AURORA Gives ‘Across the Universe’ an Airy Reading on Like A Version
Aurora, a Norwegian singer, chose to cover The Beatles’ iconic song ‘Across The Universe,’ a track that many artists avoid, particularly after David Bowie’s 1975 version faced mixed reviews.
Aurora’s interpretation is characterized by its ethereal and mystical qualities, capturing the song’s dreamy, flowing lyrics and deep imagery. The performance was recorded during a session for triple j’s Like A Version, a program known for highlighting unique covers and original compositions.
The Like A Version session offers a quiet, intimate atmosphere that amplifies Aurora’s delicate vocal expressions without the noise of a full concert. This setting allows listeners to connect more deeply with the subtle emotional changes in the song.
Her soft, airy voice reimagines the song’s conceptual lyrics, turning the well-known melody into a fresh, emotional experience. Aurora guides the listener through the evolving phrases with a sincere and personal vocal style.
Both critics and fans praised this version, calling it magical and profoundly moving. The rendition has garnered over 3 million views, confirming its status as one of the best interpretations of this Beatles classic.
Watch the performance
Aurora’s decision to cover ‘Across The Universe’ was daring, as the song has a rich legacy with many versions. Her approach emphasizes the song’s expansive and flowing imagery rather than a structured narrative, making the performance feel like a spiritual journey.
The gentle acoustic elements in the Like A Version session highlight Aurora’s voice as the central focus. This arrangement enhances the song’s meditative nature, perfectly aligning with her vocal style.
This version doesn’t merely duplicate the original but transforms it, altering the listener’s emotional response while maintaining the song’s recognizability. Aurora’s unique vocal tone modifies the mood without sacrificing the core of the Beatles’ composition.
The performance’s nuanced adjustments to recurring lyrical phrases allow listeners to uncover fresh emotional layers with each listen, underscoring Aurora’s mastery of vocal delivery and emotional nuance.
Aurora’s rendition honors the song’s original themes of expansiveness and otherworldliness but infuses that celestial sentiment with a deeply personal and immediate feel, thanks to the intimate studio environment.
Audiences can appreciate the careful equilibrium between vocal clarity and ambient sound, ensuring the lyrics remain prominent while the atmosphere envelops the listener in a soft, comforting embrace.
This cover serves as a demonstration of Aurora’s artistic insight, illustrating her capacity to deeply engage with legendary material and make it feel fresh for modern listeners.
By selecting ‘Across The Universe’ for her cover, Aurora links her original musical identity with that of the Beatles, creating a connection across generations through music and feeling.
The Like A Version performance also emphasizes Aurora’s distinctive creativity by pairing her cover of a classic with her own original songs, highlighting her dual abilities as a performer and composer.
Aurora’s performance of ‘Across The Universe’ stands as a prime example of how a cover can honor the original while introducing fresh elements, solidifying its status as one of the song’s most cherished interpretations.
Two more performances to explore
AURORA – 'The Seed' (live for Like A Version)
Aurora performs her original track ‘The Seed’ in a Like A Version session, showcasing her songwriting process and artistic vision.
Across The Universe (2021 Mix) by The Beatles
The Beatles’ original recording of ‘Across The Universe’ serves as a foundational reference, highlighting the song’s origins and significance in Aurora’s adaptation.
