We live in an era where people such as Justin Bieber, SoMo and Greyson Chance have become famous in no small part due to their Youtube covers.
Cover songs have been around for decades and sometimes the remake trumps the original track. This is where this blog comes in. It is here that we will stack these covers against their predecessors to determine which rendition of the song is truly better.
These covers will be judged according to the following: how well or badly the cover deviates from the original song, replay value and the cover’s ability to connect with the listener.
People, I’m not sure where the time went, but it’s already November. It has taken me about three days to come to terms with the realization that finals are rapidly creeping upon us. But you didn’t come here to read my fear. You came for the music. You came for the covers. Or you came because you’re my No. 1 fan (Hi Mom). Anyway, let’s get to it.
What happens when two Norwegians ask the world a question while reggae-pop music plays in the background? If you guessed international success then you’re absolutely right.
In 2013, a duo named Envy released the song “Am I Wrong.” The song gained success and earned the two a contract with Warner Bros. Records in the United States. To avoid confusion with acts that may have a similar name, Envy became Nico and Vinz and sat atop the billboard charts for months.
Another question. What happens when three Puerto Rican-American brothers decide to make a rock band and get really famous off of their covers YouTube? If you guessed they made a cover of “Am I Wrong,” I’m going to need to be less predictable.
Boyce Avenue formed in 2004, when the oldest of the Manzano brothers returned to Florida after receiving his Harvard Law degree. The band gained popularity from its YouTube covers eventually leading to a few tours, the release of two original albums and a stint with record label, Universal Republic. They performed all over the world but consistently remember their online fans who helped them from the beginning a decade ago. Last week, the band recorded an acoustic cover of Nico and Vinz’s “Am I Wrong,” and it’s quickly reaching Boyce Avenue’s over 6 million subscribers. But is it better than the original? That’s what we’re here for. The gauntlet has been thrown down. Here we go.
Round 1: Deviation? Good or Bad?
After listening to both versions of the song, the clear difference is how Boyce Avenue tackled “Am I Wrong” acoustically. There’s a lot more focus on the strings in the cover.
Also, I can hear the lyrics cleanly in the cover. The Norwegians have a lot of effects going on in the original that drown out a well written song.
The cover does lose the reggae feel that came with the original but it compensates with a nice harmony between the band.
I have an unfortunate bias towards acoustic sets if they’re done correctly. Playing actual instruments brings a new perspective to a song that could be covered by pre-produced beats.
Point to the cover. Score 1-0.
Round 2: Replay Value
This one really depends on what you’re in the mood for. If you want some slow pop, then the cover wins. If you don’t, then the original is the clear decision.
I think the chart speaks for itself and prove the original is one of the most replayed and thus preferred songs right now. It’s so catchy and innovative for mainstream America. The replay value answers itself.
Point to the original. Score 1-1.
Round 3: Ability to connect with the listener
What is the meaning of this song? I don’t even know. From multiple passes as the lyrics, the only thing I can definitely gather is that Nico and Vinz are unashamed for having goals and ideas that may not line up with those around them.
If that truly is the goal, then this song works out quite nicely. It’s unapologetically different in its approach and reggae is an underused genre, so it’s always good to hear bits and pieces of it
The Boyce Avenue cover is good but it’s only good structurally. There’s no passion in it and it’s hollow. Hollow does not make you a winner here.
Point to the original. Score 2-1. Winner: Nico and Vinz’s original. If you tell me I’m wrong, then I don’t wanna be right. Yep, I said it and I’ll leave it at that.
Agree? Disagree? Tell me below and suggest some other covers to listen to. Send me a tweet @Joshua_Jackson_. I’ll be back next week with another original pitted against its cover.

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