By Karen Greenberg

Anyone who has spent more than five minutes on YouTube can tell you that Boyce Avenue, brothers who have garnered hundreds of millions of views on their videos, do just about the best covers around. Usually acoustic, the videos are mostly simple, stripped down versions of today’s most popular songs, made irresistible by Alejandro’s enticing voice and generally creative arrangements.

Due to their unparalleled Due to their unparalleled YouTube success, the band has been touring all over the world for the past couple of years, playing with other YouTube sensations and bona-fide acts. They previously had a deal with Universal Republic Records, but have now started their own independent label, 3 Peace Records. Although it’s nearly impossible to choose, here are our picks for Boyce Avenue’s five best covers thus far.

“Here Without You” (3 Doors Down)
This video combines the typical Boyce Avenue style- simple guitar, a single vocal, and drums. The earnest honesty in the lead vocal provides a raw element to this commercial hit, with an easy arrangement that does not overreach. Even without watching the video itself, the audio conveys enough emotion for a memorably moving take on the song.

“Grenade” (Bruno Mars)
Perhaps one of their most talked-about videos, the ingenious incorporation of violin into Bruno Mars’ Top-40 smash makes “Grenade” Boyce Avenue’s most artistically inspired feat. The slowed-down version works perfectly, and the intricate arrangement transforms the pop ballad into a truly emotional plea that conveys the meaning of the lyrics on a transcendent level.

“Jar of Hearts” (Christina Perri)
In collaboration with fellow Youtube act Tiffany Alvord, this version of the heartbreaking melody has the added element of harmony, which seems like it had been missing all along and making Perri’s original seem a bit one-dimensional. With both voice melding prominently, the simple acoustic arrangement is simple enough not to enter overpowering territory.

“The A Team” (Ed Sheeran)
One of Boyce Avenue’s newest covers takes on the massively popular single in a, reworking the sound with piano, a distinction from the original’s guitar-laden rhythm. The sound is smooth, calming, and ultimately creates one of the most emotional covers the band has done. The choice of black and white for the video picks up the nuances in the lyrics and adds to the feel of this spectacular cover.

“A Thousand Miles” (Vanessa Carlton)
In another YouTube collaboration, Alex Goot lends his piano skills and unique vocal to this fun take on the classic melody. The two acts complement each other in an unexpected choice of song, making this cover a fresh, pleasant surprise. The small moments of harmony add just enough depth to the tune, and smooth transitions put this on the top of the list for both of these artists.

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