Acoustic versions of popular songs: a roundup of arrangements and cover tracks
When you look through the tracks on an artist’s album, you sometimes see the label “Acoustic Ver.,” don’t you? As the name suggests, it refers to a track arranged into a simpler, acoustic setup than the original—typically featuring acoustic guitar or piano, sometimes with added bass or percussion.
A lot of people probably love these acoustic arrangements for the special feel they bring.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of examples—from acoustic versions officially included on albums to videos that stirred up buzz online.
Discover the unique charm of acoustic arrangements, which offer a different vibe from the original tracks.
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Acoustic versions of popular songs: A roundup of arrangements and covers (1–10)
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism
An acoustic version in which the live sounds of acoustic guitar, bass, piano, and drums resonate gently and beautifully in your heart.
Compared to the original, with fewer layers like synthesizers and rhythms, the simple combination of just the four instruments and the vocals is honed and comes through clearly.
Not only the melody but also the excellence of the lyrics stands out, making you want to listen closely all over again.
In the interlude, be sure to pay attention to the flowing, elegant piano played by vocalist Satoshi Fujiwara.
I wanna be that kind of person.amazawashi
The rock band amazarashi, which debuted in 2010, included the song “Sou iu hito ni naritaize” (“I Want to Be That Kind of Person”) as the final track on their 2020 album Boycott.
The album reached No.
2 on the Oricon Albums Chart, and the limited first edition also features an acoustic solo (hikigatari) version of “Sou iu hito ni naritaize.” The original track already has a relatively sparse, acoustic sound, but the hikigatari version lets you appreciate Hiromu Akita’s vocals and the atmosphere even more.
Hide-and-seekYuri
A single released as Yuuri’s first indie work, with his distinctive singing voice and bittersweet melodies that stir listeners’ hearts.
Even though it’s a simple version with just guitar and vocals, it’s incredibly compelling.
His husky yet somehow gentle, powerful voice and the beautiful acoustic guitar lines are endlessly emotional.
It’s a track that fully convinces you of the talent that had already drawn attention in his pre-debut street performances with just one guitar.
Acoustic versions of popular songs. A roundup of arrangements and cover tracks (11–20)
My BooShimizu Shota
Released in 2016, Shota Shimizu’s 22nd single is “My Boo.” It’s a track packed with R&B elements, featuring a solid, satisfying beat, and it was also included on the album “FLY.” The music video on YouTube has been viewed over 17 million times.
There’s also a version accompanied only by acoustic guitar available on YouTube, which offers a folky, warm sound that’s quite different from the cool vibe of the original.
catDISH//
A simple arrangement with just acoustic guitar, drums, bass, and piano.
“Neko,” which became a major hit for its musical beauty and memorable lyrics, reveals its world even more vividly in such a stripped-down version.
While actor Takumi Kitamura tends to draw most of the attention, DISH//’s steady prowess as a band and the beauty of their harmonies also stand out, shining in a different way.
You can feel in your heart how deeply the band members truly love this song and play it with great care.
Not even defeated by sudden showersNICO Touches the Walls
The song chosen as an opening theme for the anime Naruto Shippuden was NICO Touches the Walls’ “Niwaka Ame ni mo Makezu.” It’s a cool rock tune with tight drums and electric guitar.
At an acoustic live show held at Billboard Live TOKYO in February 2015, the members switched to all-acoustic instruments and performed a version of “Niwaka Ame ni mo Makezu” with a different vibe from the original.
Footage from that performance was also released as a video work.
red-orangeACIDMAN
This is a version of “Aka-daidai” arranged with a simple setup of acoustic guitar, bass, and percussion.
The relaxed atmosphere remains unchanged from the original, but the acoustic arrangement seems to further highlight its gentle mood.
The poignant feeling of gazing off into the distance comes through in both the sound and the vocals.
It’s an arrangement that makes the lyrics’ depictions of the scenery unfolding before your eyes feel even more vivid.
