While YouTube attracts a large number of people for various reasons, my reason for visiting has remained the same: music. And you know what, if spending most of my days on YouTube searching for music and covers is wrong, then I don’t want to be right. Music has always been a large and important part of my life. I may not play an instrument or have the voice of an angel, but I still love it like I do. One thing I love is that there are so many ways it can go. It's unpredictable and surprising and refreshing. Finding covers of songs is one way for me to experience the wild world that is music. I hope you find something you like and get adventurous with your YouTube searches!

I would also like to point out that I am not saying I love any version, original or cover, better than the other. I love songs for different reasons. They give me different feelings, have different meanings, and represent different parts and times of my life.

*These are not in any particular order.*

1. Leighton Meester & Dana Williams- "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac

You can imagine my surprise when I first came across this particular cover and found out that THE Blair Waldorf could carry a tune. While I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Leighton Meester sing, I was more impressed with her friend Dana Williams. She has a voice so unique it could be recognized a mile away. 10/10 recommend this beautiful, harmonious Fleetwood tribute. (Ryan Beatty also performed another wonderful cover of this song!)

2. Travis Garland- "Don't Be a Fool"/"Tennessee Whiskey" by Shawn Mendes/Chris Stapleton

I’ve been a fan of Travis Garland for a few years now. I won’t lie, I did find myself initially interested in how gorgeous he is, but when I heard him sing, it was a wrap. I believe the first song I heard of his was one called “Motel Pool” (a Garland original you should definitely listen to if you get the chance). One of the reasons I enjoy this cover so much is because I’ve been on a bit of a Chris Stapleton kick this year. So, after listening to the original song twenty times a day, I just had to find more versions of the song. Also, let's be real for a second, anyone covering Shawn Mendes is a fan of mine.

3. Jackson Owens- Literally everything he sings. You can’t lose with him.

That may sound like an exaggeration, but for me it isn’t. I listened to his (and Jessica Sanchez's) cover of “Georgia on my Mind” and I literally did not know how to react. Never in a million years was I expecting his voice to sound anything like it does. His covers of soul, R&B, and old school songs are my favorites simply because they work with his voice so well. He has something a lot of singers his age don’t have these days. The rasp, the runs, the vibrato, the everything…

4. Angelina Jordan- "Fly Me to the Moon" by (Original Artist Debatable)

I first came across this beaut in my American Government class during senior year of high school. We were watching clips of the show Little Big Shots (very patriotic, right?) when my teacher pulled up a video of this ten year old girl. I didn’t know what to expect considering she was so young and I was also nervous about her covering Fly Me to the Moon (because hello, it’s a classic!). However, the minute she started to sing, I was in awe. Her voice reminds me of a time I wasn’t even alive for, a time of utter sophistication and class.

5. Hozier- "Do I Wanna Know" by Arctic Monkeys

Hozier, through the power of the universe, turned this Arctic Monkeys classic into something I never saw coming. The original gives off a rebellious, sensual, bad boy type of vibe. This time around, though, Hozier grabbed the song by its neck and turned it into a love song for the ages. It’s sad and raw and vulnerable and I love every second of it. Honestly, it showed the message of the song in a completely new light.

6. Harry Styles- "Ultralight Beam" by Kanye West

Harry, Harry, Harry. I am at a loss for words. Just when I thought I could never again feel the same way when I heard the original for the first time, Mr. Styles hits me with this beloved masterpiece. Most of the videos of this are from his concerts which in some odd way makes it all that much better. However, I would love an official version that’s available on Spotify or Apple Music so I can listen to it whenever, wherever, and however many times I please. Sidenote: if you haven’t listened to his album yet, what are you doing?? Also, the band Local Natives did an amazing job covering this song in a Spotify Session, so be sure to check that out as well.

7. Kiana Lede- "Hotline Bling" by Drake

Kiana popped up in my suggestions one random day and I haven’t stopped listening since. Her cover took “Hotline Bling” from a radio bop to an emotion-filled story. Throughout the entire video, you can clearly tell that she meant every word she sang. (Special shout out to her partner-in-crime and pianist Mike Woods because, man, that boy can play!)

8. Daniela Andrade- "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley

I already love this song and to have Daniela Andrade cover it makes me happy. Like Hozier with “Do I Wanna Know,” Daniela made this 2006 hit into a haunting treasure. Her voice paired with the strum of the electric guitar gives the song a new feel. Also, if you’re looking to spice up your Rainy Day jams, this cover is just what you need.

9. Post Malone- "Heartless" by Kanye West

When reading through the comments under Posty’s BBC Radio 1xtra cover of Kanye West’s “Heartless,” I was sort of taken aback. There were many people who criticized his voice at certain parts, comparing him to a goat. Other YouTube goers responded with the knowledge that he uses a specific style of vibrato when he sings and that he is strongly influenced by the folk and country music genres. Whatever the case may be, I personally enjoy Post Malone and anything he performs, so the cover was a huge yes for me.

10. John Mayer- "Ain’t No Sunshine" by Bill Withers

I have been a sucker for John Mayer for as long as I can remember. The messy head of hair, the tattoos, the lips… I think you get the point. Not only is he the epitome of a hot musician, he can play his ass off on a guitar. It’s honestly surreal to watch him play. There was one time in my life where I watched and listened to nothing but his live performances for a week straight. One of my favorites to this day is his cover of “Ain’t No Sunshine” by mister Bill Withers. The video is six and a half minutes of sexiness and pure bliss. (P.S. God bless those heavenly guitar solos!)