If you’ve ever taken the time to listen to the acoustic versions of your favorite songs, you know how magical they can be. The songs often sound more raw and can lead you to experience their lyrics in a way you may have never before. I sometimes find myself liking the acoustic versions better than the original! This week’s 13 Beats are some of my favorite acoustic tracks:
“Collide – Acoustic Version” – Howie Day (2003)
While the original of this track is a classic, the acoustic version emphasizes the power of the lyrics. “Even the best fall down sometimes, even the stars refuse to shine,” sings Howie Day about how he and his lover can still try to make it work.
“Miles Away Acoustic Edit” – Years Around The Sun (2010)
“As the stars light your eyes / Oh my, there’s no place on Earth I’d rather be,” sings Ronnie Dudek about the beauty of a lover. The guitar plucking always reminds me of the twinkling of the stars and crashing of the waves mentioned in the track.
“Young Blood – Acoustic” – Noah Kahan (2017)
This track is one of my favorite acoustic versions because it’s easy to play on guitar. I also like how you can clearly hear the emotion in Noah Kahan’s voice as he sings the lyrics with the same passion as he does in the original.
“Daphne Blue – Acoustic” – The Band Camino (2019)
“Daphne Blue – Acoustic” manages to keep the same energy and vibes of the original while being more suitable for a time you want to be chill, especially early mornings. “You’ve got me off track, got me thinkin’ abstract,” sings Jeffery Jordan in the same catchy manner as the original.
“Drive All Night (Acoustic Live)” – NEEDTOBREATHE (2018)
“I need a new locale, I need a girl that calls me baby,” sings Bear Rinehart in this country track about wanting to start over. This version is still very upbeat and happy, with the banjo and audience clapping making it a magical listening experience.
“Cayendo (Side A – Acoustic)” – Frank Ocean (2020)
Frank Ocean creates a beautiful blend of Spanish and English lyrics in this stripped down track. Lyrics like “I still really, really love you, yes I do,” blend with the guitar to show the longing and heartache Ocean is feeling.
“State of Grace – Acoustic Version (Taylor’s Version)” – Taylor Swift (2021)
“State of Grace” has an unmistakable and treasured upbeat sound, but this version hits just as hard. Taylor Swift sings “This is a state of grace, this is the worthwhile fight” in the meaningful and hard-hitting outro.
“The Woods – Acoustic” – Hollow Coves (2017)
If you’re looking for an acoustic version that has a little more production, this track would be my pick! Lyrics like “And we all sit around the fire, we feel a little warmer now,” perfectly accompany the earthy guitar and echoey vocals.
“Like Everybody Else – Acoustic” – Lennon Stella (2018)
“Been drilled in my head forever, be better / Turns out I’m just like everybody else,” Lennon Stella sings in this sad track about not feeling special or wanted. The song doesn’t actually have an original version, probably because it would be too hard to top the emotional piano!
“Latch – Acoustic” – Sam Smith (2013)
“Latch – Acoustic” takes a beautifully different direction from its original electronic sound. Sam Smith’s intense emotion for their lover is exemplified by their strong belting and many vocal riffs.
“Snooze (Acoustic) (feat. Justin Bieber)” – SZA (2023)
SZA’s famous R&B sound is still present on this stripped down track. “How can I snooze and miss the moment? You just too important,” SZA and Justin Bieber sing, their different voices blending together beautifully.
“Notion – Acoustic” – The Rare Occasions (2022)
“Sure it’s a calming notion, perpetual in motion,” Brian McLaughlin sings in this track that’s a calmer and sweeter version than the original. The band’s indie rock sound still shines through.
“August (Acoustic)” – flipturn (2019)
A steady drum beat is coupled with various string instruments in this folk version of the original track. Lyrics like “August, honey tasted sweeter with you,” illustrate reminiscing on the times you spent with someone but know you aren’t getting back.
