Looking for advice for newer songs to learn for solo acoustic

[jeff7b9]

I am putting together material to start doing solo acoustic gigs (ukulele and vocals will be the primary approach)

Since I am old, 45, and haven't kept up with the songs that kids these days listen to (or even kids 10-15 years back)
I am hoping you guys can recommend some good covers to learn.


These are the songs I am currently doing that are this millennium:


Beer - Reel Big Fish
Before He Cheats - Carrie Underwood
Count On Me - Bruno Mars
Counting Stars - One Republic??
Crazy - Gnarles Barkley (maybe)
Dick In A Box - Justin Timberlake Lonely Lisland
Dirt - Phish
Everybody Talks - Neon Trees
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
If I Aint Got U > Gravity - Alicia Keys & John Mayer
If Your Gonna Be Dumb u Gotta Be Tough - Roger Alan Wade
Kill Devil Falls - Phish
Locked Out Of Heaven - Bruno Mars
The Middle - Jimmy Eat World
Red Solo Cup
Scotty Doesnt Know - Lustre
The Walk - Mayer Hawthorne
Wake Me Up - Avicii



Notes: Easy is good, especially when it comes to vocals.

This is my first time functioning as full time Lead singer so I am working on training my voice to have endurance for singing all night without going to shit. I can transpose/play on a uke tuned down so the range isn't the biggest deal in terms of the actual notes, but huge span or insanely challenging vocals might not be a great idea at this stage.


Note #2

I'm open to different genres. Country for example, I don't know the hit songs but music technique wise I have a lot of blues and funk experience so country tends to come very naturally to me. I play harmonica which seems to work well over country, so this is an area I would love to explore. Maybe Chicken Fried? Or is that "played out" so to speak and done by every acoustic guitar/vocalist in recent times?


Note #3

I'm open to female songs. I have several female vocalist friends who could do guest vocals and I am fine just singing the girl parts down an octave which seems to work fine in most cases. Baby One More Time, Before He CheTs and Black Velvet for example all seem to work well. I am also doing a country version of "Whatta Man" by Salt n Pepa

Note #4

Comedy stuff is definitely fair game.

Bo Burnham
Demitri Martin
Stephen Lynch
Flight Of The Conchords
(I used to sing a heavily funked out "Business Time" in a band a few years ago)... maybe Humans are Dead, or Most Beautiful Girl in The Room, Ill have to listen to those with ukulele in mind and see if they would translate well
Tim Minchkin - I love his stuff and I do play piano but I think most of his stuff is too advanced for me to sing and play, that dude is freakishly talented.... but "Predjudice" would be super fun if I can maybe simplify it
Bad Lip Reading

Thanks sherbros and sherladies!!

 

[TXstriker]

Maybe you can grab some ideas from Thomas Zwijsten. He does great covers (solo acoustic).

 

[jeff7b9]

Maybe you can grab some ideas from Thomas Zwijsten. He does great covers (solo acoustic).

I am all about stealing anything that isn't nailed down, so any unique of creative arrangements are welcome.


I love this medley and am stealing it:



And likewise I am stealing this reggae version of "Eye Of The Tiger"

 

[Van Daz]

Crowded House have some good songs for acoustic. Here are a couple.....

 

[Van Daz]

More than words....

 

[jeff7b9]

More than words....

Great song.

I'll put that one on the list of songs to work my way up to. That one would be a bit of a challenge for me right now, but those are the songs that make you a better musician.

I try to find the balance of

A) planning for success, so picking the right songs that will work

B) Building up the repertoire

C) continuing to add different elements to bring something new

D) challenging songs and "showstopper"/ set closer type powerhouse songs.


Right now I could probably add 10 songs which I could get tons of use out of in the time it would take me to get that one. But if I put it in my playlists, listen, sing, start memorizing the lyrics and melody... then when the time is right it should slide right in there.

 

[Van Daz]

Great song.

I'll put that one on the list of songs to work my way up to. That one would be a bit of a challenge for me right now, but those are the songs that make you a better musician.

I try to find the balance of

A) planning for success, so picking the right songs that will work

B) Building up the repertoire

C) continuing to add different elements to bring something new

D) challenging songs and "showstopper"/ set closer type powerhouse songs.


Right now I could probably add 10 songs which I could get tons of use out of in the time it would take me to get that one. But if I put it in my playlists, listen, sing, start memorizing the lyrics and melody... then when the time is right it should slide right in there.

It seems easy to listen to & awesome, but it is complex to play.

Now, Blackbird looks & sounds cool, but isn't that hard to play...



Also..







or for a fun filler...

 

[Dobymick]

What about this other Count on Me song by Jefferson Starship?

I think it's one of the most beautiful songs ever

 

[jeff7b9]

It seems easy to listen to & awesome, but it is complex to play.

Now, Blackbird looks & sounds cool, but isn't that hard to play...



Also..







or for a fun filler...

Fire and Rain is a beautiful song.
I may give that one a go.
I'm pretty good with arpeggios, been singing over arpeggios on keyboards for 20+ years. James Taylor is quite smooth with both the vocals and the finger picking on that one.

I think I might pick myself up one of those Martin Backpacker guitars... a big part of why I play ukulele (instead of guitar) is that I have major shoulder injury issues, 12 surgeries, reverse shoulder replacement, so reaching around the body of an acoustic and strumming will get me hurt, but the smaller body of a ukulele or a Backpacker I am ok. That would give me the extra 2 low strings that would make arpeggios a lot easier (on uke I am OFTEN playing inversions that don't have the root on the bottom)


Layla I am already working on. I have played it on piano many times, which I will probably use since I know the piano part for the end. I like putting the piano outtro from the electric version on the end of the acoustic version.

I'm gonna need to get a loop pedal and get proficient with it to do that song justice, as it really needs that bluesy solo. And imo it really needs to be an acoustic (uke) solo.

I worked out a few guitar solos on harmonica today. I got the solos and leads for Soulshine by Allman Brothers and Casey Jones by Grateful Dead both sounding pretty good on harmonica.
I haven't gotten them down while playing the rhythm part yet, but i think that will come pretty naturally as I have both parts now down pretty solid.

I'm waiting on this bad boy which is shipped and en route. (I fucking HATE the harmonica neck thing, so I am hoping this works better)

 

[Van Daz]

Fire and Rain is a beautiful song.
I may give that one a go.
I'm pretty good with arpeggios, been singing over arpeggios on keyboards for 20+ years. James Taylor is quite smooth with both the vocals and the finger picking on that one.

I think I might pick myself up one of those Martin Backpacker guitars... a big part of why I play ukulele (instead of guitar) is that I have major shoulder injury issues, 12 surgeries, reverse shoulder replacement, so reaching around the body of an acoustic and strumming will get me hurt, but the smaller body of a ukulele or a Backpacker I am ok. That would give me the extra 2 low strings that would make arpeggios a lot easier (on uke I am OFTEN playing inversions that don't have the root on the bottom)


Layla I am already working on. I have played it on piano many times, which I will probably use since I know the piano part for the end. I like putting the piano outtro from the electric version on the end of the acoustic version.

I'm gonna need to get a loop pedal and get proficient with it to do that song justice, as it really needs that bluesy solo. And imo it really needs to be an acoustic (uke) solo.

I worked out a few guitar solos on harmonica today. I got the solos and leads for Soulshine by Allman Brothers and Casey Jones by Grateful Dead both sounding pretty good on harmonica.
I haven't gotten them down while playing the rhythm part yet, but i think that will come pretty naturally as I have both parts now down pretty solid.

I'm waiting on this bad boy which is shipped and en route. (I fucking HATE the harmonica neck thing, so I am hoping this works better)

View attachment 1056033

Nice one.

You may like this song, too.

 

[Hyperglide]

 

[jeff7b9]

Look at you following the instructions and suggesting music from this century!

And in a lovely 6/8 finger pick style none the less.

I dig it. Not sure I have the voice for it, but I definitely dig it.

 

[whocares]

Here's my songlist. Sorry my handwriting sucks and I don't have this typed out cuz I still do things the old fashioned way. I don't know how any of these translate to uke and I tend to mostly pick songs that are vocally challenging, you'd have to sort through them to see what fits for you, but I can stand on it that all these songs have been vetted for audience approval hundreds of gigs over and I can play 3 sets of pretty much any popular genre to any demographic. Almost all of these are beginner to intermediate level on guitar. Mostly basic open or bar chords. I play a very percussive style to replicate the loss of the rhythm section and it works out well that way.

A tip on choosing a guitar, I played a Martin dread starting out which I got used to, but I switched to the smaller body of a Martin x-series 000 and it's way more comfortable. Also much more balanced sound through a PA than a dread which you can't dial out the low boom from the body. Another tip, get a really good monitor (I use a Fishman Loudbox) and blast that shit at your face as loud as you can while avoiding feedback (challenging at some venues). The better and more clearly you can hear yourself, the less you're going to strain vocally or on the guitar. That's how I managed to belt my ass off for 3-4 hours through so many gigs. the second you're having trouble hearing yourself you start pushing your voice more (and strum harder, i don't play with a pick) and that's when your voice goes to shit.

One more general tip, don't limit yourself to "acoustic songs". There are no limitations on an acoutic guitar (not as familiar with what you can get out of a uke), and the beauty of working arrangements around the meat and potatoes of the chords is you can play any song thats in your wheelhouse however you want to. it's all up to your skill and imagination.

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Harry Styles - "Falling" (2020)



Here's an acoustic cover version of "Falling":

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

Callum Scott's cover of "Dancing On My Own" (2016)



Lewis Capaldi - "Someone You Loved" (2018)



Lewis Capaldi - "Hold Me While You Wait" (2019)

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

But if you are looking for something more current to appeal to the younger crowd, here are some 2024 songs.

Hozier - "Too Sweet" (2024). This is Hozier's first song to reach number one at Billboard Hot 100.



Benson Boone - "Beautiful Things" (2024). The song reached number two at Billboard Hot 100.

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

You mentioned you can do female songs and you have a female vocalists who can do guest vocals, how about Olivia Rodrigo's "Driver's License" which was one of the most popular songs of 2021.




or Sabrina Carpenter's "Please Please Please" (2024) which is one of the big hits of the summer.

 

[jeff7b9]

Here's my songlist. Sorry my handwriting sucks and I don't have this typed out cuz I still do things the old fashioned way. I don't know how any of these translate to uke and I tend to mostly pick songs that are vocally challenging, you'd have to sort through them to see what fits for you, but I can stand on it that all these songs have been vetted for audience approval hundreds of gigs over and I can play 3 sets of pretty much any popular genre to any demographic. Almost all of these are beginner to intermediate level on guitar. Mostly basic open or bar chords. I play a very percussive style to replicate the loss of the rhythm section and it works out well that way.

A tip on choosing a guitar, I played a Martin dread starting out which I got used to, but I switched to the smaller body of a Martin x-series 000 and it's way more comfortable. Also much more balanced sound through a PA than a dread which you can't dial out the low boom from the body. Another tip, get a really good monitor (I use a Fishman Loudbox) and blast that shit at your face as loud as you can while avoiding feedback (challenging at some venues). The better and more clearly you can hear yourself, the less you're going to strain vocally or on the guitar. That's how I managed to belt my ass off for 3-4 hours through so many gigs. the second you're having trouble hearing yourself you start pushing your voice more (and strum harder, i don't play with a pick) and that's when your voice goes to shit.

One more general tip, don't limit yourself to "acoustic songs". There are no limitations on an acoutic guitar (not as familiar with what you can get out of a uke), and the beauty of working arrangements around the meat and potatoes of the chords is you can play any song thats in your wheelhouse however you want to. it's all up to your skill and imagination.
View attachment 1056277

Damn bro... fuckin, THANK YOU... so much!!

Just a glance at yout list and I see a LOT of stuff that is right up my alley and quite a few that I already know and or am planning to do.

I hope you don't mind if I go thru your list and rob and steal the shit out of it as I would imagine you got there by doing the same, that is how the game works and song selection is an art form I respect and value to the upmost.

I wasn't planning on posting my whole current repertoire but fuck it, you shared your song list so maybe I will do the same if it helps to give people an idea of my taste and style for recommendation purposes.

I guess I will consider that a project for later.

Last 2 nights I have spent hours working thru material, updating my binder and last night I did maybe 2 hours of work with a friend who used to be in my 7 piece band and currently is in a Dead tribute band which I may wind up working with (solo material is still my top priority and will remain so but they need a keyboardist and I am looking at it like everything I learn just "yoink" becomes new material for me and everyone wins... and I know at least half of their material already)

Stay tuned man. I am going to go thru your list with a fine tooth comb, hope you don't mind but you are definitely right up my alley taste wise.

 

[jeff7b9]

You mentioned you can do female songs and you have a female vocalists who can do guest vocals, how about Olivia Rodrigo's "Driver's License" which was one of the most popular songs of 2021.




or Sabrina Carpenter's "Please Please Please" (2024)

I love Drivers Lisence.

Check out this really stripped down piano version.
Probably how I would approach it.



(assuming I wind up using keys, which seems like a no brainer as that has been my main instrument all my life)

 

[Dragonlordxxxxx]

I love Drivers Lisence.

Check out this really stripped down piano version.
Probably how I would approach it.



(assuming I wind up using keys, which seems like a no brainer as that has been my main instrument all my life)

If you love Driver's License, I would like to recommend Chappell Roan's album "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess" (they share the same producer, Daniel Nigro). I'm a straight guy but I love this album. It took me 2-3 times to get familiar with the songs and to truly appreciate them. The vocals is on fire. Half of the songs are just campy fun while the rest are pretty powerful once you read the lyrics. She reminds me of Cyndi Lauper and early Lady Gaga. Chappell is on the verge of mainstream superstardom, so I was thinking it would be cool if your band could play this because this is so current and trending. Even if it's not your style, it's still worth a listen and I hope you like it.

Spoiler

"Good Luck, Babe!" - Probably my favorite song of hers, which is not part of the album. This was just released on April 2024.


You guys can use a stripped down version like what Sabrina Carpenter did.


Here is her Tiny Desk Concert.