Here’s a compilation of my favorite “All Along the Watchtower” covers on YouTube for no good reason and in no particular order. I don’t know what’s up with this song, but I love the expressivity musicians show when playing it.

So, this is the original one, from Bob Dylan.

 

This is Jimi Hendrix’s version, which became the most popular and the basis for most modern covers.

 

The Neil Young’s is what you expect: it’s rocky in a “classic-y” way, and he goes nuts on stage. Very fun to watch, the guy has feels.

 

This one sounds very classy. I don’t know anything about Brian Ferry, but for some reason, it sounds jazzy to me – it might be the pianos and the way he sings. It has some blues-y and country undertones.

 

I like The Hellacopters’ version because it has that garage rock feel, even though it’s way better produced than what garage rock should be. The singer’s voice is so cool. I like the piano guy going nuts in the background, too bad the guitars always drown him.

 

This one feels very blues-y, especially the way the dude plays his guitar and sings. The rhythm guitar sounds very country, despite being with what seems to be a phaser effect.

 

This one says it all: very classic rock, very guitar-centric. I like the small change in rhythm in the drum to make it less boring.

 

I don’t know who this is, but I love the way she sings, feels like soul music in a rock environment. The rest of the band, though, plays very conservatively, which is a shame, but she makes up for it.

 

Eric Johnson, very classy guitarist. Kinda laconic, but expresses himself greatly through the guitar. Earl Thomas singing is a treat. Despite this version being very centered on both, the band feels very at ease and seems to be having fun. The bass lines that sometimes jump to the front sound great.

 

John Mayer. Don’t like his songs, but he’s a great guitarist. This is a great version, too bad the backing vocals aren’t more present throughout the song.

 

A mix of many different things that sound great together. And Warren Haynes is awesome.

 

Not really a fan of how Dave Matthews sings, and don’t like the (very) long intro and (very) slow start on this version, but holy shit, his whole band is incredible.

 

I love how she sings. IMO this version would’ve been enhanced with a rhythm guitar in the background, but it’s already great the way it is.