Sep 092011
 

Five Good Covers presents five cross-genre reinterpretations of an oft-covered song.

Adele first became known to most (Americans, anyway) after her fiery hit, “Rolling in the Deep” started blowing up airwaves following its release in the States. But while this loud and passionate track simmers with triumphant strength over an ended relationship (and perhaps a tiny bit of anger), “Someone Like You,” is almost the complete opposite.

Stripped down to a piano and Adele’s moving voice, “Someone Like You” — another track off of her most recent and overwhelmingly successful album, 21 — is a painfully transparent representation of the other side of heartbreak. No anger; just sadness, regret, and — perhaps most agonizing of all — acceptance. The sheer emotion is impossible to ignore, especially if you’ve experienced a break-up yourself. Perhaps it is this very rawness and undeniable relatability that makes the soul singer such a frequently covered artist.

Despite the fact that “Someone Like You” has just recently started receiving radio play in the U.S., there are already dozens of covers of the song on the web. Lucky for you, we whittled them down to five good ones worth a listen or two.

Friends Electric – Someone Like You (Adele Cover)


Friends Electric of Wales serves up an upbeat electronic take of “Someone Like You.” In addition to the song’s staple piano part, the quartet mixes in a variety of synthy background tones and vocal harmonies that make the song almost danceable. The instrumentation and quicker tempo might not match the heavy-hearted lyrics, but everything put together sure does make one good cover.

Kate McGill – Someone Like You (Adele Cover)


Another fellow UK artist, Kate McGill keeps it simple with her take on “Someone Like You.” But one thing that sets her cover apart from many others is the 21-year-old’s airy voice and shiver-inducing harmonies, reminiscent of The Cranberries.

Aïrto – Someone Like You (Adele Cover)


Hailing from the Netherlands, Aïrto changes up the piano arrangement of Adele’s original and sprinkles in some violins to create a more R&B-like feel to his track. His velvety voice leaves you wanting just a little bit more. Unfortunately he only gets a couple minutes into the song and closes out with a transition into The Script’s “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved.” Although short, his cover is definitely still a good one.

Jenny Lane and Corey Gray – Someone Like You (Adele Cover)


Musicians Jenny Lane and Corey Gray team up for a duet cover of “Someone Like You,” but their interweaving harmonies aren’t the only thing that makes their version stand out. With guitars and drums accompanying the main piano part, Lane and Gray somehow manage to turn the soulful ballad into a pop rock song.

Hobbie Stuart – Someone Like You (Adele Cover)


Last but certainly not least, British YouTube-famous musician, Hobbie Stuart performs a beautiful rendition of “Someone Like You.” The slower tempo, instrumental arrangements, and his stirring voice truly make the cover original in its own right. Stuart manages to convey the raw emotion Adele does without sounding too much like her, which is always a sign of a good cover.

Want more Five Good Covers? Check out previous installments here.

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  9 Responses to “Five Good Covers: Someone Like You (Adele)”

Comments (8) Pingbacks (1)
  1. Tyler Glenn(Neon Trees) did a wonderful cover….youtube (tlh235).

  2. http://t.co/1zg5lgGB
    a great, GREAT vocal performance.
    adele would be proud.

  3. I love JBSingers cover,…amazing!!!!!!

    http://youtu.be/1_AIzAgnY1A

  4. Hey there, love these covers, great stuff!

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