With a straight-to-SoundCloud release on Friday, September 12, Miley Cyrus has traversed genres and is cultivating her inner rockstar. The 21-year-old pop singer covered Led Zeppelin’s song “Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You” and posted her version online, changing the title to “Baby, I’m Gonna Leave You” in her version.
There reportedly wasn’t much fanfare for the cover Cyrus did, and she only alerted fans by posting on Twitter: “Check dis s—t out.”
Check dis shit out http://t.co/a9OVRo6ceI
— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) September 13, 2014
Just listened to Miley Cyrus do a remake of Led Zepplin’s “Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You.” Curious…do they make enemas for ears?
— tim47 (@timhamilton47) September 15, 2014
I love Miley Cyrus but … not just anyone can do a Led Zepplin cover #fail
— Laisia (@laisiaalynn) September 15, 2014
Why can’t Miley Cyrus not ruin one of my favorite all time bands by covering Led Zepplin? This is worse than the Korn Pink Floyd cover!
— Brian Ciano (@OnAirMafia) September 15, 2014
New rule: Miley Cyrus is NEVER allowed to cover another Led Zepplin song! EVER!! That rule also applies to Justin Beiber! #goaway
— David Walker (@DavidWalkerSGHS) September 14, 2014
Her version of the song that appeared on Led Zeppelin’s self-titled album in 1969 apparently stays true to the iconic band’s rendition, but is embellished with “extra heavy guitar riffs and soaring vocals,” according to Billboard. The gritty recording reportedly sounds as if it had been made in Cyrus’ bedroom. The song was originally a folk song by Anne Bredon that was also performed by folk music legend Joan Baez.
Cyrus has been spending her downtime between concerts and one-off performances by doing covers, including songs such as “Jolene” by Dolly Parton and some by Lana Del Rey and The Cure. She also announced on Instagram that she would soon be making a cover of Leonard Cohen’s “I’m Your Man”.
The “Wrecking Ball” singer has also collaborated with The Flaming Lips on a cover of The Beatles’ “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds,” and the new Led Zeppelin cover indicates her penchant for covering 1960s songs. The ‘60s influence may show up in her upcoming album. In August, at the MTV Video Music Awards, Cyrus said that her new record would be “a little psychedelic, but still in that pop world,” according to People.
However, Cyrus also mentioned that the new record “might take [her] five years.” In the meantime, her covers of songs by other artists will tide her fans over while waiting for her album to drop.