Pentatonix is an a capella group that rose to fame by making covers of songs. They’re known for their covers of Christmas songs. Pentatonix consists of five members: Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola and Matt Salee. They’re amazingly talented and good at what they do. I’m a fan of their work, and I decided to make a list of my favourite covers from them. This list does not include any of their Christmas covers, as I believe that should be another list on its own. Here are my top 5 favourite covers of Pentatonix.
Sound of Silence
This is a cover of Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel. It was released in 1964, and it’s one of those songs that’ll go down in history for being very impactful. The first time I listened to the cover, I was very overwhelmed. The original song is impactful, delivering its message in a gentle, quiet way that lures you to be reflective and contemplative. The Pentatonix cover isn’t soft, and it isn’t quiet. It commands attention. It doesn’t need to lure you; it already has you. This is my favourite Pentatonix cover because it highlights the message of the song better and makes it slightly less depressing to sing out loud and, at the same time, slightly more depressing.
Hallelujah
The cover of the famous song Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen, released in 1984. So many renditions and covers of this song have been made over the years, but this is the one cover that stands out to me. The arrangement of Pentatonix songs always adds an element the original song didn’t have. It makes it easier to sing, easier to belt out in the shower and easier to enjoy. It makes it fun, makes it emotional and powerful. This cover was a job very well done. They understood the assignment.
Shallow
Shallow, a song originally by Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga from the soundtrack of A Star Is Born. It received widespread critical acclaim and went on to win a Golden Globe for Best Original Song. You wouldn’t think a song like that needed a cover or for anything different to be done to it. I would agree with that thought if I didn’t listen to the Pentatonix cover. Although Pentatonix is an a capella group, the cello was a wonderful addition. I can’t imagine the cover without it. The vocals of the cover sound much better, and that alone made a world of difference. It makes it more dramatic, more moving and makes it sound more modern.
Can You Feel The Love Tonight?
A song, regarded as one of the fan favourites on the soundtrack of Lion King and when you have a song like that, making a cover can be pretty tricky. It’s either a hit or miss. The Pentatonix cover was a hit. It retained all the original strengths of the song but made it better in a way only a capella could. Not just any a capella but the Pentatonix style. I never thought I’d enjoy this version of the song as much I did. It was a classic Pentatonix cover, and it was beautiful.
Sweater Weather
Sweater Weather is a song by The Neighborhood, and it was released in 2013. The original song is interesting and has a very different vibe from the cover. The original is indie, somewhat vibe-y, something you can sing in your car with your windows down and your hair tangling in the breeze. On the other hand, the cover just makes you feel warm, and if you’re single like me, love deprived. It’s sweet, it’s beautiful, it’s romantic, and I love it.
Hopefully, before the next sweater weather, we get someone we can sing this to or with.
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