There’s a lot of buzz about the new Spike TV series Lip Sync Battle where celebrities live out their karaoke bar fantasies and lip sync songs to a live studio audience.
One step further beyond lip synching is to cover a song with your own voice.
I love when artists include covers in their set list at concerts. I think it is an art form to see a new interpretation on a favorite.
Sometimes they can go horribly wrong and other times can be a hit.
Here are a few of my favorite covers:
Ed Sheeran has proven to be one of the most talented songwriters and performers in music. His British sense of humor makes him not take himself so seriously and has done many covers. I love his spin on Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.”
How he arranged it and his guitar performance is very impressive.
Sam Smith, another Brit with huge success in the United States is known for having a voice that cuts through everything. I saw him perform at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem just before he really broke out and the crown was mesmerized.
Here is his version of Whitey Houston’s “How Will I Know.”
Jimmy Fallon has proved to be a talented comedian with real musical chops as well. He can hold a note and a tune and often incorporates musical skits into his show. He created a barbershop quartet to sing current songs in the a cappella style.
This time it was Jason Derulo’s “Talk Dirty” with help from actor Kevin Spacey.
Justin Timberlake can do no wrong musically. He has proven himself beyond his boyband NSYNC days to a successful solo act selling out arenas.
Here he is performing the Leonard Cohen classic “Hallelujah.” Pitch perfect.
What are some of YOUR favorite cover songs? Sound off in the comments below!
–Skywalker/92.3 AMP Radio
