There’s this weird phenomenon where I always like the live version more than the studio recording. I don’t exactly know what it is about live versions, but they just seem to resonate with me more. This comes with the release of Gracie Abrams’s new song “I Love You, I’m Sorry (Live)”. 

There’s a note change in the last chorus of the song and when she sings the lyrics “to prove that it haunts me” she goes up and octave and hold it for a bit longer. This not only showcases her vocals but it also conveys more emotion. This moment went viral on TikTok and for good reason. This sparked a realization in me that Live Recording just overall portray the singers’ vocals and emotions a lot more clearly than studio recordings. 

In studio recordings the vocals are slightly covered up with effects and there’s always some autotune because they want it to sound perfect. But the imperfections are what make it that much better. 

Another live recording I really love is also by Gracie Abrams, an artist that really shines live. Her song “I Know It Wont Work” has a live version that has a live band and also her little changes here and there just make the song more enjoyable, as someone who does not really like her studio versions. 

I also enjoy listening to live albums that artists will put out from their tours. 

Here are some that I think are worth a listen. 

1. “I Love You, I’m Sorry” by Gracie Abrams
2. “I Know It Wont Work” by Gracie Abrams
3. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
4. “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls
5. “My Honest Face” by Inhaler