Acoustic cover songs are the musical renditions of popular songs performed in an acoustic or unplugged style. In this genre, artists strip down the original compositions, often using acoustic instruments like guitars and pianos with a focus on creating a more intimate and stripped-back sound. It's a more raw interpretation of the original song, often highlighting the lyrics and melody differently. It's quite common in various music genres and can give a fresh perspective to a familiar song.
Below, we have compiled a list of the best acoustic covers of popular songs. Each selection has been carefully chosen to showcase the unique charm and emotional depth that acoustic arrangements can bring to some popular acoustic songs.
Our Top 10 Picks on the Best Acoustic Covers of Popular Songs
1. “Hurt” by Johnny Cash
Originally written and recorded by Nine Inch Nails, “Hurt” is one of the best acoustic songs you could listen to. Johnny Cash made a great acoustic version of this song. It's a song that's both beautiful and heart-rending, and you can feel a lot of emotions when you listen to it.
The music video also tells a story about Johnny Cash's life which makes the song even more powerful. His ability to deliver the heartfelt lyrics of this song with purely acoustic instruments was top-notch. Due to that, this acoustic rendition remains one of the best acoustic covers of popular songs to date.
Listen to “Hurt” by Johnny Cash on YouTube.
2. “The Day Before You Came” by Steve Wilson
"The Day Before You Came" by Steve Wilson is a fantastic cover of the original song by ABBA. Steven Wilson used his voice and an acoustic guitar to make this song special. He turned ABBA's synthpop music into a heartfelt story about how love can change someone's life unexpectedly.
One cool thing about Wilson's version is how he used his voice to create choir-like sounds to add depth and emotion to the song. He did a good cover of this song and you could see why he is a popular figure in the acoustic guitar music genre.
Listen to “The Day Before You Came” by Steve Wilson on YouTube.
3. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
“I Will Always Love You” was already one of the best acoustic songs and a hugely successful single when Whitney Houston's rendition showed up in 1992. Dolly Parton had taken it to number one on the charts twice – once on its 1974 release and again with a new recording in 1982.
Houston's version, with her powerful vocals and dramatic flair, soared to the top of charts worldwide. It also became the best-selling single by a woman of all time! This song truly showcased Whitney Houston's incredible talent and remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate listeners everywhere.
Listen to “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston on YouTube.
4. “Hey Ya!” by Obadiah Parker
"Hey Ya!" by Obadiah Parker is a captivating cover of OutKast's popular track. It's one of the best acoustic covers of popular songs you could listen to. While the original song is known for its infectious energy and sing-along quality, Obadiah Parker's acoustic guitar and piano-backed version brings the brilliant lyrics to the forefront.
In this acoustic rendition, the song transforms into a beautiful reflection on love, taking on a more introspective tone compared to the jubilant original track. The key change made by Parker adds an emotional quality to the tune, bringing out the best in the lyrics.
Listen to “Hey Ya!” by Obadiah Parker on YouTube.
5. “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley
Originally composed by Leonard Cohen, “Hallelujah” is among the most covered songs ever. The song has been reimagined and performed by many artists, showcasing the diverse interpretations of art and even inspiring a book titled "The Holy or the Broken" by Alan Light.
Despite the numerous covers, Buckley's version is considered the most definitive. In this acoustic rendition, Buckley brought a different dimension to the song with his heartfelt lyrics and acoustic sounds using instruments like the guitar and piano. It's no surprise that this cover track is recognized as one of the best acoustic covers of popular songs.
Listen to “Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley on YouTube.
6. “All Along the Watchtower” by Jimi Hendrix
This cover track by Jimi Hendrix is a song that will leave you amazed with its powerful and unique sound. Usually, cover songs soften the original track and give it a different twist. But Hendrix did the complete opposite in this rendition. He transformed Bob Dylan's folk style into a dynamic rock n' roll masterpiece, played on an acoustic guitar.
Hendrix's remarkable talent shines through in this song, as he effortlessly produced urgent and fluid guitar sounds that only he could truly master. It is clear that Hendrix was a dedicated fan of Dylan as he had recorded several pristine Dylan covers over time. However, even after all these years, "Watchtower" remains the best of his tracks, and Hendrix's version is considered one of the best acoustic covers of popular songs.
Listen to “All Along the Watchtower” by Jimi Hendrix on YouTube.
7. “Everlasting Love” by Jamie Cullum
“Everlasting Love" is a song that has been covered many times since its original release by Robert Knight in 1967. But none compare to the unique twist Cullum brought to it. Hence, the reason why it's on the list of the best acoustic covers of popular songs.
Jamie Cullum's rendition completely changed the song's vibe with his acoustic flair. His version takes on a more relaxed, jazzy feel compared to the upbeat 60's pop original. It is even more impressive that Cullum achieved this with just three instruments - piano, drums, and stand-up bass.
Listen to “Everlasting Love” by Jamie Cullum on YouTube.
8. “Just Like Heaven” by Katie Melua
Katie Melua’s rendition of The Cure’s hit track provides yet another acoustic version that strips a song down to its original form. This is indeed one of the best acoustic songs you could find. While The Cure's original track is heavy rock, Melua's rendition is gentle and melodic.
In her cover, Melua skillfully played the classic acoustic guitar to recreate the synth melody from The Cure's version. These two versions are quite different, but each one is great in its way.
Listen to “Just Like Heaven” by Katie Melua on YouTube.
9. “Free Fallin” by John Mayer
"Free Fallin" by John Mayer is a song that will leave you in awe of his acoustic rendition. While it's not too far from Tom Petty’s iconic version, Mayer added his special touch to it. In his acoustic version, Mayer used his acoustic guitar to create a more intimate sound that is less mainstream compared to Petty's rock arrangement.
Mayer's subdued performance gave the song a new dimension, making it stand out in its own right. Hence, it's no surprise why this cover track is among the list of the best acoustic covers of popular songs.
Listen to “Free Fallin” by John Mayer on YouTube.
10. “Crazy” by Ray LaMontagne
Ray LaMontagne's take on Gnarls Barkley's hit song "Crazy" is simply mesmerizing. This 2006 soulful hit was a big success, and it led many artists to cover it, but LaMontagne's rendition stands out as the best. What makes it so special is the emotional depth he brought to his interpretation.
When LaMontagne sings, you can feel the longing in his slightly husky voice, amplified by a key change that shifts the song's mood from a soulful to a yearning feeling. In this rendition, LaMontagne replaced the high-pitched falsetto in the chorus with a more inquisitive tone.
Listen to “Crazy” by Ray LaMontagne on YouTube.
Add Acoustic Cover Songs to your Music Collection
Conclusively, these acoustic cover songs are prime examples of tracks that not only stand as great acoustic guitar music in their own right but also as powerful re-interpretations of already great tunes. Ranging from folk to heavy rock tunes, these acoustic songs all attest to the ability of music to unite people with distinct voices. So, don't hesitate to add these cover songs to your music collection as you look forward to enjoying the beauty of acoustic guitar music. Happy listening!