Throwback Thursday: Amazing Covers Part 3

Photo: FNC Entertainment

In the past two articles about amazing covers, we have talked about K-Pop groups covering other K-Pop groups' songs, but never touched on idols covering Western artist tracks. With the recent release of P1Harmony’s Intak’s cover of “Good Kisser” by Western R&B legend Usher, it only felt right to revisit this topic and talk about some amazing videos of idols covering Western artists' songs. 

ATEEZ - “Leave The Door Open” (Original by Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, & Silk Sonic)

On May 16, 2021, ATEEZ dropped a cover that we didn’t know we needed until we got it—their cover of Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, & Silk Sonic’s “Leave The Door Open” changed our lives forever. The more sensual track is now an upbeat, retro dance track. The members Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Wooyoung, and Jongho took this R&B classic and put their own ATEEZ magic on it. The jazz influence in the song gives the track that vintage sound, and the scenery makes you feel like you are at a slam poetry event. Something else that was added to the track is a rap by member Hongjoong. The rap is lively, backed up by a faint choir and danceable beat. The members sound amazing in this cover. Their strong vocals are smooth, and they hit every note. It’s a great cover that still keeps to the nature of the original while adding a little bit of the group to it. 

P1Harmony - “good 4 u” (Original by Olivia Rodrigo) 

On September 13, 2021, P1Harmony dropped their cover of the Olivia Rodrigo hit “good 4 u.” This energetic cover showcased the members' vocals and rap skills. Still keeping to the original beat, the boys lower the pitch and serve us a lighthearted cover of a breakup song. The members Keeho, Theo, Jiung, and Soul give us a vocal performance you can’t forget. Each of their tones is so different, and with each line that they get, you can hear the difference in all of them. For example, Keeho’s tone has that R&B influence, while Jiung’s has that pop-punk raspiness. The members do put a twist on the song: Intak and Jongseob insert a hard-hitting rap that flows with the song, and will have you rewinding to hear it again. P1Harmony’s covers are always really good, and this one is another added to the list.

A.C.E - “Youngblood” (Original by 5 Seconds of Summer) 

On June 12, 2019, A.C.E dropped their iconic cover of 5 Seconds of Summer’s well-known hit “Youngblood.” With that pop-punk influence, A.C.E grasp that concept and give it their all. The members Lee Donghun, Wow, Park Junhee, Kim Byeongkwan, and Kang Yuchan each have such unique vocal tones, and in this cover, they are all singing with a more raspy tone. A.C.E is another group that is fantastic at doing covers, and in this song, with them lined up with their mics, you get to really appreciate their vocal capabilities. In this cover, the members are seen harmonizing with one another, performing belts effortlessly, and adding little niche things like growls and falsettos to add those clear vocals we hear in most pop-punk tracks. It’s an excellent cover that everyone should watch.   

JINHO and HUI - “Gorilla” (Original by Bruno Mars) 

On June 30, 2019, PENTAGON member JINHO dropped a cover on the PENTAGON YouTube account. Adding to the list covers by him, JINHO and member HUI released a cover of the Bruno Mars track “Gorilla.” A sensual track with breathtaking vocals, JINHO and HUI perform this song with ease. If you don’t know PENTAGON and their vocal abilities, this is the best video to watch to learn. Throughout the song, the two members are belting notes that are higher in range. As they harmonize with one another, the notes flow together and create this beautiful melody. They both have that raspy R&B tone in their voices, and while they are doing runs, you can hear angst in their tone. This is a great cover, and after one listen, you will find yourself wanting to listen to it again.

Edited by Bryn Claybourne