Hayley Williams drops acoustic cover of Phoebe Bridgers' 'Smoke Signals' as a message of hope during isolation
Singer-songwriter Hayley Williams, best known as the frontwoman for Paramore, has shared a beautiful cover of Phoebe Bridgers' 'Smoke Signals' on April 7. 'Smoke Signals' is from Bridgers' debut studio album 'Stranger in the Alps' and was featured on the Canadian legal drama series 'Burden of Truth'.
Bridgers is a Los Angeles-based indie rock artiste who has received critical acclaim for her music and has been described as "exquisitely raw and revealing," according to Pitchfork. She is also part of indie-rock band boygenius and the indie-rock duo Better Oblivion Community Center. Her debut album released in 2017.
On Instagram, Williams explains her choice for Bridgers' song. "Woke up today a lil heavy," she writes in a note that accompanies the video. She says, "Didn't know why just some days are like that. But then realized I am inextricably connected to my friend [Lindsey Byrnes] who's sweet father just passed away."
She continues, "One of her favs is Phoebe Bridgers so this self-serenade is actually for her since I can't hang with her or hug her tight. Check on your friends and send them your love."
Williams shared a sweet message on the matter of social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. "Just because we are all isolated right now doesn’t mean we aren't as close. Our connection to each other defies space and time," she says. Her note concludes, "and also, this is just a perfect song."
On the cover, Williams skillfully captures the same floating tenderness in her vocals as Bridgers and plays with only an acoustic guitar. Softened vocals, elevating subtly at just the right moments, and smooth pitch-perfection by the singer and it is easy to jump on the Hayley Williams hype train along with her fans.
The cover is best described as simply "beautiful", taking just a second to appreciate the meaning of the word. No autotune, no effects, just a plain old singer-with-a-guitar moment and Hayley Williams' cover reminds us of the spirit and power of raw music.
Her rendition joins the list of numerous artistes performing under quarantine who may/may not realize they are bringing a possible revival in music that is not heavy-laden in all things electrical. Let's hope we see more of this in years to come.
Williams will be releasing her new album 'Petals for Armor' on May 8. Bridgers appears on a new The 1975 single 'Garden Song' earlier this year.