10 Amazing Covers By Music Artists You Didn't Expect
5. Stand By Me - Florence and the Machine
Florence Welch's delicate, recognisable, and truly gorgeous voice is on full display on a cover of the soul song, 'Stand By Me'.
Originally performed by Ben E. King in 1961, it has been covered by numerous artists including Otis Redding, Imagine Dragons and even The Lion King's Timon & Pumbaa in 1995. For a song that has been shared by so many voices, it stands testament that artists that are remarkably different to Ben E. King can also make it work.
In 2016, Florence and the Machine surprised many with their superb cover of the tune for the often criticised, and equally loved Final Fantasy XV.
Ditching the sharp, but soothing bass of the original in favour of a whimsical, beautiful orchestra backing track where the strings control the pace of the song, the cover maintains the tone of the track, while offering something different.
It showcases Florence and the Machine's range, and does well to juxtapose the likes of Shake It Out, and Dog Days Are Over.
With a song as iconic as Stand By Me, no cover should be unexpected, but the way Florence and the Machine alter its formula without breaking it is something few would have predicted.