The Best Covers of 2014

Stephanie Richards ’17 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer

There are millions of YouYubers out there and billions more of covers. But we’ve gone and rooted through them for your listening ease!* So here they are: your favorite songs of 2014 with a new twist!

*Note: by no means is this a comprehensive list. It’s a gateway for our beloved readers to find renditions that best suit their tastes.

Mia Rose – “Don’t” (Ed Sheeran)

Mia Rose infuses Ed Sheeran’s hit with a groovy guitar melody and her own funk. But it was almost impossible to choose between hers and Roslyn Witter’s saucy take on this, so check her out, too! Which is your favorite?

Tyler Ward – “Out of the Woods” (Taylor Swift)

Honestly speaking, Tyler could sing the Nyan Cat song (remember that nonsense?) and make it sound beautiful. He takes Taylor’s midtempo track and turns it into an acoustic ballad filled with subtle harmonies. You know what would be great? If this guy and T-Swift performed a duet. Just putting it out there.

Mike Tompkins & Max Schneider – “Uptown Funk” (Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars)

Hot damn. Those voices. That’s all we have to say about that. It would be unfair to all artists to try and choose the better version, but this a cappella version is pre-tty amazing. (Tyler Ward & Two Worlds also covered it, and they are definitely worth a mention).

Ally Rhodes – “***Flawless” (Beyoncé)

Queen Bey has been on her game as of late, but clearly so has Ally Rhodes. Calm, classy, and still sassy as Beyoncé herself. Her cover of “Drunk in Love” also deserves mention—the only reason it’s not included on this playlist is because it’s a 2013 cover.

Max Schneider, Sam Tsui, Kurt Schneider – “Bang Bang” (Ariana Grande, Jessie J., and Nicki Minaj)

These three YouTubers are so clearly having fun in their cover that it would be impossible not to include them on this list! The trio sounds a lot like the original crew (except, you know, as males), with a bit more bass and an amped up playful attitude.

The Filharmonic – “Animals” (Maroon 5)

When someone says ‘a cappella,’ most think Pentatonix. Well, here’s a new name to remember: The Filharmonic. This Filipino-American group is making a name for themselves and will be featured in the movie Pitch Perfect 2. Also, check out their rendition of “Rather Be” by Clean Bandit!

Postmodern Jukebox – “Maps” (Maroon 5)

Are you sure Maroon 5’s “Maps” isn’t actually a pop cover of this 1970s-esque soul jam? Because after listening to this, we’re not!

Cal Cuffaro – “Take Me To Church” (Hozier)

Cal captures all the right moods in his cover of Hozier’s emotive masterpiece. His voice is deep and powerful, his piano playing is flawless, and the goosebumps he evokes are delicious. Looking for a cover that does Hozier justice? This is it.

Grace Vardell – “Centuries” (Fall Out Boy)

The combination of delicate piano and vocals will haunt you long after the song ends. Grace slows down the tempo to induce dark undertones and draw out Fall Out Boy’s dark lyrics.

Did we miss a cover you think is absolutely breathtaking? Leave it in the comments!