My Top 10 Acoustic Love Songs
It’s funny how a song can sound entirely different when you remove all of the excess production and bring it back to the basics.
Love songs are an integral component in music, especially contemporary music. We all enjoy originals, but love songs can be so much more meaningful when they’re stripped down to a more simplistic, acoustic format. “Acoustic” meaning that the sound comes across uncluttered, uncomplicated, and clean.
I have compiled a list of ten songs, each with something different to offer yet maintaining the idea of love. I hope that this playlist brings you a plethora of feelings in the best way possible.
John Mayer has some FANTASTIC tunes about love. He tends to write music that is geared a little bit more towards broken hearts, which is why this cover of Beyoncé’s XO is such a gem. Hailing from her 2013 studio album, BEYONCÉ, this cover rings true to what a cover should be. It’s a complete 180 on the original, and is done tastefully and is true to the style of the covering artist. John Mayer’s incredible singer/songwriter vibe comes through loud and clear with this track.
9. Perfect - Stripped // One Direction
This stripped version of 1D’s second single off Made in the A.M. removes the song’s original full 80s sound, resolving to echo-y vocals and simple guitar strumming, giving it a much more intimate feel. This song earned them a win at the 2016 Teen Choice Awards in the Choice Music: Love Song category — which marked their 5th win in a row for that award. This song is great testament to their impressive win streak of love songs
8. Bubbly - Acoustic Version // Colbie Caillat
If I’m being completely honest, I’m not a huge fan of the original of this song. However, I think that Caillat’s west-coast singer/songwriter vibe is better served on tracks where the main focus is on her sweetheart-style lyrics and soothing voice. This song is staple in Caillat’s discography, and doubles as a fantastic throwback to 2000s pop music.
7. Flightless Bird, American Mouth - Wedding Version // Iron & Wine
This song was recorded for the final two-part installment of The Twilight Saga. I’m such a fan of this version of the song because usually the term “acoustic” implies guitar accompaniment, while this one used piano instead. As the song progresses we hear a variety of instruments being utilized, including some pleasing violin accompaniment — another unique take on the term “acoustic.” A piece that is extremely well-done and equally enjoyable, this is officially your new falling-asleep song.
6. Treacherous - Original Demo Recording // Taylor Swift
I think it might be literally impossible to write a piece about love songs and not include one by Taylor Swift. Red, the album which this song hails from, is an impressive piece of art. Taylor even managed to take the the album’s greatness a step further by releasing demo recordings of select tunes, including this hidden gem. I love this song’s finished version, but the demo recording of Treacherous is extremely underrated. Somehow it’s even MORE intimate than the original, which is very impressive. You know an artist is fantastic when even their demos are incredible.
5. Higher Love // James Vincent McMorrow
This cover is an amazing twist on Steve Winwood’s 80s classic. There isn’t a wedding I’ve been to that hasn’t played this tune’s original—and I’m not complaining. I absolutely love this song. That’s why I was elated to find such an astounding cover of it. This acoustic version pairs a simple piano accompaniment in order to highlight McMorrow’s hauntingly beautiful vocals. The relaxation maintained throughout this cover is completely natural, marking it as one of the most successful covers I’ve ever discovered.
Ahhhhhhh, Ed. Finally. The (modern) King of Love Songs has an impressive discography filled with romantic ballads that have caused people everywhere to fall in love with the British singer/songwriter. This song is one of those special, rare songs that makes you believe in true love. The lyric, “All that you are is all I’ll ever need” — UGH. Although this is one of his lesser-known songs, I think it deserves love nonetheless.
3. Say You Won’t Let Go // James Arthur
Another British singer/songwriter!!! Bless. This song earned my #3 spot for a few reasons. It’s a fantastic, vulnerable debut from the X-Factor-winner’s second studio album. This song was sooooo close to breaking the US Billboard Hot 100 chart — It peaked at #11. It performed better over in the UK, which makes sense being that Arthur hails from England. Another reason I placed it at #3 on this list is because I find the lyrics to be so real. Arthur sings about how the woman in his life makes him feel, versus how she looks. THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. His lyrics talk about wanting to dance, raise kids, and grow old with her by his side. Swoon.
2. You’re Body Is A Wonderland // John Mayer
Back to the incredible John Mayer. Mayer is one of my top 5 favorite artists ever, with an impressive career in motion since the late 90s. This song earned him a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Not only on this song but others as well, Mayer’s guitar skills are incredible. Paired with his ability to write music that speaks to the heart, he is top tier for modern musicians, no doubt.
1. I’m Yours - From The Casa Nova Sessions // Jason Mraz
We end our playlist with I’m Yours by Jason Mraz, which doubles as the ultimate campfire-jam-session song, without a doubt. Mraz’s most popular tune is completely singable, sway-able, and lovable. This version of the song is a classic, acoustic guitar, stripped version of it’s original. My favorite part is the ending, which fades out while Mraz continues to play and scat the ending. This song has amazing flow, and never fails put me at ease — bonus points.
Thank you for reading! I’ve created and attached a Spotify playlist containing all the songs in this article as well as some other good ones! Happy Listening!
#nowplaying
