Australian surf-rock trio Skegss Perform Sheryl Crow’s “If It Makes You Happy” for Like A Version, putting a sun-soaked, fuzzed-out spin on the 1996 classic inside the triple j studio. Their take injects the track with their signature laidback surf-punk energy, while still holding onto the emotional depth that made the original unforgettable.
A Fresh Take on a Classic
The Byron Bay band leaned into distortion and their trademark grit, reimagining Sheryl Crow’s alt-country anthem with a raw, surf-rock edge. The cover comes right after Skegss wrapped up a successful Australian headline tour, with fans still buzzing from their high-energy winter shows.
Inspiration Behind the Cover
Frontman Ben Reed shared why the track stood out for the band.
“I like her lyrics, she always seems to have fun, comical lyrics,” Reed explained during the studio session. “She’s got that country-esque storytelling, she paints a good picture, but has a lot of fun with it… She’s a real clever lyricist.”
The choice wasn’t an easy one, especially after their widely praised 2019 Like A Version debut covering Pixies’ “Here Comes Your Man.” But Reed recalled his sisters blasting Sheryl Crow’s hit in the early 2000s, and once the band jammed it in rehearsal, they knew it was the perfect fit.
More Than Just a Cover
Alongside their Sheryl Crow tribute, Skegss also performed their own original track, “Ain’t for the Faint,” bringing the same raw energy and playful spirit that has defined their sound from the start.
Honoring a Timeless Hit
Originally released in 1996 as the lead single from Crow’s self-titled sophomore album, “If It Makes You Happy” climbed to No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned her the Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1997.
Now, Skegss have added their own sun-drenched twist, giving the alt-rock classic new life. Fans flooded triple j’s YouTube channel with praise, calling the performance “an instant classic” and “exactly what Like A Version was made for.”
