Jun 30, 2022
These are fine (and--since as you point out, opinions about music are subjective--nicely reasoned) choices.
Taking into account that Dolly Parton's masterful song is about Porter Wagoner (one of music's most colorful sleazeballs), I think she deserves an award just for turning that relationship into something anyone can relate to. But still, the Whitney Houston cover is and always will be the best. (P. S. did you know that Houston's first recorded song is a cover of a Soft Machine song?)
My favorite cover is Rose Melberg's "I Will." She strips out all the brittle detachment that the Beatles excelled at and ends up with what may be the sweetest performance that doesn't sound saccharine.
