Before we dive deeper into the school year and are forced to get in tune with our responsibilities, an essential must-do is crafting a flawless playlist to set the mood. If you’re ever in need of a few laidback songs, or ambient background music to get the grind going, this list is for you. We’ve included 6 throwback songs with artistic covers of each to bring about a fresh twist to your Spotify journey.
1. “Creep” by Radiohead (1993)
This song by Radiohead has the rare power to evoke deep nostalgia in each and every person, no matter the era they were born in. The best (and only) way of listening to this song: imagine yourself in 1993 rocking out to this at a Radiohead concert, repping a grungy fit and a slicked back mullet.
The Remake:
For an alternative ‘soft-girl’ cover, check out Chloe Moriondo’s take of this song. Her indie voice and aesthetic lends a certain type-of-magic to this old timer.
2. ‘Put Your Records On’ by Corinne Bailey Rae (2006)
An absolute classic that’s taken TikTok by a storm. It’s the feel-good jam we all need in our playlist to ease the stress, while transporting us to a different time.
The Remake:
You might instinctively think of the ultra-retro cover by Ritt Momney, but the lesser known remake of this song by Ally Salort is equally as transcendent. Either way, we included both for whichever vibe you’re leaning towards. Their unique voices pay homage to the original whilst keeping it true to their own vocal styles.
3. ‘Toxic’ by Britney Spears (2003)
Britney Spears has been making a serious comeback in 2020, and not just for her iconic denim look and shaved head moment. #Freebritney anyone?
The Remake:
Madison Beer’s slow, sultry and seductive live cover of this already heated song will without a doubt have you riffing along like a confident queen. If you need proof that Madison can actually sing, this is it.
4. ‘(They Long To Be) Close to You’ by Carpenters (1970)
This song might have you in your feels thinking about a summer romance, but it’s still an optimistic song to relax to. It’s ahead of its time, so much so it’s hard to believe this was released 50 years ago.
The Remake:
A tad obvious of a choice, but nevertheless the best cover of this song is sung by Frank Ocean. Aside from being an undeniable visionary and musical legend, Frank pushes his experimental style by remixing a sample of the original in this R&B masterpiece.
5. ‘What A Wonderful World’ by Louis Armstrong (1967)
This song might remind you of 2000s supermarket commercials, but don’t let that ruin this 1967 hit for you. There is no greater feeling than falling asleep to the combination of this iconic sound and raindrops on your rooftop.
The Remake:
If you’re looking for a modern version of this song, Reneé Dominique does an excellent job in combining it with ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ by Elvis Presley to create this savvy-smooth ukulele mashup.
6. ‘White Ferrari’ by Frank Ocean (2016)
Another Frank Ocean tune, sue me. This song’s healing tendencies transport you to a different time and place. Along with Elvis Presley, he famously sampled The Beatles’ hit “Here, There and Everywhere”. Notably, Frank’s late younger brother Ryan Breaux chose this version of the song out of the 50 renditions that Frank made. So thanks to and in memory of Ryan for letting the world have this treasure.
The Remake:
On a lighter note, Youtube sensation PlasmaMasterDon does the sweetest cover of his interpretation of White Ferrari. He might not get the tune and words right every single time, but a 73-year-old granddad doing wholesome covers of pop and rap songs definitely passes the vibe check.
7. ‘Sweater Weather’ by The Neighborhood (2013)
Who remembers this classic summer of ‘13 emblem? Go for a drive and take a much needed breather – this song is the perfect accompaniment for just that.
The Remake:
If you’re looking for a female alternative to this indie tune, check out Korantemaa’s angelic acoustic rendition. She might not be Jesse Rutherford, but she does come close.
8. ‘Lovely’ by Billie Eilish & Khalid (2017)
This isn’t too vintage of a tune, but it’s undeniably nostalgic and puts you right in the feels. Billie Eilish is a goddess by her own right, and add Khalid to the mix? The result is an instant hit you can never go wrong with.
The Remake:
Singing a Billie Eilish song well might be hard to master, but not for Alina Madlaina. Her vocal range is insane, and she absolutely crushes this cover. Her fresh take on this song will definitely be put on repeat.
For more playlist inspiration, check out interviews with some of our favorite artists 24kGoldn, Sofía Valdés, and Yasin.
