Acoustic Covers: 5 Lighter Takes on Rock Classics
Unplugged Vibes
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Experience rock classics reimagined with acoustic covers, offering stripped-down, soulful renditions that highlight the essence of each song.
5 Acoustic Covers:
Acoustic Covers: Rediscovering Firm Favourites
As long as there has been music, there have been covers. MTV Unplugged arguably kicked off the idea that you could take a song by Nirvana or Eric Clapton and wind it down a few pegs.
What I love most about acoustic covers is how they present the song in its most innocent and raw format. Especially when there’s deep and meaningful lyrics behind it.
Let’s take a look at 5 examples of acoustic covers. Some of these have been done by the original artist, whereas others come from elsewhere.
Times Like These – Live Lounge Allstars
Our first acoustic cover comes from the dark, dark Covid times. In an effort to raise funds for Britain’s National Health Service, The Foo Fighters teamed up with other artists to create this virtual Band Aid style ensemble.
Times Like These was never a truly heavy rock song, but to create this acoustic cover it feels like the tempo has been reduced, and the backing harmonies have been increased.
The progression features chords such as Cadd9 and Em7, which when played with an acoustic guitar sound nice and light. However, I’m not a fan of the rap section on this cover. But, music is about expression, right?
Simply The Best – James Bay
Tackling a Tina Turner staple live on the radio, James Bay adds a bluesy feel to this 80s bop. With his amp dripping in reverb and his Telecaster by his side, this version is something that you didn’t know you needed.
The low and soulful mood is helped by the fact that Bay’s guitar is tuned a whole step lower. As a result, the main melody can be played effortlessly along with the chords.
Moreover, the New Orleans-style backing vocals really help to fill out the track. Three voices, one guitar, and that’s all you need. Fantastic.
For this almost acoustic cover, we can see Bay using a tasty-looking Telecaster with a black scratchplate, humbucking neck pickup and a Bigsby! Most likely a home or custom job.
Sweet Child O’ Mine – Slash and Myles Kennedy
Ah yes, Sweet Child O’ Mine. One of the ultimate guitar songs. But, what does it sound like as an acoustic cover?
The answer? Pretty good actually! To hear that legendary riff played on an acoustic guitar opens up a new dimension of sound. Moreover, Kennedy’s vocals are a little bit more refined than Axl Rose’s.
I do think that Slash could have potentially played the solos in a different octave to suit the dynamics of the guitar a bit better. But it’s Slash. Who am I to judge?
Bury A Friend – Josh Turner
Admittedly, anything from Billie Eilish isn’t exactly rock. However, this track does bear a strong resemblance to People Are Strange by The Doors.
This acoustic cover features a menacing guitar in effectively drop DG tuning. Josh Tuner effectively captures the bass line whilst also dropping in some chords.
Also, the three voices do a great job of adding in the spooky intervals that are in the original record. The pure raw format of this cover is what makes it so appealing.
Wicked Game – Tenacious D
Our final acoustic cover comes from dynamic duo, Tenacious D. Often seen as a comedic effort, this version of the Chris Isaac classic is appropriately executed as an emotional and powerful tribute.
Now, after the whole Trump thing, it doesn’t look like we’ll see much more of these two together. However, this acoustic cover is a strong reminder that when they put their minds together, they can create something truly magical.
Moreover, the shortened length of the track really suits the stripped-back nature. Wicked Game was never a heavy rock track, but Black and Gass have highlighted the key elements of it.
Acoustic Covers – New Perspectives?
So, what do you think of those acoustic covers? No doubt, you’ll have seen some very impressive live versions, or know of other YouTube renditions. Overall though, these different versions show just how different music can be.
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