Over the past decade, many have remarked on the fact that the entertainment industry has gotten stuck in a loop. Movies that are blockbuster successes are often remakes or adaptations.
Similarly, all recent songs either have begun to sound quite similar to each other or are heavily sampled by old songs.
This is not necessarily a bad thing though, at least in our opinions. For us, nothing beats some classic oldies when it comes to tunes. However, adding a modern twist to them never hurts.
Though often overlooked, music is a major part of our lives. Every single song can affect the mood in the room and old songs in particular provoke beautiful memories
These days, many contemporary artists cover their favourite songs from the 80s and 90s. Many talented indie musicians also do instrumental covers that melt your hearts.
So we have gathered our favourite ones together, recreated and renewed by our favourite contemporary artists. From Weezer to Miley Cyrus, we cover an array of songs that are bound to make us a little sentimental.
Check out this list of 8 modern covers of old songs to reminisce about the good times!
All of Me by John Legend in and of itself is a tear jerker and a perfect pick for weddings. We love John Legend’s powerful voice but there is something so sweet about the melody when it is singled out.
So, a beautiful cover by the talented spouses of Brooklyn Duo has to be on this list.
It’s a great pick for a bride’s walk down the aisle or as background music before the entrance, and it sets a stunning mood for the ceremony.
A string quartet could do a stunning job of recreating this cover, making this song even more special.
We have all heard of some variety of Can’t Help Falling in Love by celebrities. Twenty One Pilots’ rendition of the song truly renewed the modern generation’s love for it.
Originally by the great Elvis Presley, it is almost impossible not to hear this song at weddings and anniversary parties. What better way is there to express your love for your partner?
However, Kina Grannis’s cover as heard during the wedding ceremony on Crazy Rich Asians has its own fanbase. Her sweet voice has the perfect melody that adds a sweetness to this ethereal song.
We are sure it will bring tears to your eyes!
There are not many people who have not listened to Fleetwood Mac if they are a fans of the '60s. Halsey and Kelsea Bellerini’s cover of Dreams, however, adds a modern twist that everyone can’t help but love.
This duo makes the song their own without changing the feeling that it inspires. Their unique voices complement each other flawlessly, and we are sure it was a one-of-a-kind experience for concert attendees.
It is definitely a pick-me-up and can even get you singing along without even realising!
Dolly Parton’s Jolene is another song that has been covered many times over by big celebrities. In fact, the most recent one was by Beyonce, who included her rendition in her latest album, Cowboy Carter.
We do have a soft spot for Dolly Parton’s own god-daughter, Miley Cyrus’s version. Her rendition is just as timeless as the original. With her lower timbre, she catches every tune of the song.
You can play her recording or make the experience even better with a Dolly Parton tribute at your party. This is another one to get your guests on the dancefloor for the old country beats.
It’s highly probable that you have encountered some version of the song "Africa" in your lifetime. It could have been the original by Toto or, just as likely, Weezer.
With a feature from Weird Al Yankovic, this cover of the 80s song has become as popular as its predecessor. It’s bound to hit the nostalgia bone and have everyone singing in unison!
It is also great pop rock to blend slowly into a dance mix. This genre makes for great transitions if you love dancing beats!
Stranger Things’s latest series had an iconic episode midway through the season. It was immortalised by Kate Bush’s 80s hit, Running Up That Hill, shooting up the song's popularity amongst young viewers.
Of course, with renewed admiration comes amazing covers, as it deserve, and the Wombats paid their dues. This softer, acoustic version of the song really brings out the beauty of the song's lower melodies.
There is something raw and utterly captivating about Matthew Murphy’s voice that gives a new life to the song.
We all remember the cringe-fest that was the celebrity tribute to Imagine, led by Gal Gadot. It was too early during the pandemic for people to lose their minds over the off-key singers making a fool of themselves.
To make up for it, though, we had to bring attention to Lady Gaga’s stunning 2015 version. Accompanied by the piano, her voice truly captures the nuances in a John Lennon classic that deserves a proper homage.
It is certainly a song that will have people on the dance floor swinging gently to the tune. With an artist tribute act, you will be able to capture the stunning performance for your big day!
Hey Jude is one of those quintessential songs for social events. Usually, it’s by the guy with the guitar, who we have at every social gathering.
We all love the Beatles’ original track, but Elvis Presley’s version adds something heartfelt to the music.
His deeper resonance in this rendition makes it yet another great fit for slow dances. It would be even more true to life with a performance from an Elvis Presley tribute artist!
Hey Jude is guaranteed to be a tear-jerker that will make the evening memorable for everyone.
This is where we leave you off!
We hope these 8 modern covers of old songs have given you a start to your tracklist. Whether you choose to play the celebrity versions or hire a band, it will be flawless either way.
We covered several eras, from the 60s to 2013, and included a few instrumental and acoustic renditions. These songs are timeless pieces and we are sure they will be recreated for aeons to come.
