Signed to Nettwerk Records after she took her musical pursuits to LA, Boston's Rosie Darling debuts as a singer-songwriter who brings a soothing voice and peace of mind to these turbulent times. There's a lightness to Jennifer Castle's songwriting and performance on Monarch Season. She's not lonesome or abandoned; she's simply solitary in her thoughts and feelings. Ariana Grande's Positions is a perfect pop album in a very conservative sense of the term. Now available on digital formats, This Heat made what might have been a casual release into a statement of pure ambition. Classically trained pianist Holly Bowling is releasing her latest recording of Grateful Dead songs in a few weeks. PopMatters catches up with the virtuoso to discuss the intersection of jazz and rock with classical technique.

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When you hear the lyrics, "I fought the law and the law won," which artist comes to mind? If you're musically inclined, a certain English punk-rock band likely pops into your head. And the crunchy guitar riffs and raw power of "American Woman" probably conjure the image of a flashy rock star and his Flying V guitar. But get this, neither tune was written by the artist you associate the song with. They are just masterful takes on someone else's work. To see how your music knowledge stacks up, we've gathered the 50 best cover songs of all time. Be honest, how many did you think were originals? And for more great music trivia, check out 50 Songs Turning 50 This Year. Jimi Hendrix's rowdier, louder, and punchier electrified version of Bob Dylan's classic song, released in , blew even the original songwriter away.
Are you the kind of person who listens to a song on repeat until you're completely sick of it? Uh, same. It's such a tragedy to turn yourself off of your own favorite song. But there is a killer life hack you can use to play your faves as many times as possible without getting tired of them: YouTube covers. I could listen to Alexander Stewart's piano rendition of "Without Me" all day, every day. Just sayin'. Well, this cover does not include Gaga, and it's still so. This version of "In My Blood" slows down Shawn Mendes' fiery original, and it's surprisingly soothing. There's nothing like a stripped-down cover of a song that still nails all of the very best parts. Two questions: 1 Can this please go on Spotify so I can listen to it on repeat?
Kelly Clarkson has been killing it in the covers department lately. Well, she kind of always has, but now that she's back on tour, we get to experience new covers on a regular basis. But Kelly isn't the only artist who can slay another artist's song -- from Ed Sheeran to Demi Lovato to Sam Smith, there are countless covers that are worthy of a listen. So sit back and enjoy 23 reimagingings and decide for yourself if they're just as good -- or better -- than the originals. Nick wasn't jealous of this cover of his track, in fact, he "loved" it. This is just so hauntingly perfect , it will give you chills. A perfect piano cover, unfortunately no Taylor head-banging was involved. Tori totally nails this cover, breaking out her acoustic guitar and making it a song that is all her own. Lorde slowed it down, added some of her sassiness and turned this into a song you want to tell everyone about. Take a listen for an instant reminder of why he's one of the biggest pop stars in the world -- because his vocals are on point.