Acoustic Hits (or not)

Genre

Acoustic

Artists & Songs

Liam Payne “Stack it up”

It's super catchy. You'll be singing along in no time. On that note, it's overly repetitive. I found myself thinking, "OK, we get it. Move on already!"  It does have a good sound (if you can get past the repetitiveness). Liam has a style all his own, and it definitely shows here. 7/10

Cole Rolland, Annie Case “Circles”

Not to be the unimaginative millennial who has a 5-word vocabulary, but this song is very relatable. It hits hard with emotions and thoughts that many of us deal with daily. If you're looking for a good cry song, look no further. Something that this tune does that I love, is that it resolves at the end. It doesn't have a minute of the same words and chords repeating until I want to scream. It has an actual ending. 8/10

Parachute “What Side of Love”

I'm not a fan of acoustic songs. I need the electric vibe. this song may have changed my views. The basic background chords leave us with a more pure tone of his voice, unobstructed by a bombastic backtrack.This song is your typical love ultimatum, "Don’t give up on me" kind of thing. The thing that keeps this from being a Taylor Swift copycat, is that the singer asks but doesn't whine. It's not the "poor me, you left me, please tell me you love me even though I know you don't mean it" type thing. 9/10

Hailee Steinfeld “Most Girls”

This actress-gone-singer actually works. Decent voice, not bad style. The problem I have with her it that every song of hers sounds like shes trying to sell herself the validation that she wants you to accept for yourself. Not to mention the predictable lyrics. First time through, you'll be a pro. If you're looking for something geared at 15-year-olds fighting their way through high school, check her out. 4/10

Ryan Corn “The Pressure”

This low-key artist has a fair following. Good sound, good voice. Sometimes I feel that he's reaching a bit too much for high notes, but every one of them is pitch perfect. Singles released here and there, but we're still waiting on a full-length. I think everyone will take what they need from this particular song. No two the same. 9/10

One Direction “Steal My Girl”

Although we can hear the harmonies better, it was not re-recorded for this acoustic version. It was obviously just remixed with the original vocals. Not going to lie, I honestly doubt the guys knew this existed. 1/10

Ed Sheeran “Castle on the Hill”

Ed comes in with a bulldozer with this acoustic version of one his most popular songs. Unlike the One Direction song above, Ed definitely recorded this in addition to his original. It's poignant. The upbeat music doesn’t match the rather depressing verses. Great version. 10/10

Annabel Jones “Asking for a Friend”

This single, released in 2016, was her 6th single. No full lengths yet. She's got a light, airy voice and slides into notes with her own brand and style. Not a big fan of this song. It's good in theory but not the best execution. Good lyrics, not the best melody or timing. 5/10

Rita Ora “Your Song”

Unusual because it's an acoustic you can actually dance to. Great beat without electricity can, in fact, be achieved. However, I wouldn’t let your kids listen to it. A bit risque. Rita has a good sound and voice. Small wonder why she's got a massive following. 8/10

Fifth Harmony “Who Are You”

This one comes from a 2013 acoustic EP. Fifth Harmony is your typical girl band. I'm sure they're big with the junior high crowd. This song is the basic "I want you back and I’m desperate so I'll do anything" type song. Catchy, but it won't make my playlist. 3/10

Songs Worth Adding

My recommendations would be:

 

Liam Payne- Stack it Up

Cole Rolland, Annie Case- Circles

Parachute- What Side is Love

Hailee Steinfeld- Most Girls

Ryan Corn- The Pressure

Ed Sheeran- Castle on the Hill

Rita Ora- Your Song