There’s nothing like an unplugged performance to make you hear a song in a whole new way, so we’ve crafted a list of some of the most amazing Acoustic covers and live renditions recorded in recent years. Check it out!

1. Vance Joy – I Know Places

Vance Joy transforms this Taylor Swift original with his mournful, folky Vocals, gentle guitar-string plucking, and a slightly echoey recording studio. The cover was declared by Swift to be her favourite (ever) drawn from 1989.

2. James Bay – Hold Back The River

Armed with only a guitar, Bay’s husky vocals shine in this acoustic version of the 2014 hit. The chorus surges with all of the power (and more of the raw emotion) that you can hear in the studio version.

3. Charlie Puth – Bon Appétit

Another cover to remodel the original, Charlie Puth strips back Katy Perry’s Bon Appétit for a seriously sultry Live Lounge rendition.

4. Hozier – Cherry Wine

Hozier’s bold vocals glide over the acoustic guitar’s melody in this apparently sweet ode to a lover – not so sweet when you listen to the lyrics, which reveal the disturbing state of the couple’s relationship.

5. Dido – Thank You

Giving us serious nostalgia for the late 90’s, in 2014 Dido released an acoustic version of classic single ‘Thank You’. Her mellow tones stand out more than ever in this soothing live rendition.

6. Bastille – Locked Out of Heaven

Bastille turn the Bruno Mars track on its head with this moody cover. Lead singer Dan Smith’s voice swells over the tinkling of the keys, and the song’s tone becomes more urgent as sweeping backing vocals join in for the chorus.

7. Aloe Blacc – Wake Me Up

Avicii’s version may be considerably more famous, but Aloe Blacc’s soulful vocals sound even more impressive with just a simple guitar accompaniment. His distinctive voice rises to meet the chorus’ peak in a way that feels effortless.

8. Katy Perry – I Kissed A Girl

Back in 2009, Katy Perry was new on the scene after bursting onto the stage with provocative track ‘I Kissed A Girl’. Her (sometimes-questioned) skill as a singer is showcased in this breathy rendition of the pop song, and the backing musicianship has to be recognised as well.

9. Rizzle Kicks – Summertime Sadness

Rizzle Kicks pull off reggae-influenced Lana del Rey with ease, even injecting original rap verses into their version of ‘Summertime Sadness’. Simultaneously more bouncy and laid-back than the original, the duo stay true to their own style without the song sounding strained.

10. Marina and the Diamonds – Primadonna

The acoustic version of this 2012 hit puts Marina’s operatic vocals on full display, and the up-tempo guitar accompaniment is a testament to the song’s infectiousness even without its electropop production.

11. The Civil Wars – Billie Jean

Their flawless vocals blending together in perfect harmony, The Civil Wars’ cover of Billie Jean has become iconic. Taking the Michael Jackson classic in a moodier direction, the duo only needed a guitar and their own voices for this stunning rendition.

12. Demi Lovato – Stone Cold

Demi Lovato’s come a long way since Camp Rock, and her raspy, soulful vocals are some of the most powerful in pop right now. Seeming like a departure from her recent radio-ready, high-production output, this spine-tingling performance makes her organic talent clear.

13. Sia – Elastic Heart

Another extraordinary vocalist, Sia is only backed by the sound of a piano in this version of the huge song, and her skill as a singer is even more evident. Just as robust as the studio version (but perhaps more moving), the mood feels more melancholic than frustrated.

14. Harry Styles – Sign of The Times

In his departure from One Direction, Harry Styles has done a good job of establishing himself as a formidable vocal talent. In this stripped back Live Lounge version, the singer’s gritty vocals easily express the biting emotion of his debut song.

15. Tom Odell – Can’t Pretend

Although live versions of ‘Another Love’ tend to receive more attention, Tom Odell’s distinctive voice rises to significant heights in ‘Can’t Pretend’. Just listen to that note at 3:38!

Is there anything more powerful than live music? If you enjoyed our list and want to listen to some more amazing Acoustic Covers and live performances, take a look at our stunning live acoustic bands – all available to hire for your wedding, party, or corporate event!

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