Best Acoustic Covers - May

May brought another round of acoustic gems, and I’m once again excited to share some of the best ones I’ve come across. Most of them come from artists I’ve already been raving about (and hope you’re falling for too), which just proves they know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to stripped-back magic.

Shake Sugaree (Mahogany Session) - Muireann Bradley

Let’s start with Shake Sugaree (Mahogany Session) by Muireann Bradley. This classic by Elizabeth Cotten has been covered by artists like Bob Dylan, but it was Cotten’s original guitar work that gave birth to what's now called "Cotten-style" fingerpicking. In her Mahogany Session, Muireann keeps the same simple setup—just vocals and guitar—but makes it her own. At this point, can we go ahead and call it “Bradley fingerpicking”? I think so.

Dancing With a Stranger - Judy Pearson

Next up is Dancing With a Stranger by Judy Pearce. We’ve already seen Judy’s talent in reworking pop hits into acoustic gems, and this one’s no exception. The formula stays the same: piano and guitar, with the guitar switching between arpeggios and strumming to keep things moving. The result? Always spot-on.

bloom - The Macarons Project, figuers

Then we have Bloom by figuers and The Macarons Project—a dream team for anyone who loves calm, atmospheric acoustic covers. This is one of my all-time favorite songs, and hearing two of my favorite cover projects team up made it even more special. The original fingerstyle guitar is already beautiful, but here they went all in with three guitars playing soft, interweaving arpeggios that melt into their vocals. Just pure comfort for your ears.

I Will Follow You Into The Dark - Yanjoco

Next is I Will Follow You Into The Dark by Yanjoco. Another personal favorite—not by chance, it’s in the top 3 of my Best Acoustic Guitar Songs playlist. I found this artist thanks to a friend, and this cover instantly caught my attention. They used two guitars—one strummed, one picking arpeggios—and it really paid off. So much so that I had to add it to my Best Acoustic Covers playlist too!

You Make My Dreams (Come True) - Callum J Wright

Now to something I didn’t see coming: You Make My Dreams (Come True) by Callum J Wright. Honestly, two acoustic covers of this song in under six months? Did not expect that! And I’m still not sure which one I prefer—this version or the one by Riley Pearce and Gabrielle Aplin. Either way, Callum’s catchy guitar riffs and the duo’s upbeat rhythm both prove just how timeless this classic really is.

don’t think twice it’s all right - Jakob Fiedler

Last but not least: don’t think twice, it’s all right by Jakob Fiedler. Proof that the Bob Dylan wave is still going strong—and honestly, I see no reason for it to stop. Jakob brings his own fingerpicking style to the table, and the result is another thoughtful take on a song that’s continuing to speak to new generations.

That wraps up May’s selection! Which cover was your favorite this time? Let me know—I always love hearing what stood out to you.