Yes, I Like Classical Music...(#2)

It's been awhile since I've posted another installment of this blog series, but fear not! This new post will be worth the wait. Welcome, everyone, to the second episode of Yes, I Like Classical Music...!

This new episode is called...Pop Songs Made Classical.

While perusing Spotify the other day, I found a playlist entitled, "Pop Goes Classical." I clicked on it, and was introduced to a variety of pop songs that were seized by classical instrumentalists and converted into classical pieces. Cool, right?

So, I've decided to introduce y'all to the world of pop-to-classical adaptations. Here are some of the best that I've come across:

1. How Long Will I Love You, Piano Dreamers

Contrary to popular opinion, Ellie Goulding was not the first artist to record this song. The original was actually made by a Scottish rock band called The Waterboys. Another cover of the song was featured in the 2013 film About Time. So, this piano adaptation is actually a cover of a cover of a cover of How Long Will I Love You. This classical adaptation is sweet and light, unencumbered by a minor key. I would also describe it as straightforward--it's simple, not overcomplicated. It's worth a listen, and I would recommend the About Time version as well.

2. Hey There Delilah, The Piano Classic Players

I would estimate that about 18393% of human beings are sick of Hey There Delilah. I know I am! But trust me, this piece is definitely worth listening to. First off, it's a great adaptation. It sounds enough like the original to make it a cover, but it is also different enough to make people actually want to listen to it. It's a win-win! Musically, it's simple enough. The melody is instantly recognizable as that of Hey There Delilah, but the jingly piano chords are far more appealing than the voice of the lead singer of the Plain White T's. You won't regret listening to it!

3. Skyfall, Vitamin String Quartet

Fun Fact: Every James Bond film is accompanied by an original song performed by a popular artist. The song for the last Bond movie, the 2012 film Skyfall, was sang by Adele. And it's awesome. Seriously, go listen to it right now. I'll wait.

[Elevator music]

Now that you've heard the original, you're ready to experience this classical cover. The Vitamin String Quartet is famous for their covers, and not for nothing. This adaptation of Adele's Skyfall is almost as good as the original, and that's impressive. The song is complex, and has a dark sound that suits it nicely, given the context of the original lyrics. It's a slam-dunk, really.

4. Rolling in the Deep, The Piano Guys

Another Adele song! Rolling in the Deep is one of her most famous and highly-acclaimed songs, and this classical cover is just as good. It's darker than the original, more mysterious and vengeful. Even though there are no lyrics, you can still hear the anger behind the notes. You get the same impression from this piece that you got from the original, and that's a great accomplishment by The Piano Guys. Kudos, guys! Out of all of the songs on this list, this classical version of Rolling in the Deep is the one I've listened to the most. You should definitely check it out.

5. Pumped Up Kicks, St. Martins Pops Orchestra

The St. Martins Pops Orchestra isn't very well-known, but that doesn't stop them from making some awesome classical covers. Foster the People's Pumped Up Kicks is no different. The original song is catchy, if nothing else. Honestly, it's really only worth listening to for the chorus. This classical adaptation improves upon the verses that are...lackluster, and highlights the already-good chorus. Overall, the piece is bright and lively, unlike many of the other songs on this list. It's worth a listen, even if you don't like the original!

All of these songs can be found on Spotify, and their originals are there as well. Take a listen to these pieces, and remember this: Classical music is not for "old people"--it's for all people.

Was that too cheesy? :) See you next time!

#classicalmusic #covers