The 25 best acoustic version of popular songs

MTV struck gold, especially during the 1990s, with its Unplugged series of acoustic concerts. MTV Unplugged in New York featuring Nirvana is among the most popular within the series. The album was released in November 1994, months after singer Kurt Cobain's death. It won a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Performance, and one of the great moments of the project is this acoustic version of the In Utero hit.

Midnight Oil's music was fueled with passion, regardless of whether instruments were plugged into an outlet. Any acoustic version of the Australian alternative rockers' biggest hit only proved why they enjoyed loads of international success during the 1980s and '90s. The acoustic version of "Beds Are Burning" does not lose any punch from the studio take and is one that seems perfect while rocking out around a fire on a camping trip.

Dave Grohl knows not every rock song can translate into a successful acoustic rendition. However, Grohl has knocked it out of the park any time he — alone or with help from his fellow Foos — strips down "Best of You." Then again, should we ever doubt Grohl pulling off anything musically?

As we'll see on this list, some of grunge's biggest acts enjoyed a successful stay on MTV's Unplugged stage. Pearl Jam's performance from 1992 is still talked about. Among the shining moments of the experience was this emotionally charged cut from the band's stellar debut, Ten. "Black" blended in well with the overall dynamic of the record and was perfect for the stripped-down Unplugged setting that might be the defining moment of the song's legacy.

"Black Hole Sun" is arguably Soundgarden's most popular song. In the years following the 1994 release of the smash hit, late frontman Chris Cornell would often deliver an acoustic version of the song, whether with the rest of the band or during his solo performances. Whenever the song was played in acoustic form, it felt like a refreshing take that gave fans something to look forward to hearing.  

Off 1981's High 'n' Dry album, "Bringin' On the Heartbreak" is still one of Def Leppard's best-known tracks. In concert over the years, the group has performed the track as a full-on acoustic number or a hybrid with a plugged-in guitar solo. 

"Cosmic Love" is a somewhat bombastic song in its original studio capacity. However, when taken down a notch for an acoustic performance, we can truly appreciate the magnitude of Florence Welch's wonderful voice. Perhaps because of that notion, the acoustic rendition of this song is more entertaining.

Sure, it might not be one of Radiohead's favorite songs. It's certainly one the band has avoided live. Still, it's among the group's biggest hits that introduced the world to its overall excellence. Thom Yorke and Co. didn't shy away from performing the song acoustically — perhaps to break up the monotony. The result was a successful rendition that most Radiohead fans still enjoy. 

Another stellar acoustic rendition from Dave Grohl. In its all-out, tour-de-force studio capacity, "Everlong" is brilliant. As an acoustic song, it might be even more special. Grohl is capable of making musical magic regardless of the tempo or pace. He doesn't give any less emotion whether he's sporting the acoustic or electric guitar.

Metallica fans will go back and forth about whether this Ride the Lightning classic qualifies as a ballad. Regardless, it's one of the former thrash gods' more emotional, melodic numbers. When the band performs the song as an acoustic offering, it makes even more sense. It's also an opportunity to showcase the greatness of Kirk Hammett on lead guitar.

Arguably Korn's most notable commercial hit. The band delivered an interesting take on this nu metal staple when it turned up on MTV's Unplugged — bringing in Evanescence singer Amy Lee to help Jonathan Davis on vocals added to the power and originality of this particular version. This also demonstrated that Korn as a collective was able to reinvent itself successfully.

One of the late legend's most underappreciated songs. Off 1987's Sign o' the Times, it's another song that highlights Prince's tremendous guitar work and is equally as enjoyable in an acoustic form. Since Prince had plenty of hits, he often put together some memorable medleys of his songs during live shows. This track was part of those concert moments, which, when played acoustically, never lost any flare from the original. 

The original studio version of this power ballad from Warrant's 1990 Cherry Pie record was piano-heavy, complete with the token distorted guitar solo that made for an instant MTV hit. However, the stripped-down acoustic performance of the song seems more genuine and showcases the vocal talent of late frontman Jani Lane. This offered Warrant more credibility than other hair metal bands of the time.

Another special MTV Unplugged moment. This time, featuring Robert Smith and The Cure. The band's acoustic version of this beloved commercial gem was pulled off without a hitch. Maybe because Smith and Co. are just very good musicians capable of making anything sound "just like heaven." 

Clapton's 1992 Unplugged version of his 1971 Derek and the Dominos classic may be the best acoustic version of a previously recorded song by the same artist. It's a different dynamic in terms of sound but does not take away anything from the song's legacy. Instead, it may have enhanced it. Acoustic "Layla" earned heavy rotation on MTV and helped the album sell 26 million copies and win a whopping six Grammy Awards.

Another gem from MTV's Unplugged series. Arguably the Maniacs' most recognizable song, this acoustic version of the band's hit was every bit as good as the studio release. Natalie Merchant's voice sounded even better in 1993 than when the track was initially released in 1987. 

"Maps" is an emotional song in its charged-up, angst-fueled original studio capacity. However, there's something more potent and moving about the acoustic version. Karen O's song about her time with Liars singer Angus Andrew works in either format, yet it's genuine when a relationship song is brought down to the bare-bones level. That's the case here, and it works better than most.

From Born in the U.S.A., this is one of The Boss' more underrated tracks. For a portion of the 1980s, Springsteen delivered an acoustic version during his massively popular live shows with the E Street Band. That take was featured on his uber-successful Live/1975–85 album, which included several of Springsteen's biggest hits in their stripped-down greatness. 

When Kiss got together for a 1995 Unplugged session, this acoustic version of its rock anthem was the undisputed highlight. Perhaps because original members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss were part of the performance — back when Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons were getting along with that pair. It's still one of the great moments in the history of a band that's certainly had its share over the decades.

The truth is, the Stones can make anything sound good. When it came to the band's 1995 Stripped album, one of the highlights was the acoustic take of this up-tempo classic from 1968. This version does not lose any of its original hard-charging luster and still packs a punch.

Legend has it that the acoustic performances of "Livin' on a Prayer" and "Wanted Dead or Alive" by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora from the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards had a hand in inspiring the network's Unplugged series. That version of "Wanted," which already had that country feel about it, is one of the defining moments in Bon Jovi's legacy. With and without the band, Jon Bon Jovi has continued to perform the song in its acoustic form.

"The Wire" is one of the Haim sisters' most popular songs and usually a highlight of their stellar shows. So, when Danielle, Este, and Alana decided to tear down this pop-rocker and offer an acoustic performance for Nova's Red Room live music platform, they did not disappoint. 

After years of playing the same song repeatedly, bands need to find a way to avoid boredom. Townshend's acoustic version of The Who's bombastic, epic closer from 1971's Who's Next is simply sterling. This specific one-man performance is a must-listen for any fan. Sure, there are no Keith Moon antics behind the drum kit or Roger Daltrey scream, but it's Townshend in his rawest form and completely original.

Alice in Chains was as heavy as it came, even before the rise of the grunge movement, but the band also shined in a raw approach. No better example is that of this Unplugged version of "Would?" One of the band's biggest hits was equally as powerful in acoustic form. The harmonization between late vocalist Layne Staley and guitarist Jerry Cantrell might have been even more gripping. 

Since its release in 2013, Cyrus has offered various versions of the famed pop ballad that was her first No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100. One of the better acoustic takes of the track came at the 2013 Bambi Awards. If anything, this performance truly showed off Cyrus' powerful voice — something that tends to get lost in the visual aspects of her live shows. One of her best assets as a singer is shining bright in a simple, straightforward setting.