Country artists pride themselves on being able to deliver stunning stripped back renditions of the songs they pour their hearts and souls into.
Their cover interpretations are often equally impressive.
In fact, without full production bells and whistles and all vulnerabilities completely exposed, these versions sometimes do a song even more justice than the original recording.
Here are seven exciting stripped back recordings and performances from new and established country stars we really love.
1. Kelsea Ballerini – Humble & Kind
This cover of the Tim McGraw classic ‘Humble & Kind’ was filmed three years ago.
However, it’s very timely to include in this list with Ballerini about to join McGraw in Australia next month for the first ever Country2Country Australia festival.
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2. Sinead Burgess – Somewhere Between You and Vegas
Also performing at C2C in September, another Aussie now based in Nashville, Sinead Burgess (pictured above) released a full album of acoustic recordings last year.
She’s built up a strong following in the UK following tours with The Shires and Paul Young.
This interview and completely unplugged performance was filmed on the day of her Damaged Goods album release.
She also does a terrific version of ‘Dreams’ by Fleetwood Mac.
3. Devin Dawson – God’s Country
Blake Shelton’s recording of ‘God’s Country’ has been one of the biggest country hits of 2019.
Devin Dawson, a label mate of Sheltons, as also a co-writer of the song.
So when it hit #1 on the Billboard Hot Country chart, he decided to release his own acoustic version of the song.
“Never in a million years did I ever dream it would be BLAKE SHELTON that would give me my first #1 as a songwriter but I AM HERE FOR IT,” said Dawson on achieving the #1 milestone.
4. Abby Christo – Kiss Me Into Monday
Formerly from New Zealand duo Mae Valley, Abby Christo is approaching 1 million audio streams for her mood-boosting debut solo single, ‘Kiss Me Into Monday.’
Kiwi Country is in boom period right now and Christo, along with the likes of Kaylee Bell and Jody Direen, is one of the big reasons for that.
5. Keith Urban – We Were
Like all his releases, there is huge buzz for Keith Urban’s latest single ‘We Were.’
Urban performed this stripped back version of the song last week for the Good Morning America Summer Concert Series.
6. Catherine Britt – Swingin’ Door
Catherine Britt will release an EP of songs recorded for the popular CMC Songs & Stories series on October 18.
‘Swinging Door’ is the first glimpse of the 6 tracks included on the full EP, which will be released in both audio and video formats.
7. Dozzi – Fools
Brisbane sister trio Dozzi released ‘Fools’ in June, with Rolling Stone calling their impressive first release since moving to Nashville one of the 10 best Country and Americana songs to hear right now.
This stripped back version of the song gives you a glimpse of what the girls are like live!
