10 More A Cappella Covers Better Than The Originals
10 More A Cappella Covers Better Than The Originals
There’s something unique and special about creating music with just the human voice. Here are 10 more a cappella covers that are better than the originals.
There’s something unique and special about creating music with just the human voice. Perhaps it’s the idea that you need other people; maybe it’s blend of untempered instruments. Either way, a cappella is the ultimate analogue.
On that note, here are 10 more a cappella covers that are better than the originals.
1. “Aha!” by Pentatonix
Originally performed by Imogen Heap
Imogen Heap is known for her lush harmonies and incredible live performances (as well as her song “Hide & Seek”).
The Pentatonix version is not only more dynamic, but the added aggressiveness also makes it tighter and brighter. Plus, the campfire scary story in the video is a really cool concept.
2. “McDonald’s Girl” by Inside Out A Cappella
opb Dean Friedman
This one is a deep cut, as not many people know the original song (or this cover), but we promise you it’s great and a lot of fun.
The Blenders have covered this song and so has Barenaked Ladies. Inside Out’s is the best. It’s cute and sweet and just a little bit silly, and we know you’re going to love it!
3. “Mad Hatter” by Lark
opb Melanie Martinez
This song screams “Lark.” Everything about this cover is fantastic and creepy and powerful and insane. The only this better than this recording is seeing them perform it live.
Don’t forget, “all the best people are crazy!”
4. “Don’t Stop Believing” by SoCal VoCals
opb Journey
I know what you’re about to say, “The Glee version is clearly the definitive version here.”
That version was released on May 19, 2009. The VoCals released their version on their album “Get In. ROCK. Get Out.” on Aug. 8, 2006.
Sound familiar?
5. "Libertango" by The Swingle Singers (The Swingles)
opb Astor Piazzolla
We dare you to stay completely still while listening to this tango track you didn’t know you needed in your life regularly.
Enjoy and you’re welcome!
6. “Ghost Train” by Straight No Chaser
opb Marc Cohn
Another deep cut, this one is from 1998 and is a testament to the warm group sound of that era, as well as the incredible musicianship of Straight No Chaser. When their sophomore album “Last Call” debuted 20 years ago, it forced everyone to know the name Straight No Chaser.
Nothing against Cohn’s original, but the SNC cover has a momentum that keeps you wanting to replay the track again and again.
7. “Insomniac” by Virginia Gentlemen
opb Billy Pilgrim
Just in case you weren’t sure how influential this recording was, SNC recorded the Virginia Gentlemen’s version on their album “Last Call.”
There's a nostalgia built by their homophony that reads as community. Between the birth of a syllabic revolution and the big block chord sound, this cover will continue to be a classic of collegiate a cappella.
8. “True Colors” by Groove for Thought
opb Cyndi Lauper
There’s no way to talk about this cover without mentioning all the various colors that are inserted into the arrangement. Groove for Thought’s arranging and performance is always so layered and nuanced, and this cover takes them to a whole new level.
The original is a classic and we don’t deny that. Groove for Thought’s version is just better at evoking the emotion and story of the song through their use of color.
9. “Hot Knife” by GQ
opb Fiona Apple
This tune seems to have a bit of everything: powerful polyphony, humble homophony, and loads of alliteration.
From the arpeggiated lines to the smooth pads, GQ (which stands for “Girls Quartet”) reinvents these melodies with every iteration.
10. "The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Wimoweh/Mbube)" by Ladysmith Black Mambazo & Mint Juleps
opb Solomon Linda
Here is an example of a tune that almost everyone and every group has sung at one time or another. It’s not that this arrangement is better than the rest; it’s the whole package.
This performance is from Spike Lee’s 1991 film “Do It A Cappella” and really embodies the spirit of a cappella singing. We get two groups from opposite corners of the world (let alone musical styles) being brought together through the singing of a traditional song.
Make sure to check out Part 1 HERE
Listen to all our better a cappella covers in one Spotify Playlist.
Which is your favorite?
Did we miss any?