‘Pentatonix’ has brought a cappella music back to the mainstream of American music culture. Their renditions of popular songs are free of any instruments. The group captures the essence of each song with just their voices.
In this performance video of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ the crowd starts to cheer, and the lights fade in slowly as the song begins. There’s a new lead singer with each verse.
They stand on a staircase on stage while the background is lit with stars. The group is wearing flashy and fancy clothes. The lights start to move as the beat-boxing comes in on the chorus and the song gets more intense.
Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ has been covered by some of the most famous musicians and vocalists in the world. Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, and Justin Timberlake all performed their own version of the song.
The song itself was written by Canadian singer Leonard Cohen, originally released on his album ‘Various Positions’ in 1984. It achieved little success until it was recorded by John Cale and later by Jeff Buckley.
It was featured in the hit animated movie ‘Shrek,’ and since then, possibly 300 various arrangements have been created. This is a fantastic a cappella performance that rivals any other cover of ‘Hallelujah.’
‘Pentatonix’ formed in 2011 and won the third season of NBCs’ The Sing-Off.’ They received a recording contract, and they have swept the nation ever since. After releasing multi-platinum albums, ‘Pentatonix’ has become a musical force of nature!