Music invokes emotions that sometimes can only be expressed through the trill of piano keys and the five-second hold of a pitch-perfect note. Matching these incredible vocals with their acoustic accompaniment makes this playlist one to listen to again and again.
Emily Vaartstra
“A Drop in the Ocean” by Ron Pope
Pope has a reputation of writing music that melts the ladies’ hearts. With a line like, “You are my heaven” and a voice that sounds like it is literally from heaven, this song could be stuck on repeat and never get old.
“Time’ by Mikky Ekko
Many fell in love with Ekko and his jaw-dropping vocal feature in Rihanna’s hit single “Stay,” but even without Riri’s exotic voice paired with his, Ekko’s “Time” is a vocal performance that will be make you “stay” by your stereo all the “time.”
“Skinny Love” by Birdy
Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love” is fantastic all in itself — until you hear Birdy belt out the song and you’ll never go back to the original. Birdy has a flawless voice that pairs magically with the piano.
“I Need to Know” by Kris Allen
The season eight winner of American Idol knows how to move people with his voice. The power and passion behind Allen’s vocals in this song will have you telling him anything he needs to know.
“Down” by Jason Walker
While this song is a tear-jerker, it invokes such incredible emotion that it somehow makes it OK to feel like you’re drowning in failure. Molly Reed’s top-notch harmonization with Walker and the piano accompaniment is a mix that will put you into a puddle of tears.
“Home” by Gabrielle Aplin
If there is one song from this playlist that is a no-option, must-listen-or-die, it is this song. Aplin’s original composition doesn’t have sufficient words to describe how empowering and passionate each word is sung that it permeates every molecule of the soul.
“Colour Me In” by Damien Rice
The gradual vocal and orchestral build-up of this song and his pleading to “come let me love you” opens up a comfy seat right next to this Irish singer on the piano bench.
“With Love” by Christina Grimmie
Third runner up on season six of The Voice, Grimmie knows how to leave a crowd speechless with her vocal range. Add the piano, and she’s got the music world at her fingertips. Expect to hear great things from this young musician in the future.
Emily Vaartstra can be reached at [email protected]