Now and again, people want to get away from their fast-paced life and just enjoy the simpler things. As many might know on EMU’s campus, that type of living can be too much to bear. There are many ways for people to escape, but the way that seems to be the most helpful is listening to music.
Sometimes artists come out with acoustic versions of their already existing songs to help the listener take that opportunity to slow down a little bit, or even look at a song from a new perspective. It is usually lovely when artists do that, and it is not uncommon for the slowed-down version to provide a more pleasant experience.
1) “Fallout - Acoustic” - Marianas Trench
Marianas Trench is a good example when it comes to this. The original version of this song came out two years before the acoustic variant as a single in 2011 preceding their record release “Ever After.” The initial version’s emotion comes from the passion of the instruments: it pushes forward the message of sheer heartbreak that resides within the lyrics. The lyrics are nothing without the instrumental backup. In the acoustic variation, it is not that much different, but it contrasts just enough to bring it into a newer light.
As opposed to the synth and drum-heavy original, the later version gives a softer side to what is one of their most listened to songs. This extension gives the vocalist Josh Ramsay more of a chance to shine. “Fallout,” no matter which way you look at it, is a truly powerful heartbreak anthem. However, it should be said that the lighter tone expressed puts a lot more emphasis on what is being lyrically said. That is the beauty of this version.
2) “Millennia - Acoustic” - Crown The Empire
Crown The Empire is pretty well known for their metal music, and their release “Millennia” keeps up that reputation. Similar to that of Marianas Trench, the instruments are what bring it home. This track in particular is symphonic in its delivery, the violins in the background just adding to the passion of the lyrics. With that being said, it is still very much the electric guitar that gives it the traditional feel of the band. Making this song acoustic, later on, gave it more emotion.
Just being released a year later in the deluxe version of “The Resistance: Rise of the Runaways,” the power of the original song was flipped on its head. The driving piano in the recreation of an already emotionally heavy song paired with the more exposed violins makes it feel personal, and you can hear it in the vocals from Andrew Rockhold.
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Of course, not all acoustic songs are going to be as hard on someone’s emotions as these two, but it is the intimacy of it that gives it its charm. So, in a world filled with chaos, it is good to take in the rawness of an acoustic variation to forget about it all, even if it is only for a moment.
