush reimagines the song through their unique blend of progressive rock and hard rock styles. The lineup of Geddy Lee (bass, vocals), Alex Lifeson (guitar), and Neil Peart (drums) brought a fresh interpretation while honoring the spirit of the original. It’s cool, and it’s also a little strange to hear the voice of Geddy Lee singing these classic 1960s songs.

 

# 3 – Deep Purple

In 2021, Deep Purple added their own spin to “Shapes of Things” on their album Turning to Crime, a collection of cover songs that pay tribute to the artists and tracks that have influenced them throughout their storied career. The album marked a creative shift for the legendary British rock band, as it was their first-ever album consisting entirely of cover songs. Recorded during the pandemic, Turning to Crime reflects the band’s enduring love for classic rock and blues, and their version of “Shapes of Things,” originally by The Yardbirds, showcases their ability to reinvent a 1960s hit while staying true to their hard rock roots.

Deep Purple’s interpretation of “Shapes of Things” featured the current lineup of Ian Gillan on vocals, Steve Morse on guitar, Roger Glover on bass, Don Airey on keyboards, and Ian Paice on drums. Their cover retains the original song’s melodic structure but incorporates Deep Purple’s signature sound, characterized by Morse’s intricate guitar work and Airey’s Hammond organ flourishes. Gillan’s dynamic vocal delivery brings a renewed intensity to the track, while Paice’s solid drumming and Glover’s bass provide a driving rhythm. The band’s version injects a fresh energy into the Yardbirds’ classic, blending their hard rock flair with a respectful nod to the song’s blues-rock origins, making it a standout track on Turning to Crime.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCIqJWNyVvY

# 2 – David Bowie

David Bowie, the chameleon of rock, brought his unique style to the Yardbirds’ classic “Shapes of Things” on his 1973 album Pin Ups. This album was Bowie’s affectionate homage to the British rock and R&B music scene of the mid-1960s, a period that heavily influenced his early career. Recorded at the Château d’Hérouville in France and produced by Bowie himself along with Ken Scott, Pin Ups featured Bowie’s interpretations of songs by bands that defined the British Invasion, and “Shapes of Things” was one of the standout tracks that captured the essence of this glam-rock reinvention.

Bowie’s version of “Shapes of Things” is both a faithful cover and a bold reinterpretation. With his signature theatrical flair, he injects a glam rock sheen into the original Yardbirds tune, emphasizing its psychedelic elements while giving it a contemporary twist. The recording features Mick Ronson on guitar, whose sharp riffs and vibrant solos add a new dynamic to the song, along with Trevor Bolder on bass and Aynsley Dunbar on drums, providing a solid rhythmic foundation. Bowie’s emotive vocal delivery and distinct stylistic choices transform “Shapes of Things” into a glam rock anthem, underscoring his ability to reimagine classic songs in a way that feels both respectful and refreshingly innovative.

Read More: Our 10 Favorite David Bowie Album Covers

# 1 – Jeff Beck

Jeff Beck, a former member of The Yardbirds, revisited “Shapes of Things” on his seminal 1968 solo debut album, Truth. Beck’s decision to include a new version of this Yardbirds classic on his first solo outing was both a nod to his musical roots and a demonstration of his evolution as a guitarist. Recorded with an all-star lineup featuring Rod Stewart on vocals, Ron Wood on bass, and Micky Waller on drums, this rendition of “Shapes of Things” was a powerful and fitting choice that bridged his past with his burgeoning future as a solo artist.

Beck’s version on Truth takes the original song’s British blues rock foundation and transforms it into a hard-hitting, psychedelic masterpiece. With Rod Stewart’s raw and soulful vocal delivery, the track captures a sense of urgency and emotion, adding new depth to the lyrics. Beck’s innovative guitar work is at the forefront, featuring soaring solos and a heavy, distorted tone that helped define the sound of late-1960s rock. The rhythm section, anchored by Ron Wood’s bass lines and Micky Waller’s solid drumming, provides a dynamic backdrop that complements Beck’s lead playing.

As the final entry on our list, this rendition of “Shapes of Things” is a fitting conclusion. It not only reflects Jeff Beck’s origins with The Yardbirds but also showcases his growth as an artist pushing the boundaries of rock guitar. Beck’s powerful interpretation, with Stewart’s distinctive voice, remains one of the most celebrated covers of the song, solidifying its place in rock history and closing out this list with a reminder of the timelessness and adaptability of “Shapes of Things.”

Read More: Top 10 Jeff Beck Songs

10 Cool Cover Versions Of The Yardirds’ “Shape Of Things” article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024

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