10 COVER VERSIONS OF RIVER BY JONI MITCHELL
ANNA’S RANKING OF RIVER
10. Sarah McLachlan
This version feels very beginning of the 2000s, which might be the reason why I have put it as my number 10. But that should not cover up the fact that I think Sarah has one of the most beautiful voices out there, which she also proves with this version — it is simply mesmerizing.
9. Scary Pockets & Rett Madison
This might be the most interesting and fresh version I ever have heard of River. It is very groovy with a bass hook you cannot miss, and basically, it just makes you want to get off your feet and dance around.
8. 98°
A classic boyband version of River. I really enjoy the piano playing, and the vocals blend very well together, and I think it works in their favour that it is this stripped-down version instead of some over the top pop production of the song.
7. Nashville Cast, Sam Palladio
I simply love the guitar in Sam’s version. You instantly relax in this company, and it fits perfectly with how Sam sings. Let’s face it River also works as a country-pop song.
6. Noah Guthrie
What I really love about Noah Guthrie and his version (well, his music in general) is the raspiness of his voice. Also, this feels so intuitive, why it puts you at a fireplace with warm blankets and the sound of this beautiful song.
5. Sissel
Since I was a child, I have always loved Sissel’s voice. She sometimes has the voice of an angel, and you just feel safe in her company. She is very technically talented, and I love that she is not afraid to hold the long notes or go for the high notes. Most of all, she is a storyteller that truly capture the essence of the lyrics.
4. Gavin James
Here I feel I am standing at the skating rink, and in front of me, there is a stage where Gavin James is performing River live. I love this stripped-down version, which makes you listen to each and every word.
3. The Mayries
I am instantly transferred to a house in the countryside. I am wearing comfy clothes and knitted socks, sitting on the windowsill with my guitar (btw I cannot play guitar, even though I own one), playing this version and looking out of the window. Let us not forget, their vocals sound insanely good together as well.
2. Delta Goodrem
Now this was hard, because I actually wanted Delta Goodrem’s version of River to share the “first place” with my number one. Delta’s version might feel closest to Joni Mitchell’s original song. I do not have much to say other than here we hear what Delta is best at, and we really get to hear how good of a vocalist she truly is.
1. Ben Platt
I mean, this is just so good, no one should question that. It does have a Broadway feeling to it from time to time, but most of all, it just shows the emotional side of the song. River is so powerful, and Ben Platt’s vocals and storytelling skills truly shine. This will forever be one of my favourite cover versions of River and let us be honest; it is a hard song to do justice.
PAULA’S RANKING OF RIVER
10. 98°
Very Christmassy and I enjoy the usage of background singers, but overall, it does not fit into my go-to Christmas tunes.
9. Sissel
Sissel’s version is beautiful, and her voice does justice to the song without any question.
8. Nashville Cast & Sam Palladio
A very good cover of this iconic song. The instruments in this one are definitely the highlight, and I would not expect anything else from Nashville Cast version.
7. Scary Pockets & Rett Madison
This must be the most different version of the song I am familiar with at least. It does not bring me any Christmas feeling, but it definitely makes me want to dance and sing along.
6. Noah Guthrie
I have often felt that Noah’s voice reminds me of James Bay’s (whom I really like), especially in this piece. The version is memorable and most of all, very enjoyable and charismatic.
5. Gavin James
This very stripped-down performance carries so much emotion.
4. Sarah McLachlan
It really is not a wonder why her version did so well in the chart lists when it was first released. The last piano chords give me chills in the end!
3. The Mayries
I love this version so much. Instantly, I imagine nature and endless sky above me. This is a version that I would enjoy every season of the year, not just Christmas time.
2. Ben Platt
I guess Ben has an advantage here being an artist to whom I very much listen to and I am a huge fan of his singing voice in general. I click with this version a lot, and it does not only sound like a cover but when I hear this, I see a full performance on stage. Again, I would listen to this version a full year around.
1. Delta Goodrem
Delta’s soft voice really brings something magical into the song. It sounds like the pure first snow in the wintertime. All I see is Belle on her Christmas dress walking outside among the snowflakes.
Listen to the original Joni Mitchell version here and the mentioned cover versions as follows: 98°, Ben Platt, Delta Goodrem, Gavin James, The Mayeries, Nashville Cast & Sam Palladio, Noah Guthrie, Scary Pockets & Rett Madison, Sarah McLachlan & Sissel.
