5 A Cappella Groups That Put A New Twist On Your Old Favorites | The Odyssey Online
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5 A Cappella Groups That Put A New Twist On Your Old Favorites

A cappella music is great for studying, long car rides, and even singing along with friends.

Raaga Rambhatla
May 09, 2018
Rutgers University
61
5 A Cappella Groups That Put A New Twist On Your Old Favorites
Penn Masala / Instagram

So lately, I've been pretty obsessed with a cappella music. And what better way to obsess some more than by dedicating an entire article to it?!

For any noobs out there, a cappella (sometimes spelled acapella) is a type of music in which no instruments are used. In other words, all the singing is done with the mouth. Yikes!

There's something about a cappella music that is just so beautiful and pleasant. It also blows my mind how a capella groups can harmonize and hit the instrumentals perfectly without any accompaniment.

Most of you probably think of "Pitch Perfect" when you think of a cappella. Don't get me wrong, The Barden Bellas and The Treblemakers are pretty amazing, but there's a whole another realm of a cappella music that you're missing out on. Without further ado, I present to you some a cappella groups that need to be in your music library right now.

1. Pentatonix

Also known as PTX, Pentatonix is an American a cappella group from Texas. Apart from their amazing Christmas albums, they've covered everything from "Bohemian Rhapsody" to "Despacito." My personal favorites include "Daft Punk," "Can't Help Falling In Love," "Take Me Home," and "Take On Me."

Check out some of their most popular tracks!

2. Penn Masala

This one is geared towards all of my Bollywood music lovers. Penn Masala is the world's first premier South Asian a cappella group. Formed in 1996 at the University of Pennsylvania, the all-male ensemble does amazing fusions of Eastern and Western music. My favorites include "Nashe Se Chadh Gayi/Hymn For The Weekend," "Photograph/Laal Ishq/Aayat," and "Viva La Vida/Jashn-e-Bahara."


3. Straight No Chaser

Originated in 1996 at Indiana University, Straight No Chaser is one of the most popular a cappella groups that has garnered immense success and praise. Apart from their incredible Christmas covers, my favorites include "Rhythm of Love/Can't Help Falling In Love," "Fix You." "I'm Yours/Somewhere Over The Rainbow," and "Some Nights/We Are Young." Their renditions are captivating and smooth.


4. VoicePlay

This five-piece ensemble started off as a group of boys singing through their halls in high school. They rose to prominence is the fourth season of NBC's The Sing-Off. My personal favorites include "Don't Stop Believin,'" "Something Just Like This," and "Scars To Your Beautiful/All Time Low." Their covers of "Wrecking Ball" and "Love Yourself" are pretty incredible too.


5. Street Corner Symphony

Formed in 2010, Street Corner Symphony is based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Each member's unique style and funky twists to mainstream music makes them super appealing. My favorites include "Madness." "Hey, Soul Sister," and "Mad World."


And there you have it! Other notable a cappella groups include Naturally 7 and Home Free. A cappella music is great for studying, long car rides, and even singing along with friends! You've finally found what you're looking for. You're welcome.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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