Versions and covers of songs you’ll only find on YouTube

Sometimes, even Spotify doesn’t have it. Here are some versions and covers of popular songs that you can only find on YouTube.

I hate the ads on YouTube—with a passion. I long for the days when YouTube was ad-free and I could watch videos in peace, but that just betrays the fact that I’m an ageing millennial. Nowadays, you need to pay for YouTube Premium to get rid of ads, something that I am adamant I won’t do because I already have many subscriptions, thanks very much.

But there’s a growing number of people who are making the case for YouTube Premium. Their main argument: you get videos and music in one, and this list of songs is one of the reasons that may cause me to switch sides. These are well-known songs, from classics to more recent releases, but you won’t find any of them on Spotify or Apple Music. They live exclusively on YouTube—and they might finally convince you to cop premium. 

[Hero image: Julie Anne San Jose FB]

Song covers and alternate versions that are only on YouTube

“All I Ask” – Bruno Mars

In case you didn’t know, this heartbreaking Adele tune was co-written by the Silk Sonic member who, by the way, is set to perform two nights here in Bangkok this month. While Adele’s version is a feels-inducing, heart-wrenching ballad, Bruno’s version is, as expected, reminiscent of a 60’s heartbreak song. It’s the same song but done in such a different way that it gives it a whole new vibe. That key change towards the end just sends it to the stratosphere. 

“Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars

I won’t apologise for featuring Bruno twice on this list because he’s just that good. In one of his concerts, he brings out Ed Sheeran as a surprise guest and the both of them sing Ed’s iconic ballad. For those familiar with the song, it’s a pretty laid-back love song, even more so when Ed performs live because he usually only sings it with an electric guitar. Bruno, however, has his own band—with a brass section. The result is utter greatness, and it sucks that we only have a low-quality recording of it to listen to. 

“Despacito” – Julie Anne San Jose 

I’m definitely biased since I’m Filipino but watch this cover and you’ll understand why this deserves a place on this list. Julie Anne San Jose is in her own right an insane artist, not only vocally but also as a musician. She’s won numerous awards and released many albums in the Philippines. Her amazing vocal control is on full display in this stripped-back version of the Luis Fonsi summer anthem. Considering it’s also not that easy to learn a song in a different language, this makes this cover just top-notch. 

“While My Guitar Gently Weeps – Prince, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Steve Winwood, and Dhani Harrison

Those who know this legendary performance have it perpetually playing in the back of their heads; and for those who don’t, prepare to be amazed. In the 2004 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, a number of rock legends took to the stage to perform the iconic Beatles song. 

It was already an iconic performance, and then three minutes into it, the one and only Prince steps out of the shadows and takes a three-minute guitar solo that proceeds to melt everyone’s face (to use Jack Black’s words). The mystery of where his guitar went after he threw it has also been a subject of discussion for years, and the answer will surprise you: it went to Oprah. Yes, that Oprah. 

“Man in the Mirror” – Main Squeeze

The Main Squeeze is one of the funkiest indie bands out there, and their YouTube is replete with fantastic covers. But arguably one of their best covers is their version of this Michael Jackson classic. As per their style, they zhuzh it up with a little bit of funk, giving the iconic song a new sound that I think MJ would enjoy.

“It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” – Jeremy Jordan

Theatre nerds are more than familiar with Jeremy, and if you’re not, then you’re welcome. Us theatre nerds know he’s a tenor but even then we’re still blown away by this man’s range. There are plenty of videos of him belting out Disney princess songs (he sings “Let It Go” with relative ease) but his rendition of this Celine Dion classic is one that truly shows off his vocal chops. Oh, and that key change? Insane.