The songs might not be new, but the styles are! I have compiled a list of some of my favorite covers of songs. I hope this could diversify your playlist. Please enjoy!
From Now On by Zac Brown Band
This song was originally from the hit movie The Greatest Showman which came out in 2017 starring Hugh Jackman, Zendaya, Zac Efron, and more. The music was so incredible for the movie that they created an entire album dedicated to famous artists covering the songs used in the film. One of my favorites was Zac Brown Band’s cover of From Now On. Their version of this motivational, upbeat song was unique to this cover album, as it was the only one done by a country band. Zac Brown Band’s slightly twangy, rich style puts a twist on this song that you can’t help but smile when you hear.
I Want to Hold Your Hand by Chris Colfer (Glee)
Glee was notorious for pumping out hundreds of covers of very well-known songs. Eighty percent of the time, the way they sang the song was pretty much the same way it was sung originally. However, in this case, Glee created a new perspective on a classic, upbeat Beatles song. Chris Colfer, the actor behind Kurt Hummel, sang a beautiful, heartbreaking version of I Want to Hold your Hand at the side of his on-screen dad’s hospital bed. Let me tell you, I sob every single time I watch that scene. Colfer’s voice is just so gorgeous and this version of this song really showcases his talent in an intimate way.
Stay by Pentatonix
If you don’t at least know who Pentatonix is, where the heck have you been. This acapella group has had major success after winning season three of the acapella competition show, The Sing-Off. They went on to release many albums, sell-out shows all over the world, and even perform at and win a Grammy. Originally by Alessia Cara and Zedd, Stay is just another one of the songs that Pentatonix covered on their Top Pop, Vol. 1 album. Since they are an acapella group, they obviously can’t recreate the electronic, remix style of the original song. Instead, they replace those breaks with a hypnotic melody sung by group member Mitch Grassi. Trust me, their take on this song is worth a listen.
California Dreamin’ by Sia
The original California Dreamin’ was by a group called The Mamas and the Papas and came out in 1966. This version was a part of the soundtrack for the movie San Andres. Sia’s sultry, unique voice gives a mysterious tone to the song. Backed by a piano and an orchestra, her take on this song can only be described as haunting in all the best ways.
Sound of Silence by Disturbed
Disturbed is a heavy metal band known for their loud, angry music. Definitely not my style at all. However, the band covered a classic by Simon and Garfunkel called Sound of Silence. Their version of this song really showcases the incredible voice of their lead singer, David Draiman. Once you listen to the metal version of this song, you will never hear it the same ever again. It is almost guaranteed to give you chills. This song has made it onto every single playlist since I discovered it.
Dancing On My Own by Calum Scott
Dancing On My Own was originally released by Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn as a dance-pop track in 2010. Calum Scott later used the song to audition for Britain’s Got Talent in 2015, but with his own twist. He slowed it down, switched the instrumental to a piano track, and created an emotional, memorable performance that earned him a golden buzzer from Simon Cowell himself.
Simple Man by Shinedown
Lynyrd Skynyrd released the original version of this song in 1973. Though there have been many covers of this song to come out, Shinedown’s version released in 2003 is my favorite by far. They stripped the song down, drawing attention to the heavy emotion behind the lyrics, which are portrayed beautifully by the band’s founder and singer, Brent Smith. His voice is well-complimented by the acoustic guitar and is worth listening to.