2015 was a big year for the music industry. The Weeknd emerged as a new powerhouse R&B singer, Zayn Malik left internationally beloved boy band One Direction, and Adele broke seemingly every record ever created with her new album "25." Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk,” Calvin Harris’ “How Deep Is Your Love” and Major Lazer’s “Lean On” battled for the best dance anthem of the year. But, throughout the year, famous and not-so-famous artists put their own twists on the most popular songs of the 2015. Here are some that you should listen to:
1. "Hotline Bling" - Kehlani and Charlie Puth
Drake fans, don’t get mad. This is the only version of the song that I can listen to. Whether it’s the flawless mix of both Kehlani and Puth’s vocals or the slowed down, acoustic rhythm, this version is effortlessly better than the original.
2. "Trap Queen" - Josh Levi and KHS
While Fetty Wap’s “Trap Queen” lyrics do sound strange when converted into a love ballad, the beautiful piano backing paired with Josh Levi’s soulful vocals will easily make you fall in love with the song all over again.
3. "Dancing On My Own" - Calum Scott
Yes, “Dancing On My Own” is not a popular song from 2015, but it still deserves to make the list. X-Factor contestant Calum Scott originally performed the song in his auditions, a chilling mix of the original filled with heart. His unique voice and charming good looks also make me a little biased towards this song in particular.4. "Lean On" - Max and Kurt Schneider
A stripped-down version of the raging club hit, Max and Kurt (who are not related despite sharing the same last name) don’t disappoint with this arrangement of beautiful piano and breathtaking vocals.
5. "Sorry" - Tayler Buono
Another piano cover because, clearly, they are my weakness. But I chose this cover for Buono’s effortlessly perfect vocals. I listened to this song maybe once or twice. And by once or twice, I mean maybe a couple of hundred times.6. "Bad Blood" - ARIZONA and Josh Chomik
Drums and beautifully high-pitched voice -- this cover is a sort of slowed down version but still makes me want to either dance or take over the world. What more can I say?
7. "Story of My Life" - ThePianoGuys
There are no vocals, just a piano and a cello. The seasoned musicians, who grew to fame through their covers of popular songs, perfectly arranged the two instruments to produce a truly stripped down version of the popular One Direction song.8. "Blame It On Me" - Doug Panton
Don’t get me wrong, I still think George Ezra definitely sang it best. However, Panton’s scratchy voice and solid piano skills give the song more feeling.9. "King" - Shaun Colwill
A twist on the faster, more techno-based original version, Colwill’s simplistic, acoustic cover -- performed while sitting on the floor illuminated by a single light -- will definitely give you chills.10. "Torn" - One Direction
There’s no Zayn, so you could say I’m already torn. However, One Direction delivers a beautiful, live version of the overly covered song.
11. "Problem" - Hozier
Again, I’m biased because, well, it’s Hozier. What can’t Hozier sing? This cover is like the “Hotline Bling” cover mentioned above in that I truly wish Hozier’s version was the original. But his cover is just as good of an option.12. "I Knew You Were Trouble" - Jessie J
Jessie J’s voice is so full of feeling that it gives this slower, stripped down acoustic version a different perspective. Her vocal range also has me in awe, but that’s for another time.
13. "Drunk In Love" - Sia, Ed Sheeran, and Grouplove
Probably my favorite cover on the list. Sia, Ed Sheeran, and Grouplove collabed on one of the best covers of the year. Please do another cover or two, for everyone’s sake.
