these will bring you to tears

Turn on a live performance of someone singing a ballad and I’ll burst into tears. This morning I watched a YouTube clip from the Dutch version of The Voice (the cousin of one of my closest friends had auditioned) and my daughter walked into the room, looked at my eyes and said: “Wow mom, it’s only eight in the morning and you’re already crying.”

I have a weak spot for ballads. For some reason cover songs really get to me. Perhaps because you’ve overplayed the original version, a cover just blows new life into the song. When it’s done well at least.

Since everyone can appreciate some touching music on a lazy Saturday, I’ve selected my favorite covers for you. It required a bit of work (there are so many great ones to chose from) but a fun one at that. So here you go. Happy YouTubing!

Laura Jansen – Use Somebody

I’m sure you’ve heard this one before. So soft and delicate. Major props for Laura. Where have you been hiding girl? Come back to us!

Robbie Williams & Nicole Kidman – Something Stupid

You’re probably to young to actually know the original version of ‘Something Stupid,’ a song Frank Sinatra once sung with his daughter Nancy. The song suddenly has a very different meaning when it’s sung by a father and daughter. When Robbie and Nicole (who’s got a great voice by the way – something I can’t even pull off at a karaoke cafe) combine their two voices, the song immediately gets a whole new meaning.

Mad World van Gary Jules

Just shut your eyes and listen to this one.

I follow rivers – Triggerfinger

This will immediately put you in the mood for a night filled with music, dancing and a whole lot of wine.

Lo-Fang – You’re the one that I want

The first time I heard this cover was about a year ago. They used it for the Chanel No.5 commercial featuring Gisele Bundchen and Michiel Huisman. Lo-Fang is a famous artist from New York and happens to be friends with Baz Luhrmann, the director of the commercial.