AURORA’s discography is as enchanting as her stage presence. She’s released 51 singles – including 12 as a featured artist – plus 12 promotional singles and 27 music videos. Her studio catalogue spans five albums, one compilation, one soundtrack, and seven EPs (five of them compilations).
But beyond the numbers lies a voice that reimagines music itself. With a range of versions to her name, AURORA moves effortlessly from the ethereal to the iconic – breathing new life into everything from Bowie’s Life on Mars? to Nat King Cole’s Nature Boy. Her interpretations of classics – from The Beatles to Ariana Grande – are not just covers; they’re transformations. Whether it’s the fragile beauty of Half the World Away or the haunting pulse of Teardrop, every note she touches becomes unmistakably hers.
We’ve selected 15 of AURORA’s most powerful cover performances. These tracks highlight her ability to reinterpret familiar songs with striking originality. Each one showcases why she continues to stand out as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music.
Life on Mars? (David Bowie Cover)
A classic reimagined with reverence and quiet wonder – this one still gives people chills.
AURORA’s version of David Bowie’s “Life on Mars?” remains her most beloved cover. She has mesmerised audiences with this song since her early days. Her take on the glam rock anthem brings a haunting beauty through her unique Nordic style.
You can listen to AURORA’s official recording of “Life on Mars?” alongside David Bowie’s below:
The Haunting Vocal Delivery
The ethereal quality AURORA brings to Bowie’s classic turns it into something magical – almost like a lullaby to many listeners. She takes a gentle yet powerful approach. The highest notes come out softest, unlike Bowie’s powerful original delivery. This creates a questioning, vulnerable tone that captures the song’s yearning perfectly.
Her performance with pianist Askjell at Nidarosdomen showed even deeper emotions. She seems to connect more deeply with the lyrics’ emotional core without instruments.
How AURORA Reimagined Bowie’s Classic
AURORA’s musical reinvention of the song shows true artistry:
- The key changes to match her vocal range
- The tempo slows down substantially, stretching from 4 to 6 minutes
- The melody’s rhythm follows natural speech patterns instead of Bowie’s straight eighth notes
- The dynamics shift to make “is there life on Mars?” sound more questioning
AURORA’s connection to the song runs deep. “I just really understand ‘the girl with the mousey hair’… she gets quite disappointed over the world and she hears about this greater, more beautiful life that might be out there somewhere” reports Gigwise.
Performance History and Notable Renditions
The Norwegian artist first recorded this cover for HBO’s Girls soundtrack on February 19, 2016. Her appearance on The Howard Stern Show that July 25 brought her artistry to many new fans.
Some standout performances include:
- A touching tribute at London’s Union Chapel right after Bowie’s death that fans called “apt and beautifully done”
- The remarkable Nidarosdomen version that fans love
- Multiple appearances on BBC’s Radio 1 Live Lounge
Fan Reactions to AURORA’s Interpretation
Fans have embraced AURORA’s cover wholeheartedly. “I think I like hers better than Bowie’s,” one fan admitted, while acknowledging this might sound like “heresy”. Someone else became “completely obsessed” after hearing her on Howard Stern’s show.
Critics share the enthusiasm. covermesongs.com said it would “have you in tears.” Another review called it “absolutely spellbinding”. Howard Stern praised both her performance and storytelling abilities.
Nature Boy (Nat King Cole Cover)
She makes a century-old standard feel like it was written for her – and maybe it was.
Nat King Cole’s “Nature Boy” offers the perfect canvas that showcases AURORA’s otherworldly vocal style. Her stripped-down version of this jazz standard has evolved into one of her most hauntingly beautiful cover songs that captivates listeners with its simplicity and emotional depth.
You can listen to AURORA’s official recording of “Nature Boy” alongside Nat “King” Cole’s below:
AURORA’s Ethereal Take on a Jazz Standard
AURORA’s take on “Nature Boy” sounds like it comes from somewhere in outer space. The Norwegian singer creates an atmosphere both intimate and expansive. Her distinctive vocal interpretation proves why she ranks among today’s unique artists.
Her cover caught the world’s attention after appearing in the “Alien: Covenant” trailer, which brought many new listeners to her artistry. This version shows how she honours the original while adding her unique Nordic touch – a trait that runs through all her covers.
Vocal Techniques That Revolutionise the Song
AURORA’s rendition stands out because she uses pure, unmixed head voice throughout the performance. She welcomes the natural break between chest and head voice, unlike many pop singers today. This creates a distinctive vocal texture.
Her “Nature Boy” cover shines through these technical elements:
- She controls dynamics dramatically and sings the highest notes softest
- Her breath control uses just the right amount of air
- The higher register carries a bright, light quality
- She knows how to move between powerful delivery and delicate phrasing
Half the World Away (Oasis Cover)
It made her a household name.
AURORA, the Norwegian singer, rocketed to fame when her cover of “Half the World Away” appeared in one of the UK’s most eagerly awaited TV moments – the 2015 John Lewis Christmas advertisement. The young artist took this Oasis rock classic and turned it into something delicate and moving.
You can listen to AURORA’s official recording of “Half the World Away” alongside Oasis’ below:
The John Lewis Christmas Advertisement That Made It Famous
The 2015 John Lewis Christmas campaign “Man on the Moon” featured AURORA’s voice, reaching millions of UK viewers. AURORA became the youngest artist to receive this seasonal honour at just 19 years old.
The touching advertisement wanted to spotlight Age UK. It showed a young girl who discovers a lonely old man living on the moon and sends him a Christmas gift – a telescope. AURORA shared the story behind this life-changing moment:
“I was playing a show in England in July, and I think one of the guys from John Lewis was there at my London show and apparently they liked something about me and my band and later we got a mail offering us to record this song – and we did!”
Musical Arrangement Analysis
Critics called AURORA’s take on the Oasis track a “wistful piano ditty”. The arrangement stands out with:
- A simple instrumental backdrop built around piano
- Light, ethereal vocals with a distinct Nordic quality
- A slower pace that creates room for reflection
- Smart dynamic shifts that bring out the emotional lyrics
Music experts say the sheet music shows a medium-level arrangement that keeps the song’s thoughtful nature while adding AURORA’s unique vocal style.
How AURORA’s Version Is Different from the Original
AURORA swapped out the guitar-heavy original for a piano-led sound. Her singing style is nowhere near Noel Gallagher’s. One critic said she brings a “Bjork-esque resonance: light, fluttering, moody and quivering with emotional pull” reported Stereogum.
Critical Reception
The cover sparked mixed reactions. Many people loved AURORA’s interpretation, but Oasis fans took to social media to claim their favourite song was “ruined”. Alan McGee, Oasis’s former manager, didn’t mince words: “I think it’s rubbish… I’m pleased for Noel that he got his royalties”.
The song’s commercial success spoke volumes – it climbed to the top 5 on iTunes in both the UK and Norway. Noel Gallagher, the songwriter, saw the bright side and said: “at least it comes with a cheque, which, believe me, is highly worthwhile” reported Gigwise.
Teardrop (Massive Attack Cover)
Stripped back, slowed down, and somehow even more haunting.
AURORA delivered a stunning take on Massive Attack’s electronic masterpiece “Teardrop” during triple j’s “Like A Version” segment in 2017. She called the English group “magnificent” before her performance, showing genuine admiration for the original artists.
You can listen to the original by Massive Attack below:
Stripping Down an Electronic Classic
The haunting essence of Massive Attack’s 1998 hit shines through AURORA’s unique artistic perspective. Magnus on drums and Freddy on guitar created a stripped-back arrangement that let her crystal-clear voice shine. A listener described it perfectly as “a nice Cranberries vibe smashed into the loveliest of Massive Attack songs”.
Her keyboard skills complemented her vocal talent beautifully. The performance struck a perfect balance between paying tribute to the original and creating something fresh. This rendition later found its place on “Triple J: Like A Version 13,” released on October 6, 2017.
AURORA’s Vocal Approach
The performance showcases her incredibly warm and resonant vocals with supreme range. She uses her voice masterfully as both an instrument and storytelling tool. Fans often mention her “siren voice” quality, which perfectly matches the original’s ethereal nature.
How the Cover Captures the Song’s Essence
This cover has struck a chord with audiences, reaching over 18 million views on a single posted version. Fans praise her ability to make the song her own while staying true to its core. Comments like “This is god level” and “This is perfection” flood the video.
She handled Liz Fraser’s original vocals with respect while adding her unique touch. A Reddit user summed it up: “This is literally the only cover of Teardrop that holds up against the original”. The song became a staple in AURORA’s live shows from 2019, proving its lasting impact on her repertoire.
Across the Universe (The Beatles Cover)
She doesn’t just sing this song – she floats through it.
John Lennon believed “Across the Universe” was perhaps his finest and most poetic lyric. AURORA shares this view. She expressed her deep love for the Beatles song in an Idolator interview. This admiration ended up leading to her captivating performance for Australian radio channel Triple J’s Like A Version series in 2019.
You can listen to the original by The Beatles below:
Reimagining a Beatles Classic
AURORA showed her talent to revolutionise iconic songs through this rendition. She surprised everyone at her Triple J session by announcing, “I never play piano live but I’m going to do it today because I’m feeling wild”. This unexpected piano accompaniment brought a new dimension to her interpretation, since she usually concentrates on vocals.
The arrangement incorporated several thoughtful elements:
- Band members created an intimate atmosphere by facing each other in a circle
- Backing vocalists matched AURORA’s tonal qualities
- A stripped-down musical approach highlighted vocal clarity
A reviewer noted that “having the slight unison and then almost like power chord harmony at the end was really interesting”. This showed how cleverly the arrangement deviated from the original version.
AURORA’s Cosmic Interpretation
AURORA’s vocal approach to the Beatles classic lined up perfectly with its transcendental themes. The original song, written in 1967-1968, reflected Lennon’s deep connection with Transcendental Meditation and included the Sanskrit mantra “Jai guru deva om.”
Her performance brought ethereal qualities that listeners found magical. One fan observed that “every song just takes you somewhere and she does that with her covers not just with her original music”. She displayed exceptional vocal control as she moved between soft and powerful delivery.
Performance Context and Significance
The cover came out officially on May 31, 2019, and later became part of “Triple J: Like A Version 15” compilation. She performed it again at the Verftet Online Music Festival in 2020, which showed the song’s importance in her repertoire.
Fans responded with overwhelming enthusiasm. A Beatles enthusiast wearing a Beatles shirt found the performance so impressive that it inspired him to “go back and actually maybe give the Beatles a chance”. Another viewer noted that “the whole of that performance was this quieter more thoughtful approach… she really made it her own”.
Rasputin (Boney M. Cover)
Disco fever dream into an intimate acoustic séance.
In a departure from Boney M.’s 1978 disco hit, AURORA offers a stripped-down, acoustic rendition of “Rasputin” that reimagines the tale of Russia’s infamous mystic. Performed live on September 9, 2021, her version trades the original’s dance-floor energy for a haunting, ethereal atmosphere. Accompanied by delicate guitar work, AURORA’s nuanced vocals breathe new life into the narrative of Grigori Rasputin, emphasizing the song’s storytelling elements over its disco roots.
This reinterpretation showcases AURORA’s ability to deconstruct a well-known track and infuse it with her distinctive style, offering listeners a fresh perspective on a classic.
You can listen to the original by Boney M below:
A Song Reborn as a Folk Ballad
The original version of “Rasputin” is packed with infectious rhythm and campy lyrics about one of history’s most notorious figures. But AURORA pulls the disco out and leans hard into the myth. Her performance transforms the song into a soft-spoken story laced with tension. Backed by little more than fingerpicked guitar, she delivers each line like a Nordic bard passing down legend.
This isn’t parody. It’s respect—told with a smirk.
Vocal Delivery That Shifts the Whole Meaning
What makes this cover work is AURORA’s restraint. There’s no dance beat, no dramatic flair. Instead, she keeps her voice intimate and dry, using precise phrasing and tonal control to ground the lyrics in something ancient and eerie. The famous refrain—”Ra ra Rasputin, lover of the Russian queen”—lands like a whisper from a ghost rather than a club chant.
The effect is chilling, and intentional.
Baby Mine (Betty Noyes Cover)
A lullaby that broke hearts before – now it haunts and heals in equal measure.
AURORA brought new life to Disney’s Golden Era tender lullaby “Baby Mine” from the 1941 animated classic Dumbo through her delicate interpretation for the 2019 live-action remake trailer. She recorded this beautiful cover while touring in Brazil during October 2017. This Disney partnership marked her first collaboration before she later contributed to Frozen II.
The Emotional Depth AURORA Brings to the Lullaby
The original song tells a heartbreaking story where Dumbo’s mother cradles her baby elephant through prison bars. AURORA’s ethereal voice captures this maternal tenderness perfectly. Her take on this Academy Award-nominated song stays true to its message of unconditional love while adding her unique otherworldly touch.
She shared with NRK: “I’ve always been very fond of little Dumbo, so that was really nice”. This personal connection shines through her performance. Her vulnerable delivery lifts this song, which AFI recognised as one of America’s greatest film songs, into something hauntingly beautiful.
Arrangement and Production Elements
AURORA created a remarkably polished product despite recording on short notice during her tour. She mentioned, “I learned that I had to visit a studio to record a song that might be used in a trailer”. The arrangement keeps Frank Churchill’s original melody and Ned Washington’s lyrics, which helped this lullaby touch generations.
Her version stands apart from other film covers, such as Sharon Rooney and Arcade Fire’s interpretations in the actual 2019 film, as it was created specifically for promotional materials.
Mr. Tambourine Man (Bob Dylan Cover)
Dylan wrote it. She found something new hiding in it.
Bob Dylan’s music shaped AURORA’s experience from her early days. Blonde on Blonde became the first album she bought. Her version of “Mr. Tambourine Man” shows the deep musical bond that guided her artistic path.
You can listen to the original by Bob Dylan below:
AURORA’s Nordic Folk Influence on Dylan’s Poetry
AURORA brings her Nordic folk touch to Dylan’s poetic masterpiece. She creates something that stays true to the original while adding her own ethereal elements. Her musical ideas strike a chord with Dylan’s vision. She once said: “From very early on I felt that music should reflect the world politically. I’ve always felt that was the true purpose of music”.
This shared philosophy explains her deep connection to Dylan’s work. She told NRK about her lifelong bond with the song: “‘Mr. Tambourine Man’ by Bob Dylan, I often heard it in the house when I was little. It has been with me on the experience through life until now. And when I got older, I also understood what it’s really about, so it always became an exciting song, one with surprises!”
Vocal Delivery and Interpretation
Critics often describe AURORA’s voice as “ethereal,” and this quality shines in her take on “Mr. Tambourine Man.” Her unique vocal style uses vocables like “ah,” “oh,” and “la” to add texture to the song.
AURORA revolutionises Dylan’s folk classic through her unique viewpoint, just like her other covers. She keeps the production minimal to let her crystal-clear voice lead the way.
Live Performance Magic
AURORA played “Mr. Tambourine Man” at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen on September 18, 2015. She knows how to create intimate moments with her audience. The cover struck such a chord with fans that it ended up as a bonus track on the French deluxe version of her debut album All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend.
Critics note her live shows feature “yearning modalities” that fit Dylan’s searching, philosophical lyrics perfectly. Her piano skills rarely come out during live shows, but these intimate moments add emotional depth to her interpretations.
Walking in the Air (Howard Blake Cover)
A childhood classic reawakened.
AURORA brought new magic to “Walking in the Air” from the beloved 1982 animated film The Snowman with her crystal-clear vocals. She first performed this ethereal composition live in December 2014, and fans worldwide got to hear the official single on November 28, 2019.
You can listen to AURORA’s official recording of “Walking In The Air” alongside Howard Blake’s below:
The Winter Classic Reimagined
AURORA gave her followers a special Christmas gift in December 2015 – a free studio recording download through Facebook and SoundCloud. She shared a heartfelt message: “Thank you so much for the support this year. I wanted to find a special way to say thank you. So now you can download ‘Walking In The Air’ for FREE!”.
The song came out just months before her debut album and marked an early career milestone. Her choice of this particular song showed her deep connection with nature, as she later explained: “I’m very, very passionate about the earth and the nature. I believe it’s the one thing that can really help people”.
AURORA’s Vocal Range Showcase
Devoted fans call the Nidarosdomen performance “probably the best live showcase of her vocals ever”. Her rendition displays an impressive soprano range from F3 to D6. The performance features several stunning high notes:
- G5 notes that show her upper register control
- F5 passages that display her dynamic abilities
- E5 segments that reveal her distinctive vocal colour
The cover lets listeners experience her vocal range fully, from A3 in the lower sections to soaring high notes that highlight her ethereal tone quality.
Cultural Impact of Her Version
The AURORA fan community praised the Nidarosdomen concert recording passionately. Many fans called “that entire concert a masterpiece”. One listener shared: “When I first heard it, a rush of memories hit me from my childhood, as the Snowman was one of the first if not the very first video I ever saw in my life”.
AURORA’s interpretation creates a unique bridge between generations. It connects those who grew up watching the original animation with new audiences who now discover both the story and her artistry. Fans rank this cover “among her finest recordings”, making it a standout piece in her collection of reimagined classics.
God is a Woman (Ariana Grande Cover)
Same message. Very different sermon.
AURORA brought a magical twist to Ariana Grande’s sultry pop anthem “God Is a Woman” during a live session for NRK P3 radio in 2018. The Norwegian singer’s unexpected cover, which aired on October 4, 2018, showed her remarkable range to interpret songs from different genres.
You can listen to the original by Ariana Grande below:
Transforming Pop into AURORA’s Unique Style
The confident pop hit took on a completely new identity as AURORA turned it into something otherworldly yet deeply human. She recorded this version quickly as part of a YouTube challenge, demonstrating her natural gift to reimagine modern songs through her unique perspective. Her piano accompaniment made this performance even more special, since she rarely plays piano during live shows.
AURORA shared her thoughts after the performance: “It’s very clear that it’s about sex but it’s in a very beautiful way I think. Because it’s like a nymph, that here it is so good”. She managed to keep the original’s sensual essence while adding her signature ethereal touch.
Lyrical Interpretation Differences
The song’s title caught AURORA’s attention first, and she picked it without knowing its full meaning. She later admitted: “I didn’t know that when I chose the song. I noticed it, and it’s very hip language. I don’t have any swag in my body”.
Grande’s modern slang like “ain’t” and “you ain’t afraid” amused AURORA, highlighting the difference between her poetic style and Grande’s contemporary language. In spite of that, she found the song’s core message “really nice,” even though it differed from her usual expression.
Fan Community Response
The unexpected cover sparked enthusiastic reactions from listeners who noted:
- “It’s impossible not to picture Aurora herself – the goddess of weirdness, wonder, and unapologetic self-expression”
- “This isn’t just music; it’s alchemy”
- “Way better than the original”
The performance struck a chord deeply with existing fans and newcomers alike. Finding the official recording became difficult after NRK P3 made their YouTube videos private in late 2022. They added lower-quality versions to their site in September 2023.
Golden (Harry Styles Cover)
She turned a sunset drive into a slow-motion dream.
AURORA gave a tender spin to Harry Styles’ “Fine Line” track “Golden” during BBC Radio 1’s Piano Sessions on April 24, 2022. She also performed her original track “A Temporary High,” which added another layer to her interpretive talents.
You can listen to the original by Harry Styles below:
AURORA’s Ethereal Take on Modern Pop
AURORA brought her signature otherworldly quality to Styles’ upbeat pop hit. Her rendition resonated with listeners who found it “just as ethereal and beautiful live”. This showed how her unique vocal style reshapes contemporary music. The Norwegian singer’s “ethereal, electro-pop” style blended perfectly with Styles’ melodic composition.
Fans praised her “really nice arrangement” that kept the emotional heart of the original while creating an entirely different atmosphere. The performance stood out as one of the rare moments where AURORA played piano and sang simultaneously in public.
Arrangement Choices and Production
AURORA sang and played piano with an acoustic guitarist by her side. This simple setup let her voice shine through without losing musical richness.
The production layered the instruments:
- Low register: AURORA’s left hand on piano
- Mid register: Freddy’s guitar accompaniment
- High register: AURORA’s right hand piano work
Listeners felt this thoughtful arrangement “fits her style amazingly”. The essence of Styles’ composition remained intact throughout.
How She Makes the Song Her Own
AURORA made “Golden” uniquely hers through her distinctive vocal techniques and piano style. Her version proved that songs are never truly ‘finished’ on albums but keep evolving. She honoured the original while creating something completely new, much like her other successful covers.
In the Night (The Weeknd Cover)
All the pain’s still there – but now it whispers instead of screams.
AURORA gave listeners a pleasant surprise with an unexpected acoustic version of The Weeknd’s “In the Night” during her BBC Radio 2 session on March 4, 2016. This choice showed her ability to reshape contemporary hits in a variety of genres.
You can listen to the original by The Weeknd below:
Dark Pop Transformed Through AURORA’s Lens
The Norwegian artist gave this dark pop track a complete makeover. She stripped away the dance-heavy production and opted for a simpler approach. The song’s lyrics tell a story about childhood sexual abuse and trauma, which creates a striking contrast with AURORA’s gentle vocal delivery. She managed to keep the emotional depth while rebuilding the musical structure from scratch.
Her version came down to just a few key elements:
- Her signature crystal-clear vocals
- Backing harmonies from two male singers and another woman
- Basic guitar accompaniment
- Simple percussion
Emotional Resonance and Vocal Technique
AURORA’s artistic style is quite different from The Weeknd’s, yet she handled the dark lyrics with remarkable skill. Her take on the song showed she really understood its serious undertones, especially its references to Marilyn Monroe’s survival story.
Her voice carried that familiar “ethereal” quality throughout the performance. The added harmonies brought depth to the overall sound, creating what one listener described as a richer experience, especially when listening and not watching.
Critical Analysis of Her Interpretation
Critics loved how AURORA reshaped the song instead of just copying it. One reviewer noted, “I love that Aurora always switches up her covers – they never sound like the original”. Others appreciated how she “makes things her own” while keeping some original elements intact.
This cover perfectly shows AURORA’s philosophy about covering songs: “Make a song your own… you’re not challenging the song if you’re not making it any different”.
So Long, Marianne (Leonard Cohen Cover)
Not just a tribute – more like a quiet conversation with a ghost.
AURORA paid a touching tribute to legendary poet-songwriter Leonard Cohen with her version of “So Long, Marianne” at Thalia Hall in Chicago shortly after his death in November 2016. Her heartfelt performance revealed a deep connection to Cohen’s artistic legacy and showed how she could make iconic songs uniquely her own.
You can listen to the original by Leonard Cohen below:
Honouring Cohen’s Poetic Legacy
Cohen’s music has been part of AURORA’s life since childhood, and she openly credits him as a major artistic influence. She first sang “So Long, Marianne” on November 11, 2016, just days after Cohen’s passing. The timing made this cover more than just another performance – it became a heartfelt goodbye to a musical giant whose poetic style matched AURORA’s own way with words.
The song tells Cohen’s goodbye to his muse Marianne Ihlen, whom he met in Greece’s Hydra island during the 1960s. AURORA’s performance showed how Cohen could turn his personal stories into universal tales of love and loss.
AURORA’s Vocal Interpretation
AURORA’s crystal-clear voice lights up Cohen’s poetic lyrics with fresh emotional depth. She captures the sadness and warmth of the original while adding her signature ethereal sound. Her approach differs from Cohen’s deeper, spoken-word style as she brings an uplifting quality to lines like “your letters they say that you’re beside me now, then why do I feel alone?”
The backup singers blend with her voice perfectly. They add depth without taking over her lead performance. They were not too loud, not too soft but provided just the perfect amount to bring that song to life.
The Emotional Impact of Her Version
People watching noticed how AURORA loses herself in the performance. They saw that after singing, “her eyes were still closed and she was still in the moment of that song.” She seemed to “enter her own head, her own world” while performing. This deep connection created what fans called a “Zen moment” that touched listeners deeply.
Fans felt her take on the song brought “so much more emotion” than the original. She created something special that both honoured and reimagined Cohen’s classic.
Make You Feel My Love (Bob Dylan Cover)
She doesn’t belt it. She barely breathes it. And it hits even harder.
During the pandemic challenges, AURORA gave a soul-stirring performance of “Make You Feel My Love” at SOS Ole Bull in Bergen, Norway on August 15, 2020. This special concert helped support the struggling local music scene. She took Bob Dylan’s classic, later made famous by Adele, and knew how to turn familiar songs into deeply personal experiences.
You can listen to the original by Bob Dylan and the most famous version by Adele below:
AURORA’s Emotional Delivery
AURORA brought remarkable intimacy to this ballad. She sang with such gentle control that listeners felt she performed just for them. Her voice became an emotional instrument throughout the performance:
- The soft singing controlled the song’s emotional temperature
- Her interpretation drew listeners in with an intimate feeling
- Delicate phrasing remained even during powerful moments
She brought fragile strength to Dylan’s lyrics. The straightforward love song became something more complex and nuanced under her interpretation.
Arrangement and Production Elements
The SOS Ole Bull performance kept accompaniment minimal. Her crystalline vocals stayed the central focus. The arrangement stripped down to its barest elements sometimes resembled an a cappella style. This simple approach contrasted sharply with other artists’ produced versions.
Her organ playing added a special touch to the performance. She accompanied herself so simplistically yet effectively. This understated instrumental approach let the lyrics’ emotional weight shine through.
How It Stands Apart from Other Covers of This Song
AURORA’s interpretation brought a distinctly Nordic sensibility to Dylan’s composition, unlike Adele’s powerhouse version that topped charts worldwide. Her rendition made the song feel both ancient and timeless. The romantic declaration evolved into a profound meditation on connection.
She understood the song as a poem and took it a notch down from singing toward a more spoken-word style. This approach created a more questioning, vulnerable atmosphere compared to other versions.
The vulnerability and visceral quality made AURORA’s version truly special.
La La La (Naughty Boy Cover)
What started as a pop track leaves as a folk spell.
AURORA’s three live covers of Naughty Boy’s dance hit “La La La” perfectly demonstrate her transformative artistry. She recorded these performances for NRK P3 in 2015 and 2020, along with a Radio Hamburg session on March 8, 2016. Each version showcases how she completely reimagines popular songs through her unique artistic lens.
You can listen to the original by Naughty Boy below:
Transforming a Dance Hit
The original “La La La” featuring Sam Smith got massive popularity with over 1.3 billion YouTube views, despite mixed reactions to its unusual music video. AURORA took this electronic dance track and applied her characteristic stripped-down style, which dramatically changed its fundamental character. Her reinterpretation turned an upbeat club track into something almost meditative—a change that unveiled hidden emotional depths within the composition.
She built her minimalist arrangement around gentle guitar picking patterns that created a completely different foundation for the song. A listener noted, “She really transformed that song… making it into an intimate song”. This reimagining shows her gift to find beauty in unexpected places, particularly in pop songs others might dismiss.
AURORA’s Vocal Techniques
AURORA’s distinctive vocal techniques lift this cover to new heights. She fearlessly uses her pure, unmixed head voice—a signature element that sets her apart from other pop vocalists. Listeners can hear the transition between her chest and head voice, with a falsetto flip that adds texture to her performances.
The irresistible “la-la-ing” at the end creates “goose bumps down your arms with its wall of sound production”. Male vocals in certain sections add emotional depth that wasn’t obvious in the original version.
The Artistic Reimagining Process
AURORA’s reimagining process goes beyond performing another artist’s song—she reveals alternative dimensions within familiar material. She strips down pop songs and creates acoustic versions that make listeners connect more deeply with both her interpretation and the original.
Her talent lies in “making you listen, making you pay attention” to elements that production-heavy originals might hide. This approach highlights her interpretive talents and shows why her covers continue to fascinate both critics and fans alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AURORA’s most popular cover song?
AURORA’s cover of David Bowie’s “Life on Mars?” is widely considered her most celebrated and popular cover song. It has been performed live 24 times and gained significant attention after her appearance on The Howard Stern Show.
How does AURORA approach covering well-known songs?
AURORA transforms familiar songs by stripping them down to minimal arrangements and applying her ethereal vocal style. She often reimagines pop and rock songs as intimate, acoustic pieces that reveal new emotional depths in the original compositions.
Which artists has AURORA covered most frequently?
AURORA has covered a diverse range of artists, but she seems to have a particular affinity for Bob Dylan, having covered multiple songs including “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Make You Feel My Love”. She also frequently covers David Bowie songs.
How do AURORA’s covers differ from the original versions?
AURORA’s covers often feature dramatically different arrangements from the originals, typically with stripped-down instrumentation that emphasises her vocals. She also tends to slow down the tempo and add her signature “ethereal” quality to the songs, creating a more introspective mood.
What vocal techniques does AURORA use in her cover songs?
AURORA employs several distinctive vocal techniques in her covers, including using her pure head voice, incorporating audible transitions between chest and head voice, and adding texture through falsetto flips. She also often uses layered harmonies and gentle dynamics to create emotional depth.
