AURORA’s Ethereal ‘Across The Universe’ Cover Stuns on Like A Version
Norwegian singer Aurora undertook a challenging musical step by covering The Beatles’ legendary song ‘Across The Universe,’ a piece many artists shy away from, especially after David Bowie’s 1975 rendition received mixed critical feedback.
Aurora’s version is distinctively ethereal and mystical, embracing the song’s dreamy, flowing lyricism and profound imagery. Her performance was captured during a studio session for triple j’s Like A Version, a show famous for showcasing unique covers and original songs.
The Like A Version session provides an intimate environment, enhancing Aurora’s delicate vocal nuances without the distraction of a large concert production. This setting brings listeners closer to the subtle emotional shifts in the song.
Her soft, airy voice gives new life to the song’s conceptual lyrics, transforming the familiar melody into a fresh, emotive experience. Aurora guides the listener through the evolving phrases with a sincere and intimate vocal delivery.
Critics and fans alike praised this rendition, calling it magical and deeply moving. Over 3 million views underscore its popularity and affirm it as one of the finest interpretations of this Beatles classic.
Watch the performance
Aurora’s choice to cover ‘Across The Universe’ was bold, as it is a song with a rich history and numerous renditions. Her particular approach focuses on the song’s expansive and flowing imagery rather than a structured narrative, making the performance feel like a spiritual journey.
The gentle accompaniment in the Like A Version studio emphasizes acoustic elements, allowing Aurora’s voice to be the focal point. This arrangement supports the song’s meditative quality, perfectly complementing her vocal style.
This cover does not just replicate the original but reinterprets it, changing the listener’s emotional connection while keeping song recognition intact. Aurora’s distinctive voice reshapes the mood without losing the essence of the Beatles’ composition.
The performance’s subtle variations on repeated lyrical phrases invite listeners to discover new emotional depths on each listen, highlighting Aurora’s skill in vocal phrasing and emotional expression.
Aurora’s interpretation respects the song’s original themes of vastness and ethereality but brings that cosmic sentiment to a very personal and immediate level, thanks to the intimate studio setting.
Listeners can appreciate the careful balance between vocal clarity and atmospheric sound, which ensures the lyrics remain front and center while the mood envelops the audience in a gentle embrace.
This cover stands as a testament to Aurora’s artistic sensitivity, proving her ability to engage deeply with iconic material and make it resonate anew with contemporary audiences.
By embracing ‘Across The Universe’ for her cover, Aurora connects her original musical world with that of the Beatles, offering a bridge between generations through sound and emotion.
The Like A Version performance also highlights Aurora’s unique artistry by pairing her cover of a classic with her own compositions, showcasing her dual talents as an interpreter and original songwriter.
Overall, Aurora’s rendition of ‘Across The Universe’ remains a definitive example of how a cover version can be both reverent and innovative, earning a special place among the most beloved renditions of the song.
Two more performances to explore
AURORA – 'The Seed' (live for Like A Version)
This video features Aurora performing an original song ‘The Seed’ in the same Like A Version session, providing insight into her own songwriting style alongside her cover work.
Across The Universe (2021 Mix) by The Beatles
The original Beatles’ recording of ‘Across The Universe’ offers listeners the foundational version of the song, making it an essential companion for understanding Aurora’s reinterpretation.
