Covers Pt. 2

Every now and then, I hear cover songs that catch my ear - for the most part, it’s because it doesn’t sound exactly like the original. The artist makes the song theirs.

Getting deep into it - Dr. Petr Janata, Ph.D., a music psychologist at UC Davis is quoted as saying of cover songs, “Our brains like both the familiar and the novel. Cover songs provide us with both.” He notes, “The familiarity of the melodies and the lyrics allow our brains to form expectations, which, in part, are confirmed, thus giving us a certain amount of pleasure. Then we also usually take pleasure from listening to the deviations in the new rendition.”

But enough of the science of it - let’s get to it, here’s the Covers Pt. 2 Mixtape. Some highlights include:

“Your Love” by Adina V

I discovered this version of The Outfield’s classic on TikTok and I love Adina’s voice! The Canadian-singer/songwriter brings a country/bluegrass feel to the power pop-rock song.

“Take Me To The Pilot” by Brothers Osborne

From the album Restoration: Reimagining the Songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, the country superstars take a classic and turn it into their own with a soulful-country version. They keep the raucous feel from the original, adding just the right amount of twang.

“Fire and Rain” by Bobby Womack

One of the most original covers ever! He states early in the song that he’s gotta do it his way and he certainly does. Gone are the folk tendencies and in place are a soulful, funky version with the gritty, gorgeous vocals of Womack shining through.

There’s plenty more to hear so take some time, dig into the Covers Pt. 2 Mixtape and enjoy it.