7 great song covers on Spotify Singles, from Hozier to Niall Horan
i got you covered...
Hey folks!
I love writing about things I love, but I know not everything needs a full-blown opinion piece. That’s why I’m starting a new series titled ‘7 Things’ (yes, based on that Miley song), where I share seven recommendations on a specific topic.
Think of these posts as unserious listicles that keep me writing, as I inevitably hit a creative rut when working on longer pieces. No worries if it’s not your thing; just scroll along and we’ll catch up next time!
For the inaugural article, I’m kicking things off with one my favorite finds on Spotify: Spotify Singles. Launched in 2016, it gives artists the opportunity to “cover a song of their choice by one of their own musical heroes.”
For Spotify Singles, artists typically perform a song in their discography too, but it’s always the song covers that intrigue me most. These reimagined versions are often stripped and intimate, but there are others with significant production too.
Here goes!
1. LUCY DACUS - “BELIEVE”
Taking an upbeat track and stripping it down is one of the most popular ways to reinterpret a song. Cher is familiar with this phenomenon—her timeless pop classic “Believe” has been deconstructed countless times. From Adam Lambert’s tribute to Cher at the Kennedy Center Honors (he made Cher cry!) to Ella Henderson’s viral performance on The X Factor, they have one thing in common: a slowed-down rendition to amplify emotion.
While many covers lean into the song’s wistfulness to deliver a flex of one’s vocal prowess, Lucy Dacus takes a different approach. Her “Believe” is soft, tender, and full of longing, forgoing excessive vocal theatrics in favor of raw emotion. I particularly enjoy the use of her lower register in the verses, paying homage to Cher’s iconic deep voice, while still giving the song her own touch.
2. PEACH PRC - “TEENAGE DIRTBAG”
Spotify Singles is a fantastic way to discover new artists, especially when they make great song choices. I’ve never heard of Peach PRC before this, but “Teenage Dirtbag” alone is enough to win me over. There’s nothing like 2000s nostalgia after all. The Australian artist and social media personality reimagines the classic with a dreamy hyperpop spin, with a dash of playful punk edge enough to retain the OG’s spirit.
One of the fun things about song covers is how perspectives can shift. By keeping the original pronouns intact, Peach PRC—a queer artist—adds a unique spin to the song. “She doesn’t know what she’s missing,” she sings, and damn right, Noelle doesn’t.
Also, I’m always here for women pissing off stupid men. You go, girl.
3. HOZIER - “SAY MY NAME”
Hozier… his voice can take you places, I swear.
He’s the undisputed king of Live Lounge covers—from Ariana Grande’s “Problem” to Demi Lovato’s “Sorry Not Sorry”—but his Spotify Singles cover of Destiny Child’s “Say My Name” is just as exceptional. With his signature deep vocals and gritty sensuality, he transforms the song into something raw and strangely seductive, which feels ironic given the song is about confronting a cheating lover. The groovy arrangement of his cover is elevated by the hypnotizing ensemble of female backing vocals, adding extra richness to the song’s allure.
4. KEITH URBAN - “WE CAN’T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)”
I have to say, this one caught me by surprise.
I’m always a little wary when a male artist strips down an iconic female synth-pop banger, but country singer Keith Urban pulled it off beautifully. His cover of Ariana Grande’s “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”—one of the biggest pop hits of 2024—moved me deeply. Keith’s deep voice brims with emotion and compliments neatly with the song’s themes of heartbreak.
Although the song structure remains largely intact, the subtle melody changes and acoustic production bring a fresh perspective to the track. Keith’s rendition transforms the pop anthem into a tender country ballad, and his vocal delivery carries emotional weight, as though he’s unpacking decades of yearning in the process.
“The first time I heard the song, it was honestly more like feeling it than simply hearing it,” Keith explains. Same.
5. NIALL HORAN & FLETCHER - “LOVER”
I feel like Taylor Swift is one of the most covered artists of our generation, so naturally I made sure to get a Taylor cover in here.
Like waves and sand, Niall Horan’s raspy vocals and FLETCHER’s crystal clear tone complement each other perfectly. The production adds a subtle rock flair that builds as the track moves along, injecting it with excitement while still largely preserving the song’s romantic slow dance vibes.
“‘Lover’ is one of my favorite songs I’ve heard in a long time, and Taylor is a good friend. Let’s hope she likes it,” Niall says.
Spoiler: she did.
6. ETHEL CAIN - “EVERYTIME”
"Everytime" has always been my favorite Britney Spears song—scratch that, it’s one of my favorite songs, period.
From the first notes of the music box intro, it lures you in like a lullaby, only for Britney’s raw delivery to break you wide open. The song is haunting and so vulnerable, and after the #FreeBritney movement and the revelations of her past struggles, including an abortion when she was with Justin Timberlake, the emotions just resonate even more with me.
Ethel Cain takes this beautiful ballad and shapes it in her brand: dreamy, gothic, and Americana. While Britney’s version is more bittersweet, Cain’s rendition simply plunges into a sea of unrelenting despair. Kill me now.
7. STAYC - “FANCY”
Ending off with some K-pop!
TWICE’s “Fancy” is an upbeat synth-pop banger, but STAYC’s cover takes the track in a totally different direction. Backed by a plucky guitar and whimsical sound effects, their R&B version is refreshing and fun. It’s a great reimagining of “Fancy” that stays true to its vibrant energy, while showcasing STAYC’s sweet and girly charm. Cute!
(I realize I don’t really know how to write about K-pop well… I’ll be better…)
And that’s all from me for now. Gotta go!
Here’s a Spotify playlist for your enjoyment: