The Most Popular Version of "Wagon Wheel", Ranked

Choose the version you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:52
In the world of music, certain songs manage to capture the hearts of listeners in a way that transcends time and genre. 'Wagon Wheel' is one such song that has seen numerous artists put their unique spin on it, creating various beloved versions. Identifying the most popular rendition can be quite insightful, especially for new fans wanting to experience the best it has to offer. This interactive voting site serves as a community-driven gauge of public opinion. By casting votes, users contribute directly to the ranking, making it a dynamic reflection of what is preferred by the majority. Whether you are a longtime fan or someone just dipping their toes into the song's rich history, your vote helps ensure that the best version of 'Wagon Wheel' gets the recognition it deserves.

What Is the Most Popular Version of "Wagon Wheel"?

  1. 1
    29
    votes

    Darius Rucker

    Darius Rucker
    This version, released in 2013, became a huge hit and helped introduce the song to a wider audience. It has over 200 million views on YouTube.
    Darius Rucker is the artist behind one of the most popular versions of the song 'Wagon Wheel'.
    • Artist: Darius Rucker
    • Year Released: 2013
    • Genre: Country
    • Album: True Believers
    • Song Length: 4 minutes and 57 seconds
    Darius Rucker in other rankings
  2. 2
    60
    votes
    This is the original version of the song, written by Bob Dylan and completed by Old Crow Medicine Show. It has become a bluegrass and folk standard, and is often covered by other artists.
    Old Crow Medicine Show is an American folk band known for their energetic performances and timeless sound. They blend traditional folk, bluegrass, and country elements to create their unique style of music.
    • Genre: Folk
    • Formation Year: 1998
    • Origin: Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA
    • Members: Ketch Secor, Critter Fuqua, Kevin Hayes, Morgan Jahnig, Chance McCoy, Cory Younts, Joe Andrews
    • Hit Songs: Wagon Wheel, Wagon Wheel (Dylan/Old Crow version), I Hear Them All, Carry Me Back to Virginia, Brushy Mountain Conjugal Trailer, Tennessee Bound
  3. 3
    36
    votes

    Nathan Carter

    Nathan Carter
    Carter's rendition of the song became a hit in Ireland and the United Kingdom, and helped introduce the song to a new generation of fans.
    Nathan Carter is an Irish country music singer, known for his rendition of the popular song 'Wagon Wheel'.
    • Genre: Country music
    • Origin: Ireland
    • Release Year: 2012
    • Album: Wagon Wheel
    • Chart Performance: Reached number one on the Irish Singles Chart
    Nathan Carter in other rankings
  4. 4
    17
    votes
    Mumford and Sons
    Stefan Schäfer, Lich · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Mumford and Sons

    Mumford and Sons
    This popular folk band covered the song during live performances, and their version has become a fan favorite.
    Mumford and Sons is a British folk rock band known for their energetic and emotional performances. Their most popular version of 'Wagon Wheel' is a cover of the classic song originally written by Bob Dylan and later completed by Old Crow Medicine Show. Mumford and Sons' rendition infuses their signature sound with elements of folk, rock, and pop, creating a unique and dynamic interpretation.
    • Genre: Folk rock
    • Origins: London, England
    • Release Year: 2011
    • Album: Babel
    • Lead Vocals: Marcus Mumford
  5. 5
    22
    votes
    Against Me!
    R1vers · Public domain

    Against Me!

    Against Me!
    This punk rock band covered the song in a faster, more upbeat version that has become popular among their fans.
    Against Me! is a punk rock band formed in Gainesville, Florida in 1997. They gained popularity with their energetic and politically charged music, blending elements of folk and punk rock. One of their well-known covers is their version of 'Wagon Wheel'.
    • Genre: Punk rock
    • Formation Year: 1997
    • Origin: Gainesville, Florida
    • Notable Cover: 'Wagon Wheel'
    • Musical Style: Energetic, politically charged, folk-punk
  6. 6
    8
    votes

    Jeremy McComb

    Jeremy McComb
    McComb's version of the song has become popular on country radio stations, and he has been praised for his vocal performance.
    Jeremy McComb is an American country music singer and songwriter known for his rendition of the popular song 'Wagon Wheel'.
    • Genre: Country music
    • Release Year: 2009
    • Album: My Side of Town
    • Label: Loud 1 Music
    • Duration: 4:19
  7. 7
    11
    votes
    Hootie and the Blowfish
    William G. Lewis · Public domain
    Before Darius Rucker's solo career, his band Hootie and the Blowfish covered "Wagon Wheel" during live shows.
    Hootie and the Blowfish is a popular American rock band that gained fame in the 1990s. They are known for their catchy melodies, blended harmonies, and a fusion of rock, pop, and country influences.
    • Genre: Rock
    • Active Years: 1986 - present
    • Origin: South Carolina, United States
    • Popular Songs: Hold My Hand, Only Wanna Be with You, Let Her Cry
    • Albums: Cracked Rear View, Fairweather Johnson, Musical Chairs
  8. 8
    6
    votes

    Smile Empty Soul

    Sean Danielsen
    This rock band covered the song in a heavier, more aggressive version that has become popular among their fans.
    Smile Empty Soul is an American alternative rock band that gained popularity in the early 2000s. Their music is characterized by a blend of alternative rock, post-grunge, and nu-metal influences.
    • Genre: Alternative rock
    • Formed in: 1998
    • Origin: Santa Clarita, California, U.S.
    • Members: Sean Danielsen, Ryan Martin, Jake Kilmer
    • Label: Larkin Records, eOne Music
  9. 9
    11
    votes

    Kevin Simm

    Kevin Simm
    Simm, a winner of the UK version of "The Voice," covered the song and released it as a single, which became a hit in the UK.
    The Kevin Simm version of 'Wagon Wheel' is a popular cover of the song originally written by Bob Dylan and later completed by Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show. Kevin Simm, a British singer and winner of the fifth series of 'The Voice UK,' released his rendition of the song in 2016.
    • Release Year: 2016
    • Genre: Pop
    • Duration: 2 minutes 45 seconds
    • Original Songwriter: Bob Dylan
    • Cover Version Arranger: Ketch Secor
  10. 10
    6
    votes

    Michael Stanley

    Michael Stanley Band
    This Ohio-based musician covered the song on his album "The Hang," and his version has become popular among his fans in the Midwest.
    The 'Michael Stanley' version of 'Wagon Wheel' is a cover song originally performed by the American rock band Michael Stanley Band.
    • Genre: Rock
    • Released: 1981
    • Original Artist: Old Crow Medicine Show
    • Cover Version: Michael Stanley Band
    • Album: 'Misery Loves Company'

Missing your favorite version?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular version

  1. Originality
    The original version of "Wagon Wheel" was written by Bob Dylan, and partially completed by Old Crow Medicine Show. Originality should be taken into account when considering the popularity of various versions of this song.
  2. Cultural Significance
    Some versions gain popularity because of their resonance within a given community or culture. For instance, a version of "Wagon Wheel" that is popular at sporting events may have cultural significance within that context.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular version of "Wagon Wheel". We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or version is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 4287 views
  • 181 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each version once every 24 hours. The rank of each version is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular version of "wagon wheel"

"Wagon Wheel" is a song that has become a beloved classic in the world of music. Originally written by Bob Dylan and later completed by Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show, the song has seen numerous covers and adaptations over the years. However, the most popular version of "Wagon Wheel" is undoubtedly the one recorded by Darius Rucker. Released in 2013, Rucker's version reached the top of the charts and has been a staple at concerts and events ever since. Whether you prefer the original Dylan lyrics or the catchy chorus of Rucker's version, "Wagon Wheel" continues to captivate audiences and inspire sing-alongs.

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