One of my favorite things about music is that it can be interpreted in many different ways. You could be listening to a song and think that it means one thing, while the person sitting next to you may think that it means something else.
Or you could be hearing a certain series of chords or one line of lyrics and wonder what it would sound like if it was sped up, slowed down, sang louder, or softer. You might think, what if some bass was added here or the drums were cut out right there? The way a musician writes a piece is specific to their preference and the story that they are trying to tell.
But then somebody else will come along and put a completely different spin on it that is specific to their preference and the story that they want to tell. In most cases, they cover it so well that it is almost as good as the original. That is something I find very creative and entertaining. So here are 10 of my favorite covers of some popular (and no-so-popular) songs, that I believe you need in your life.
1. Panic! At The Disco-Bohemian Rhapsody
In this cover, Brendon Urie gives us a little more drama with the vibrant lights and choice of notes. He keeps the pure energy that Freddie Mercury had all while exhibiting his own fantastic vocal talent and showmanship.
2. The Head and the Heart-Don't Dream It's Over
The Head and the Heart pay tribute to Crowded House with this new age take on a classic. The gravel in Jonathan Russell's voice on top of the clear tone from Charity Rose provides some depth while keeping the psychedelic feel.
3. The Lumineers-This Must Be The Place
The Lumineers take this popular Talking Heads song, slow it down and put a folksy spin on it. With the new tempo, they make us feel a bit nostalgic. But then as it picks up they make us feel eager for a bright future.
4. Jorja Smith-Let Me Love You
The longing in Jorja Smith's voice re-establishes the meaning behind this song, originally done by Mario. The fact that it is now a woman singing it, with slightly altered lyrics to fit, gives us a new perspective on the message being told.
5. James Bay-If I Ain't Got You
This cover makes me think of an outdoor concert in the middle of the summer. James Bay matches the passion and intensity that Alicia Keys brings in the original, while still making it his own with a bit of a bluesy twist.
6. Austin Richard Post-Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
Austin Richard Post, more popularly known as Post Malone, covered this classic Bob Dylan song prior to his fame. His cover doesn't offer much difference musically, but it gives a look into how cultured most musicians are and how wide their variety of taste usually is.
7. Kings of Leon-Hands to Myself
The tempo change and darkening of the sound brings a feeling of restriction and longing, which makes this cover one of the most underrated, in my opinion. Selena Gomez's original track is bright and catchy, while this one feels a bit more heartfelt and vulnerable.
8. Beyoncé -Sex on Fire
Beyoncé can cover anything. Don't argue with me.
9. Hozier-Do I Wanna Know
Hozier's cover of the popular Arctic Monkeys song produces an elegant and easy sound. Though the lyrics are still a bit daunting, the free tone makes it feel more honest than the original version.
10. Arctic Monkeys-Hold On, We're Going Home
And leading us out we have Arctic Monkeys covering the extremely popular Drake song. This version makes me think of a band that would perform at a prom in the 80s. It's just a bit funkier than the original.
Honorable Mention: KAMAU-Hey Ya
This cover is probably the most opposite of it's original, but that doesn't take away from the pure talent shown and emotion expressed. Kamau looked at this song, originally done by OutKast, and said, "I'm going to do something totally different." Thus producing one of the most unique and intricate covers that I have heard.
All of these covers just emphasize the artistry that each musician possesses and their love for music that drives them to explore songs in different genres and put their own twist on them.
