American Woman
“American Woman” was originally written and performed by the Canadian rock band The Guess Who. It was released in 1970 as a single and became their biggest hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song was written by the band’s guitarist, Randy Bachman. It became the band’s biggest hit and helped to establish The Guess Who as one of the most successful Canadian rock bands of all time.
In 1999, Lenny Kravitz recorded a version of “American Woman” for the soundtrack of the film Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. Kravitz’s version features a funkier, more groove-based arrangement than the original and incorporates elements of hip-hop and electronic music. The song was a hit for Kravitz. It reached the top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.
Both The Guess Who’s and Lenny Kravitz’s songs are hits. Is one better than the other? Compare them here and decide for yourself:
Here's the original song by The Guess Who:
Here's the version by Lenny Kravitz:
American Woman has been covered and remixed by other artists as well. We’ve included more covers by various artists below. Listen to them all and let us know which one is best.
Also, if there’s a good cover version that we should add, tell us! Leave us a comment in the comment section with the name of the artist and a link to their performance.
Miley Cyrus
Eric Church · Glenn Hughes
Gaetano Pellino feat. Soul Sarah
Valeria Mongardini (Spanish)
Blues Image
David Allen Coe Junior feat. The Axes Brothers
Sweet Little Band (instrumental)
Which is your favorite? Is there another cover song that we should add? Let us know in the comments.