Punk Goes Pop Vol. 7 (feat. Andy Black, Too Close To Touch, + more)
Fearless Records has released their seventh edition of Punk Goes Pop after nearly three years. The record features artists like State Champs, Too Close Too Touch, and Andy Black covering artists like Bruno Mars, Drake, and The Chainsmokers.
So without further or do, here’s my track-to-track review.
State Champs – “Stitches” by Shawn Mendes
State Champs open the record with a pop punk rendition of Stitches. The band does a great job of making the song seem like it could’ve been written by them – not to mention the more radio friendly pop punk musical style that seems to fit this song perfectly. It’s a great way to open the record and will definitely be one that I’ll be coming back to listen to months from now.
Dance Gavin Dance – “That’s What I Like” by Bruno Mars
Dance Gavin Dance covering Bruno Mars definitely wasn’t something I thought I’d hear anytime soon (or ever) but I’m certainly not complaining. The switches from clean to unclean vocals throughout the song flow and even the subtle lyric change seems like it just fits right in. This one will have you headbanging in your car and singing (and screaming) the lyrics.
New Years Day – “Gangsta” by Kehlani
If you had told me that one of my favorite songs from Suicide Squad would be covered by one of my favorite bands a year ago, I would’ve probably laughed in your face but this one seems like a no brainer – when you hear Ash’s voice sing those first words it’ll have you wondering how this wasn’t originally a New Years Day song to begin with. Though it does loose the catchier R&B vibe it gains that badass rock vibe New Years Day is known for.
The Amity Affliction – “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd
This is one of those songs that you really have to hear to understand – I mean it’s kind of surreal that it even exists. Amity does a great job at staying true to the songs original vibe but they add more hardcore elements that make it one of the songs you have to hear.
Andy Black (feat. Juliet Simms) – “When We Were Young” by Adele
Most people know that Andy Black is a more rock/pop artist then anything so it’s only fitting he makes an appearance on the record. Add Andy’s wife Juliet and you have two of the most diverse artists in the scene today. It’s almost as if their voices were meant to be together when you hear them come together in the chorus. This one will have you feeling on the feels.
Grayscale – “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber
The original version of this song is for the most part acoustic so it’s very refreshing to hear more instruments incorporated throughout the song while still sticking to the acoustic vibe in certain parts. The layering of voices throughout that switch between a more softer tone and a more aggressive clean vocal really add another element that make you think this very well could’ve been a song by Grayscale - it’s definitely one of the best on this record.
Capsize – “Fake Love” by Drake
Capsize covering Drake. Never thought I’d type that sentence. It’s very interesting hearing how the band makes the song their own by nearly eliminated the rap element and replacing it with more singing/screaming. You probably wouldn’t be able to tell that this is a cover of a Drake song – perfect for those who don’t enjoy rap.
Boston Manor – “Heathens” by Twenty One Pilots
This is one of those songs I suggest listening to with headphones – the amount of hidden effects throughout the song makes you feel like you’re in a music video and all the extra voice layering really pays off. This is another one of those songs I’ll definitely come back to – especially the last 0:30 (trust me, it’s amazing).
Eat Your Heart Out – “Shape Of You” by Ed Sheeran
Did somebody ask for a full instrumental rock version of a Ed Sheeran hit that is quite honestly everything you could want in a cover song? Because that’s exactly what you get. And add in the female vocalist that gives it a new perspective (not to mention the accent that makes everything sound better) and it’s one of the best on the record. Period.
The Plot In You – “Let It Go” by James Bay
This is definitely a new side to TPIY that we haven’t seen very much of, but it’s one I’m pretty sure we’d like to hear more of. The James Bay hit seems to suit the band perfectly and it’s one of those that make you think this was their original song. It’s definitely one everyone should listen to.
Ice Nine Kills – “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” by Zayn & Taylor Swift
When I first saw this song on the track listing I was excited, but sadly it wasn’t what I thought it was going to be – not to say it isn’t a great cover. The band does a great job at sticking to the original vibe while still adding the post-hardcore vibes that fit quite well with each other. It does lack in certain areas but it’s still a great rendition of a great song.
Seaway – “Closer (feat. Halsey)” by The Chainsmokers
Seaway is one of those bands that definitely deserve more recognition then they get but I have a feeling this song will change that. A pop punk version of the biggest song from 2016 is something everyone needs in their life and Seaway delivers 100%.
Too Close To Touch – “In The Name Of Love” by Martin Garrix & Bebe Rexha
This is my personal favorite. As a fan of Bebe Rexha and Too Close To Touch I was super excited for this cover and it’s safe to say that TCTT kills their rendition of this song. It’s not easy to meet a vocal range like Bebe but Keaton does one hell of a job at doing so. Not to mention how spot on the whole band was in recreating those effects Martin is known for. It’s a great way to end the record. 10/10. Highly recommend.