Ten quality covers of catchy Top 40 songs


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Photo courtesy of Robert Bejil Productions, Flickr

Photo courtesy of Robert Bejil Productions, Flickr

Whenever we really love a song, it’s important to us to listen to it up to a million times. We’ll put it on repeat while studying, working out or even staring at the ceiling and taking in just how great it is. Some of the catchiest guilty song pleasures can be found on most of the top 40 lists, songs that everyone loves to belt out. Musicians and fans alike seem to love to create their own arrangements of popular songs.

Out on Youtube right now are thousands of versions of Taylor Swift and Katy Perry radio hits, but are any of them worth listening to? Here are some of the best covers of the songs you’ve heard blowing up the radio.

  1.  John Legend and Meghan Trainor — “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” (Us the Duo Cover)

There’s no doubt about the sweet romance of this power duo radio hit, but musical couple Us the Duo’s cover gives John and Meghan a run for their money. Their simple, broken down version allows both artists to show off their unique sound. With beautiful and clean voices bringing to reality an innovative arrangement, this cover amps up the sweetness of this already adorable song.

  1. OMI — “Cheerleader” (Pentatonix Cover)

If I could I would put every Pentatonix cover on this list, but that’s not quite fair. However, this is easily one of my favorite covers of theirs. The group’s dynamic, musical genius and ingenuity used to recreate the fun energy of this song goes perfectly with the talent of these five talents. The quality of the song overall makes it one of my favorite covers of all time.

  1. One Direction — “Drag Me Down” (Shawn Mendes Cover)

Shawn Mendes, a young newcomer to the music scene, took this British pop hit and really ran with it. Shawn’s cover adds that raspy acoustic style that goes perfectly with his rock-tinged voice. For a young pop-singer, he definitely stole the show with this edgy version of our favorite British boy band’s newest tune.

  1. Tori Kelly — “Nobody Love” (Jacob Moran Cover)

The young pop star Tori Kelly has arguably one of the most interesting and beautiful voices on the radio right now. This top song hit the charts with a bam and so did this cover by singer Jacob Moran. His remarkable voice dances through the song in a way that challenges Tori’s original arrangement. His riffs and vibrato really are more musical than anything I’ve heard lately.

  1. Alesso — “Heroes” (Runaground Cover)

Oftentimes, it’s difficult to take an electronic song and turn it into a more acoustic broken down version. Not only does Runaground do so, but the quality of the song is also radio-worthy. A soft piano background to a lovely voice gives this cover a top spot on this list, taking it from a party hit to a play-at-home favorite.

  1. Justin Bieber — “What Do You Mean?” (Kina Granis and KHS Cover)

Justin Bieber came back strong with a catchy song like “What do you Mean?” but Kina Granis and KHS redefined the song with their creative cover, utilizing different kinds of household items to make the base of the song, something that adds to its creative ingenuity. Kina sings with gentle elegance that adds even more unique spunk to this cover.

  1. Fetty Wap — “Again” (Kiana Brown Cover)

Kiana really brings a beautiful and soulful R&B twist to this cover, belting out the chorus in a way that changes the narrative of the song from rap to soul. If you ever need to listen to a smooth and silky track, this cover is the real deal.

  1. Maroon 5 — “Animals” (Living in Fiction Cover)

For you rock and metal lovers out there, this cover is a perfect mix of a pop song taken to a punk level. The song definitely doesn’t lose its catchiness. In fact, the lyrics go really well with the punk approach of the song.

  1. Ed Sheeran — “Thinking Out Loud” (Boyce Avenue Cover)

When it comes to Ed Sheeran, it’s difficult to find people who cover his songs and sing them as well as he does. One of the only covers I’ve ever liked of this song is by Boyce Avenue, largely because the lead singer, Alejandro Manzano, has a voice that’s somewhat similar to Ed’s. Boyce’s cover is definitely the best, featuring beautiful guitar playing and a strong vocal performance.

  1. X Ambassadors — “Renegades” (Rachel Bobbit Cover)

Another Vine star, Rachel Bobbit is known for her soft and alt-rock type voice that has stunned all her listeners. Her arrangement of this song is truly unique, especially when supported by her soft, haunting voice.