Acoustic versions of songs offer us the chance to experience them in an entirely new light, and can provide an unforgettable listening experience. It may even become your new go-to version!
Tom Rosenthal made headlines a few years ago for covering “Home” for a friend’s TikTok video and it quickly went viral, becoming a go-to choice among TikTok influencers looking for background music for their videos.
Fraser Morgan – “Home is Where The Heart Is (Acoustic)”
Fraser Morgan is an exceptional singer/songwriter who masters the art of storytelling through music. His acoustic version of “Home is Where the Heart Is” allows listeners to focus on how emotions and imagery are conveyed through lyrics, which makes for both beautiful and moving lyrics that remind listeners that sometimes, simple arrangements can be most impactful. Morgan’s performances are equally captivating – engaging audiences while entertaining them; making him an essential live act for fans of acoustic folk/punk alike! Download his songs free on Boomplay now!
Fraser Morgan has amassed an impressive repertoire, having performed in more than 750 gigs over his short career thus far.
Dropkick Murphys – “I’m Shipping Up to Boston (Acoustic)”
Woody Guthrie’s folk song became an instant classic when used in 2006 movie The Departed and has sold more than one million digital copies without ever entering the Hot 100 chart. The Dropkick Murphys shot a video for this song at East Boston waterfront where hooligans can be seen gathering and being chased away from by police officers; when St Patrick’s Day concerts had to be cancelled due to coronavirus outbreak in 2020, their livestream concert online helped people celebrate remotely instead. It proved hugely successful and provided much-needed relief from negative news stories!
Edith Whiskers – “Drive You Home (Acoustic)”
Tom Rosenthal never anticipated that his cover of “Home” for a friend’s TikTok video in 2020 would become such a viral success, amassing over 2 million plays on Spotify and even making Viral Top 50 charts. Additionally, it features Edith Whiskers (an invented persona created by Rosenthal). Since its release, numerous requests have come pouring in asking to become her manager or sign her to record deals without realizing she does not exist; still it makes an intriguing storyline! Listen below.
ELEINE – “Acoustic in Hell”
Symphonic metal conjures up images of operatic notes being sung across snowy landscapes with gothic looks and corsets; but some bands have taken things a step further. Eleine, an ensemble from Sweden’s dark symphonic metal scene, are one such band who have taken it to another level by releasing their new EP “Acoustic in Hell”, showing their songs can work just as effectively unplugged and without distortion.
Recorded within just one week in January 2022 at Thomas ‘Plec’ Johansson’s The Panic Room Studio in Skara, the EP features eight acoustic renditions of Eleine’s biggest hits. These performances showcase Eleine’s powerful music even at its most stripped back state; from raw primal emotions like Ava Of Death or malevolent energy like Enemies; Eleine makes her mark unmistakably.
Memorium has also been given an impressive acoustic treatment and this EP really showcases just how fantastic their music sounds in that format – this should please fans who’ve followed them since their formation, offering them another window into their musical capabilities and capabilities.
Eleine have demonstrated that good songs will work no matter where they’re presented, making this EP an enjoyable and informative filler while we wait for their new studio album’s release. An ideal listen for fans of symphonic metal.
One exclusive, hand-signed blue/white/black vinyl record will be sold exclusively at the band’s upcoming Acoustic Tour starting October 20th – find more details at their website HERE. Atomic Fire Records’ release of ‘Acoustic in Hell’ EP can be pre-ordered in digipak format with colored vinyl plus exclusive photo book or digitally HERE.
Acoustic versions of hit songs work especially well when presented in an intimate environment, providing listeners with an entirely unique yet equally pleasurable listening experience.
This acoustic rendition of Def Leppard’s classic works beautifully as a ballad without the need for distorted guitar solos, proving that their full lineup can also create memorable acoustic performances.
Be by Hozier
Hozier’s music is full of imagery and metaphor, but one song stands out in particular as an outstanding example of his poetic style: Be. While its original version conveys urgency, its acoustic version takes on a more playful tone, emphasizing bassline and drums more prominently than in previous songs for an entirely unique sound experience.
This song is an emotive piece that captures the depth of emotions in long-term relationships, as its narrator laments to his lover that he cannot be what she wants him to be. Inspired by Greek mythology, its lyrics reference drinking from Lethe, which is said to cause one to forget their memories after drinking from it. Furthermore, its instrumentals evoke an ancient feel with bells signaling wedding or death knells echoing through its track.
Hozier stands out from many one-hit wonders by continuing to create music that’s both thought-provoking and beautiful. His latest EP, Unreal Unearth, boasts four magnificent tracks which complement his previous album. Too Sweet captures perfectly the deceptive nature of cravings; in an amusing yet profound manner Hozier compares himself to animals seeking temporary pleasure before succumbing to consequences — such as “kitten-cosy-in-engine” and “dog deep into chocolate”.
Hozier may not explicitly state his political views in interviews, but it is clear that they are progressive. He champions arts as well as social justice and equality for Irish homosexuals and arsonists who often go unrecognized by their peers. Hozier’s music combines radical politics like anti-authoritarian rhetoric against imperialism as well as pro-choice messages into moving pieces that resonate across borders to provide listeners a universal call-to-action against injustice – creating unforgettable pieces of art!
Jerry’s Song by Hardesty
Bumpin Uglies of Annapolis, Maryland can write songs with great honesty and vulnerability that have earned them praise from critics like Grateful Web. Frontman Brandon Hardesty’s songs have been described as Dylan-esque with their potency conveyed clearly through lyrics that leave nothing unspoken about their message. Grateful Web spoke with Hardesty about Underdog: The Acoustic Sessions which features both old favorites alongside fresh material.
Hardesty took some time off after touring in support of Mid-Atlantic Dub, taking time off with his family and writing in his free time. Yet this wasn’t a break from music–he still made music a priority, hosting backyard parties around town and recording new material in his van between gigs.
One of the new tracks, Jerry’s Song, is an emotive tribute to Hardesty’s late father, Jerry. The acoustic version offers listeners a more introspective and intimate experience that helps highlight its emotive depth.
“Load In Load Out,” another newly acoustic version of an older BU hit, depicts not just the musical struggles faced by artists in the industry but also the physical labor involved with transporting and setting up equipment at each show. Hardesty captures that energy within his lyrics of this song which bears testimony to his tireless work ethic.
Other tracks on the acoustic album capture the energy and spirit of their original recordings, like “Wild Girls,” with its lively ska-punk sound but stripped-back acoustic arrangement that’s ideal for an afternoon spent with friends. “Shades of Grey,” too, stands up well; though its stripped-back arrangement allows us to better explore its complexity; Hardesty has proven his masterful storytelling by drawing out different emotions depending on musical arrangements of his songs.
Shades of Grey by The Avett Brothers
In a career marked by many artists subverting themselves for mainstream appeal or simply disappearing altogether, The Avett Brothers have maintained their own voice while remaining true to themselves and maintaining a distinct sound that remains distinctively them. Their latest album Closer Than Together serves as proof of this commitment to their audience.
North Carolina siblings The Steel Magnolia first burst onto the music scene in the early 2000s with their unique combination of hyperactive punk energy and classic bluegrass instrumentation, setting an early precedent. Since then they’ve become even more comfortable as festival circuit mainstays, winning over both Deadheads and indie musicians while crafting high-harmonies that sound sweet like honeysuckle.
Their previous album, The Carpenter, marked an experimental departure from their earlier works; featuring more mature sound that captured the hardships and trials of its subjects. But with Magpie, the brothers have gone back to their roots without feeling forced into any trend-chasing; creating an intimate yet vibrant record that still manages to hold its own in terms of sound quality and production value.
As they worked on their ninth studio album with producer Rick Rubin of Def Jam Records, a unique idea was presented to them: making demos of songs and then remixing them would allow the band members to experience how their sound changed when reconfigured.
Closer Than Together is a record that seamlessly weaves personal narrative with universal experience, as the band did not set out to produce an album of political commentary; nevertheless, its themes mirror anxieties and stress associated with living in an unstable world.
The album kicks off with Seth Avett’s mesmerizing guitar intro to “Morning Song.” To an ovation from the crowd, brother Scott steps forward to take over vocal duties and draw listeners closer with every pull of his banjo neck; every line like, “It hurts so bad/You don’t come around here anymore,” resonated emotionally among listeners.
Home by Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac’s peak performances during rock’s golden decade of the 1970s cannot be understated, reaching unparalleled heights of ambition and success. While eventually falling apart, they began with an undeniable vision and style which is undeniable. Following Peter Green’s departure, Fleetwood Mac found stability and commercial success by adding singer/songwriters Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks who brought unique chemistry that propelled an era of self-discovery and excess.
Rhino Records recently reissued Rumours, but now they are turning their focus toward lesser-known Fleetwood Mac albums such as Kiln House and Tusk that may not be as essential or iconic compared to Rumours, yet still provide plenty of entertainment value – while Play On is an example of what Fleetwood Mac was capable of before Nicks and Buckingham joined.
Reissuing doesn’t add any new songs, but does restore some of the original album’s tracklisting. Furthermore, this reissue features an enhanced 5.1 mix that far surpasses stereo mixes in terms of listening experience; listeners can hear additional layers such as acoustic guitars and brushwork from drummer Mick Fleetwood in “Never Going Back Again”, featuring Buckingham’s signature guitar solo as well as some bass playing from Mick Fleetwood that was removed from original release of album.
This reissue features additional tracks not released on the original album, including Danny Kirwan’s “Woman of a Thousand Years,” an opening track with dreamy vocals reminiscent of Crosby, Stills & Nash or early Yes work, and Christine McVie’s rocker Morning Rain by Christine. All these songs demonstrate Fleetwood Mac’s magical musical chemistry.