Music is an international language, and there have been songs that really transcended time and spoke to people of all ages. What's more interesting with any popular song is the number of covers, remixes, and reinterpretations different artists create to renew the spirit of the original songs.

These other versions sometimes bring a whole new dimension or completely change how one knows a song. This article illustrates how cover songs can actually give additional listening to some song that many people know and love, showing diversity and creativity that exist in the music industry.

Cover songs are one of the most prevalent homages to favorite musicians. A well-done cover can accentuate an artist's sound while retaining the core of the original track. More often than not, these versions completely flip the tone of the song, making it sound like a whole new composition.

For example, the cover of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt" by Johnny Cash became legendary for its emotional depth and sincerity. While the original had been an industrial rock anthem, Cash's version, recorded in the later years of his life, took on a poignantly somber quality. His rendition received wide critical acclaim, with many listeners believing it eclipsed the original in terms of emotional impact.

Another good example is when Jeff Buckley made a cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah"; that cover just took on a life of its own. His celestial voice and hauntingly beautiful arrangement infused the song with new emotional depth that makes it one of the most beloved versions of the song.

One common practice for producers and DJs is to remix or mash up a single hit. That track might be taken and a fresh beat, tempo, or style can be pumped into it to essentially change its nature for different audiences or locations.

As an example, Kygo's remix of Whitney Houston's "Higher Love" introduced that classic hit to a whole new generation. Adding electronic beats and tropical house elements, Kygo updated the production for modern tastes without losing the power of Houston's vocals. This actually turned out to be one well-received commercial remix, proving that old classics still can thrive in the digital age.

It is here that mashups differ, for they involve merging two or more tracks into one coherent track. Combinations may be unexpected, but done properly, something entirely different gets created. One prominent example is "Numb/Encore" by Jay-Z/Linkin Park, where hip-hop meets rock through the boundless vocals of both artists. That mashup reached a hit, though pleasing it was for the fans of both genres, and how two worlds coming together would lead to such a gem was proven yet again.

Acoustic versions provide an avenue for the artist to portray their music in its raw, most vulnerable state. Without the clear, dominating voice of heavy production, acoustic versions tend to make the lyrics and melody take center stage, which usually ends up being an intimate performance.

These acoustic versions also enjoy popularity during live performances because artists can be more intimate with their audience. Many fans simply love to hear their favorite songs in another form as it gives them the chance to appreciate the songwriting and musicianship that went into creating the hit.

Some artists even re-release some songs in different languages as a means of reaching a bigger audience. This trend is becoming popular, as music around the world becomes more global. Artists who record their songs in other languages can appeal well with international fans, reach other markets.

One can find numerous cases of Spanish-language versions of popular songs originally recorded in English, especially in Latin music. Artists such as Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, and Ricky Martin have bilingual versions of their hits so that they can reach both audiences speaking English and Spanish. Similarly, K-pop groups like BTS have released English versions of their songs to cater to their global fanbase.

Alternative versions of hit songs show that music is never static. Covers, remixes, acoustic versions, and foreign language adaptations are the ways a song's legacy could keep on evolving. Such reinterpretations might give fans new insight and newfound depth to the meaning and emotion.

The beauty of music is that it reinvents itself sans losing its timelessness. Each version of a song adds another chapter in its story, enabling new audiences and new generations to relate to it. So, the next time one hears another version of his favorite song, he should stop for a while and appreciate how much creativity and innovation are invested in its making.