It was the best of times (for skinny jeans); it was the worst of times (for growing out our natural roots under highlights). Welcome back to the ‘90s, ‘00s, and ‘10s—three iconic decades of music, deeply entrenched in words like “iconic“, “ironic, and, yes, “toxic” (see below).
Here are seven of our favorite covers from the era, performed by some of the most talented Sofar artists on the stage today. Unlike Y2K, these covers have had a lasting impact.
Anthony Hall — “No Diggity” (Cover) by Blackstreet (1996)
For all intents and purposes, we like the way he works it. In this clip, Anthony Hall covers Blackstreet’s “No Diggity” in an intimate, backyard show in Las Vegas. It’s smooth, sultry, and leaves us rocking our beanies side-to-side every time we watch it.
Sonia Barcelona — “Fly Away” (Cover) by Lenny Kravitz (1998)
If you can immediately imagine the neon-greenish music video of this seminal Kravitz anthem…you’re not alone. In this cover slash mashup, Sonia Barcelona brings “Old Town Road” into the fold. Sonia, Lenny, Billy Ray, and Lil Nas X all at once? What a quad.
Rebecca McCartney — “Toxic” (Cover) by Britney Spears (2003)
There exists a type of cover that is such a departure from the original song that you can hardly believe both occupy the same space in your temporal lobe. Rebecca McCartney’s phenomenally raw cover of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” does just that. Be prepared to want both on your playlists—for very different occasions.
Spectrum — “What Else Is There?” (Cover) by Röyksopp Cover (2005)
Blink and you might find yourself in 2005, strobing the night away at an underground Oslo rave. In this full-throated tribute, Spectrum puts a modern spin on Röyksopp’s critically acclaimed single “What Else Is There?” at a packed show in Budapest.
Joshy Soul — “Electric Feel” (Cover) by MGMT (2007)
MGMT’s “Electric Feel” throws us back to a certain time, a place, and an entire way of being. This jazzy, big band cover by Joshy Soul brings back the hit to a sashaying audience in San Francisco. Scrub to 1:23 for a crowd-pleasing sax solo.
Cole Brandt — “Get Lucky” (Cover) by Daft Punk (2013)
We’re up all night to get some… epic jamming! In this clip, Chicago-based guitarist Cole Brandt unleashes an instrumental take on Daft Punk’s unforgettable (truly, that beat is never leaving you) 2013 hit.
Idly — “Lost on You” (Cover) by LP (2016)
In the eight years since its release, LP’s live performance of “Lost on You” has garnered over 1.4 billion views on YouTube. In the comments of Idly’s peaceful cover of the haunting single, fans describe the upside-down remake as “angelic”, “soft vintage” and sung “in cursive.” Hear it for yourself:
Ready to see artists like these in real life? Catch a Sofar show near you!
