Vance Joy: Acoustic Love

“I think acoustic music can bring you closer to the one playing and singing,” Vance Joy tells Apple Music. “The directness and intimacy of it—I like hearing songs stripped back to the bare essentials.” The Melbourne singer-songwriter knows his way around a powerful tune built on just a few simple elements, particularly when it comes to picking cosy music for winter weather. For this largely unplugged playlist, he looks to established masters like Bruce Springsteen and Paul Kelly for deep emotional resonance. Spanning older and newer songs from Australia and beyond, Acoustic Love definitely lives up to its name. Press play and read on for Vance Joy’s commentary on some of his very favourites from the batch. Angus & Julia Stone, “Santa Monica Dream” “I love the storytelling of this song about love come and gone. I got to sing the harmonies with Julia when I supported her in 2013, which was very special.” Jack Johnson, “Dreams Be Dreams” “I love these lyrics: ‘You know this living is not so hard as it seems/Don’t let your dreams be dreams.’ It’s a fun song to play that cruises along. My girlfriend and I recorded a version for our friend when he was sick to cheer him up.” Sheryl Crow, “Strong Enough” “This song is a banger. What a riff! Her vocal feels so clear and raw. I love the production: It’s perfect.”