There’s something special about a punk or post-hardcore band taking a mainstream pop song and making it their own. Whether it’s adding breakdowns, aggressive vocals, or just injecting raw energy, the best covers don’t just reimagine the original—they elevate it.
Here are 10 of the best punk and post-hardcore covers that prove no genre is off-limits.
10. The Ready Set – “Airplanes” (B.o.B feat. Hayley Williams)
The Ready Set gives Airplanes a fresh pop-punk spin, turning the rap-heavy track into an upbeat, anthemic cover. The song’s original emotional weight is still there, but with a faster tempo and a more explosive chorus, it feels tailor-made for punk fans.
9. Grayscale – “Love Yourself” (Justin Bieber)
Grayscale takes Bieber’s Love Yourself and strips it down to an emotional, acoustic-driven punk ballad. Their version keeps the song’s reflective tone but adds an extra layer of raw vulnerability that makes it feel even more personal.
8. Woe, Is Me – “Hot N Cold” (Katy Perry)
Katy Perry’s Hot N Cold gets a metalcore makeover in Woe, Is Me’s aggressive cover. The track bounces between clean vocals and full-blown screams, turning the playful pop song into something way more intense—and way more moshable.
7. We Came As Romans – “I Knew You Were Trouble” (Taylor Swift)
We Came As Romans take Taylor Swift’s pop mega-hit I Knew You Were Trouble and add a post-hardcore twist. With screamed verses, heavy guitars, and a dramatic build-up, they make the song feel more like a war cry than a breakup anthem.
6. Sleeping With Sirens – “FK YOU” (CeeLo Green)
Kellin Quinn’s signature high-pitched vocals give F**K YOU a completely different vibe from CeeLo Green’s original. Sleeping With Sirens transforms the funky, soulful track into an angsty, in-your-face punk rock anthem, complete with aggressive instrumentals and unfiltered energy.
5. State Champs – “Stay the Night” (Zedd & Hayley Williams)
Electronic dance music and pop-punk don’t often mix, but State Champs make it work flawlessly with their version of Stay the Night. They strip away the EDM production, replacing it with soaring guitars and powerful vocals that make this cover feel like it was always meant to be a punk anthem.
4. Knuckle Puck – “Chocolate” (The 1975)
Knuckle Puck takes The 1975’s dreamy indie-pop track Chocolate and injects it with raw, pop-punk energy. The fast-paced drumming and gritty vocals give the song a fresh urgency while still keeping the catchy hooks that made the original a hit.
3. Issues – “Boyfriend” (Justin Bieber)
Issues’ cover of Boyfriend is an absolute genre-bender. They infuse Justin Bieber’s smooth, minimalistic hit with their signature mix of R&B vocals, metalcore breakdowns, and electronic elements. The contrast between clean vocals and unclean screams makes this one of the most unique covers out there.
2. A Day to Remember – “Over My Head (Cable Car)” (The Fray)
A Day to Remember is no stranger to blending pop melodies with heavy instrumentation, and their take on The Fray’s Over My Head (Cable Car) is a perfect example. They crank up the intensity while keeping the emotional weight of the original intact. The result? A cover that’s just as heartfelt but with way more punch.
1. Asking Alexandria – “Right Now” (Akon)
Asking Alexandria takes Akon’s 2008 club banger Right Now (Na Na Na) and turns it into a high-energy metalcore anthem. The breakdowns, guttural screams, and relentless drumming completely transform the song, proving that even the most radio-friendly tracks can go hard.
Why Punk Covers Work So Well
The best punk covers don’t just copy the original—they transform it. Whether it’s by adding heavier breakdowns, faster tempos, or emotional grit, punk bands have a way of making pop hits feel brand new.
Which of these covers is your favorite? Got a go-to punk cover that we missed?
