Lately, I’ve been really into listening to cover songs. It’s interesting to listen to some good songs with a new twist. It's like listening to a new song you already love.
Spotify has a feature on the sidebar called Browse. Under this tab are several playlists made by Spotify and other organizations. There are a few playlists created by Spotify that have acoustic, unique covers. I have discovered some amazing, creative covers from these playlists. Here is a list just a few of the many covers I have found.
1. “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” by Nico Vega
This version of the song was featured in the recent "Bonnie and Clyde" miniseries, as discussed on ew.com. The cover has a '30s feel to it, mixed with indie-rock vibes. It’s powerful and intense in a cool way.
2. “Hit ‘Em Up Style” by Carolina Chocolate Drops
A popular '90s Blu Cantrell song gone bluegrass is unexpected. The original song is really catchy, but there’s something about the bluegrass twist that makes it catchy in a different way. I seriously jam to it every time I listen to it.
3. “Cry Me a River” by Glen Hansard
Hansard is pretty well-known as one of the leads in the movie "Once." The Irish artist’s cover of this Justin Timberlake song is chill and acoustic, but definitely has an edge with the emotion he puts into it. It’s live, which adds to the emotion, and it’s clear that Hansard is a talented musician who doesn’t need much editing.
4. “Billie Jean” by The Civil Wars
The duo The Civil Wars have incredible voices that mix so well together, however, they recently ended their musical partnership. One piece they did together is a cover of Michael Jackson’s very popular “Billie Jean." Much like the “Hit ‘Em Up Style” cover, this is a bluegrass and also folk-style cover of the song. It’s slowed down and a little darker.
5. “Somebody to Love” by Branches
This indie-folk, acoustic cover of the psychedelic Jefferson Airplane song is beautiful. It still has an upbeat tempo, but it’s chilled out and so pretty.
6. “I Can’t Make You Love Me/Nick of Time” by Bon Iver
Bon Iver mixes together these two Bonnie Raitt songs in a bittersweet, lovely acoustic cover. It’s calming but emotional. It’s a great cover to help you channel emotions if you’re feeling thoughtful.
7. “Digital Witness” by SOAK
SOAK is an incredibly talented young artist from Northern Ireland. She is quiet but personable and puts on a very good, calm show. She recently did a cover of St. Vincent’s “Digital Witness.” It’s toned down and acoustic. The cover still has an edge — much like the original — as there is a tiny filter over SOAK’s voice. However, her softer vocals make for a simultaneously relaxed and tense cover.
8. “Addicted to Love” by Florence + The Machine
The original “Addicted to Love” is very catchy and very good. However, Florence adds her touch of girl power and her strong, unique voice to make this an incredible cover. It’s calmer than the original, but it’s still so powerful.
9. “Ignition/Do You… (Mashup)” by Phoebe Ryan
This indie-pop mashup of these rap, hip-hop and R&B style songs is unexpected and upbeat. Ryan’s sweet voice singing the lyrics to these songs makes for an interesting, chill cover.
10. “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by Sleeping At Last
This Sleeping At Last cover turns this song into a slower ballad that makes the song sentimental in a slower, almost emotional way. It’s beautiful and moving. Some might recognize it from the 2015 Budweiser Super Bowl commercial.
11. “Love you Like A Love Song” by Cats on Trees
Selena Gomez’s pop song goes bluesy in this cover. The French duo slowed the song down and made it more dramatic.
12. “A Song For You” by Amy Winehouse
This soulful, jazzy cover is lovely. Winehouse sings it beautifully and emotively. It is a cover that shows — much like all of her musical endeavors do — the immense talent she had.
