If JUMP by Van Halen Was Written For Millennials (Acoustic Alt-Pop Indie Rock Cover)

We all know the iconic synth line, but I had never really given this song a proper listen all the way through until I decided to do this cover. I loved the idea of slowing the verses waaay down and letting each line breathe, while keeping the upbeat pace of the prechorus intact. I love the layers that pop in and out, and I'm really digging my new shooting methods that allow me to do longer takes with video. Hope you enjoy!
Vinyl/Merch: purenoiserecs.lnk.to/AlexMelt...
Stream: purenoiserecs.lnk.to/AlexMelt...
/ alexmelton

[@gavinshickle1814]

Unintentionally the best John Mayer song ever recorded.

[@pete904]

The influence is unmistakable

[@Alphablight]

Nailed it

[@EJI253]

I immediately was like why is this the best John Mayer song ever haha

[@bobbyfartz5591]

Wait

[@d.christianrathjens7209]

not depressive enough 😂

[@lchambers56]

Congrats, Alex on the man himself David Lee Roth posting your version of Jump on his KZbin channel! I hope this draws more people to your channel to see the incredible work you've been doing!

[@asuicidalclown]

David lee roth posted this? Heck yeah!

[@raonimm]

​@@asuicidalclownhe posted a video of himself with this track behind

[@jasonpreston4976]

This version sounds castrated.

[@joeruder]

@@jasonpreston4976 to each his own I guess. I enjoy it.

[@JerryMungo]

This guy needs to put out a whole album like this. He is very talented.

[@craigberry4051]

Yep!

[@timmcdermed8136]

Too bad he can’t monetize it.

[@tbonemann]

David Lee Roth just shared this on his channel!

[@JasonMcFly]

80's kid here who played this on his cassette boombox while riding a bmx., true story. This is freakin rad man. Love to hear the music of my youth in the modern era. Rock steady my friend

[@user-xq5ih5oz2u]

Same! But, it was a Walkman on my hip. I would walk to and from school with it, take it to basketball games on the bus and let all the kids who wanted to listen enjoy whatever cassettes we could bring with us - I took it everywhere. I did graduate to a two cassette player boombox in high school and made customized tapes for friends with spliced guitar solos (mostly) or weird and compatible parts of songs spliced together I knew my friends could appreciate (also made tapes that only had whole songs or albums🤪). Cover the top of that TDK blank with Scotch tape and press record…man, those were the days. And, spinning albums backwards just to drive the parents crazy. ❤🥁🎸🤘

[@Blues7412]

Agreed! Awesome version.

[@zimmejoc]

To me, VH jumped the shark after Diver Down, so I like this better than the original.

[@michaelklepacz]

Same same, he fucking raised the bar.

[@shanemwood]

80s were fkin awesome 🤟. I turned 7 yrs old in 1980.

[@kevw25]

Bro this would have been on non stop replay in every coffee shop in the early 2000s

[@kane6529]

These bass fills are disgustingly good

[@99BadDecisions]

I don't finish many KZbin videos. I watched this to the end. Very cool. Signed, Gen X

[@LunaticTheNick]

Thos one deserves a Spotify release. It's beautiful 😍

[@Juicington]

Please!

[@trncn]

Agreed!!

[@JiltedLoveProduction]

Agreed! Much needed!

[@jerbear7952]

Spotify is a scam and screws artists.

[@squiredog]

Absolutely 👍🏻

[@ramirorodriguez9671]

Loved the tapping at the end of the solo. Nice touch RIP Eddie

[@chuckufarley8245]

This proves that well written songs can be translated into any genre.

[@22RosesGrow]

👍🏻

[@deanpowers8393]

What the hell! I just posted this same thing almost word for word! I guess great minds think alike!😊

[@3GSings]

Bro... Fellow musician here. You CRUSHED this! As a 52 year old guy who has core memories based on the original version, listening to this made me a little emotional. Awesome job, man! BTW... I'm stealing this for my next acoustic set! 🤪😎👍🏼

[@TonyMueller]

This is my favorite way to hear a cover... updating a great song to a more current aesthetic. That's exactly what Van Halen did back in the day on their early days with songs like Dancing in the Street, Pretty Woman, and You're No Good.

[@gtdcoder]

Dance the Night Away is not a cover. Dancing in the Streets is.

[@TonyMueller]

@@gtdcoder oops... my mistake

[@killereverb3928]

I disagree. VH revved up the covers they did and made the covers bigger and dynamically heavy. This is in no way “like what VH did.” Lol 😝 You can hear heavier edgy dynamics in Super Market Muzak.

[@TonyMueller]

@@killereverb3928 you don’t get it. Totally missed the point of my comment.

[@JohnSmith-mj6qx]

​@@TonyMuellerI got your back Tony. Understood you perfectly.

[@NickPierro]

The ultimate challenge: to take someone else's lyrics, and make the same words evoke new, different emotions. I used to hear this song, and think of DLR doing jump splits off of a drum riser, wearing zebra spandex. With Alex's version, I think of someone willing to take a risk, and jump into a relationship. THAT'S TALENT. Very well done, Alex.

[@sallybilzon3507]

That’s at least one interpretation of the original song. Another is that it’s about taking a risk and going for your dream.

[@Scott_works]

I was in the Marines in the mid eighties. At the time I was a Sergeant. There was a woman Marine on top of a building on base having an episode. She was threatening to jump off of the building. Some of the younger Marines got a boom box and were playing the Van Halen song "Jump". They were yelling "Go Ahead and Jump!". I was disgusted by this, because I thoroughly knew these types. They are the types who think their tough, and go out in town and get drunk, look for whores, and start fights. There are some good connotations to this song. Suppose a sky-diving video? But the overall energy of EVH was recklessness and rebellion. Their mantra was "Sex, Drugs, Rock-n-Roll". How did that play out?

[@alexaraya2018]

Well imagine that, DLR wrote it when he heard of a guy trying to commit suicide....

[@Scott_works]

@@alexaraya2018 You never know. I doubt his intentions were so nefarious. It is just sad how some people will take things.

[@12centuries]

@@Scott_works kids with no life experience at the point. Most of us were like that for a season or two. If they ever matured, they probably look back on that moment with a sober sorrow.

[@adams148]

At first I was thinking it was ruined, but then the longer I listened I began to enjoy it. It was actually very well done. Much talent on display.

[@garyloss2878]

Same here

[@stormhawk31]

That was better than it had any right to be.

[@PeterCleff]

I feel like this would play during that part of my favorite early 2000s movie about a local band, where the band splits up because of a simple misunderstanding that could have been avoided if they just talk to each other. The scene ends with two of them meeting up (as the song ends) a few months later. Everything works out at the end. They play the big show.

[@RonaldKragnes]

Your story is better than anything Disney has put out lately. ...LOL

[@ABoy242]

So true ​@@RonaldKragnes

[@Memorh19]

Haha what a cool story!!

[@t3hi84n2g]

The New Guy?? yeah i could totally see it.

[@nathanainley2912]

Hahaha. Perfect

[@PankoBreadcrumbs]

Who would have thought such an upbeat jam could be turned into such a cool afternoon walk vibe?? You're a damn inspiration Alex

[@AlexMelton]

I love this description of the vibe, thank you!

[@chickabeesapiary7920]

​@@AlexMelton definitely makes me think of Elise Trouw and now I need a collaboration

[@johnhalll5455]

This sucks. You don't deserve to hear.

[@clap7777]

I almost passed on checking this out. Wow! What a great casual twist on an awesome song from the '80s. Well done and very impressed!

[@richardstephens8339]

Have you heard this cover from the '80s? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYDXi42jjLCWiKssi=bNqR8WAu1hPsjyQU

[@58icarus]

I know most are appreciating the arrangement, but the mix deserves a hand, too. It's excellent. The vocal doubling is perfect.

[@Flyingfrogs2y]

As a 80’s kid, I was very surprised how well this came out. Don’t listen to the haters bud, you rocked a classic song!!

[@KristinaBenoit]

I agree.

[@MarkReviews]

I think we’re going to need an entire album of this kind of thing. Please and thank you.

[@scottburge219]

A la "Kiss My Ass" or "If I were a Carpenter"

[@JAI_8]

@@crusheverything4449Agreed. Just end it all now and hand the keys to the fascists. This is the best male youth today can up with? Luke warm generic, neutered, completely non threatening to the status quo … any status quo? Non-threatening to anyone but the past, that can’t really fight back. Awful.You know kids … even white working clsss kids … it’s ok to be angry about your economic distress … just direct it where it belongs. Like your uncles Karl and Bernie say … it’s ok to be angry about the excesses of capitalism. Just keep your working class consciousness strong and inclusive. Van Halen were working class under all that hair, spandex, testosterone and awesome guitar … Dave even sang about his uncle’s union tattoo. No we don’t need this. This is an example of succumbing to the worst ( of the non-committal rebooting reimagining alt-universe) post-modern impulse. Progress requires commitment to the future … not this stuff here … bland non-threatening commodified nostalgia. Cut it out.

[@minnesotajack1]

Seriously … hot for teacher

[@k.chriscaldwell4141]

I second that.

[@SwedeSpeeder]

As someone that was 14 when this came out, I just have to say, this is amazing. Respect.

[@12centuries]

Wow, this is really well done! This could honestly get some airplay. Some of the best covers are ones that change the style of the original. Also love the shoutout to Eddie with the tiny bit of hammer-ons in the guitar solo, but for me, the bass solo is what sells it. Well done, and subscribed!

[@brandonshuttleworth8374]

That was my first thought, I’m on the radio and immediately I’m thinking, I’m gonna find a way to play this.

[@deanpowers8393]

This is proof that good writing can be translated into any genre and still hold up!

[@satannotsara]

I did not have falling in love with JUMP again on my 2024 bingo card but here I am. This is beautiful, Alex. 💕

[@__-fm5qv]

Honestly this really highlighted to me how good the song is lyrically. Especially for, what is on the surface, just a fun little bop essentially.

[@annettelee1691]

I felt the exact same way

[@brettmarshalltweaksource]

This is how you know a song is great. When you can play it in multiple styles and it still kills.

[@totallyfrozen]

David Lee Roth said he wrote it after watching a news story on TV about a guy who was on a bridge threatening suicide.

[@gansosmansos]

The second verse is still a steaming cowpie. Hey, you Who said that? Baby, how you been? You say you don't know. You won't know, until you begin 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@robmc1232]

@@gansosmansosYou’re right! It’s kind of an ABACAB, isn’t it?

[@AndrewFloeter12]

Best cover I've heard you do. The music, the lighting, videography, all the instruments, the mix... Everything was just perfect.

[@stocksconfidential8862]

DARK!! this groove subtly turned this happy go lucky song into a contemplation about ending it all. That is pretty amazing. That is what music interpretation is all about. That is my interpretation. Great version. Well done.

[@biltrex]

Unironically gorgeous, a whole new take on this classic.

[@An_Arbitrary_Miscellany]

Agreed!

[@ZeldaRose579]

As a kid in the mid 80s I thought of this as a "fun Saturday song" because they always played it at the skating rink and sporting events--but as an adult, I'm digging the "relaxing beach day" vibe this has!

[@jerbear7952]

Maybe a beach in Panama? I'll go with you.

[@jerbear7952]

Actually not though Panama is super hot.

[@pjcouture9944]

You must like Manic Monday by the Go Go’s!?

[@TheRockinDonkey]

@@jerbear7952 Down in Cabo

[@rkh80538]

Usually when I hear a song from my younger days, it puts me back there. I think about the guys I grew up with, or where we lived. But when I hear this, it makes me realize how much I've grown up in the 40 years since. Great job.

[@latinolawdog5067]

When you come in thinking something will be a joke, and walk away thinking “shit, I prefer that version to the original”. Well done my man.

[@robertgallegly8267]

The best way to do a cover is to pay homage to the original and still make the song your own in your own style. Well done. Nice tip of the hat to Eddy tapping on the guitar.

[@PunditMusings]

Took me 2 listens, but I figured out what this cover reminds me of: Concrete Girl by Switchfoot. Epic cover and phenomenal vibes

[@taylormyers7188]

Glad someone else picked up on the SF feel

[@joelprickett]

@@taylormyers7188 lol yes I was like where is "I dare you to move" dropping

[@Mile74Music]

such a fuckin banger.

[@Daniel.Walker]

It’s like if Switchfoot sat a little tighter in the pocket

[@IntegratedPestManagement]

Nailed it.

[@pattierichards7391]

This kind of experiment shows how a well-crafted song works in all genres. This has a Duncan Sheik vibe to it. Nice!

[@Pete_Furlong]

I never Loved this song that much. But this is a beautiful reimagining of it that made me fall in love with it. It's amazing how style and mood can change the feel of a song or words that didn't feel as meaningful.

[@dbtowey]

As an 80's raised guy who was around when this song came out, I declare this to be "genius".

[@jibberjabberr]

Don’t speak for anyone except yourself

[@dbtowey]

Forgot to mention that I also speak for@@jibberjabberr who thinks this cover is genius too!

[@guitarsurfer15]

Wildest reimagine yet and I’m so into it. The bass solo, the pauses on the chorus, risky but so clean. Also giving me big Switchfoot vibes and since they were my favorite band for years that’s definitely a compliment.

[@polycube868]

It kinda sounds like a softer Switchfoot song

[@dancomber9768]

This is disturbingly good! Mate, thanks for sharing your creativity with us. For real!

[@allenleet274]

Honestly you gave a different view on this song. This is nothing but perfection

[@mhpart68]

I was 16 years old when 1984 dropped, and I stood in line at the record store the day it came out. Jump was my favorite track on the album. We tried to cover it in my band, but we weren't that good and I couldn't seem to get the lyric to fit to the meter no matter how many times I tried. I just want to say that I love this version, probably more than the original. I don't think we need any labels for this version. Stanley Kubrick might have said, "Sometimes the truth of the thing is not so much in the think of it, but in the feel of it." The meaning, the lyrics of this song, are reframed here in a way that makes it feel so much more honest, more genuine, and more vulnerable than I ever imagined it to be. I felt that. Thank you.

[@Limited_Light]

I was also 16. I don't think many of our fellow fans would have mentioned Kubrick, then or now. It was hard enough to get them to understand, "I'm home. You maniacs! You blew it up! Awww, damn you! Damn you all to hell!". Maybe that explains why I started gravitating to some of the more cerebral rock and metal?

[@k.chriscaldwell4141]

👍

[@tonyz376]

Born in 68 as well and I was lucky enough to see VH on their Diver Down tour in 82. This update 40 years later is much welcomed.

[@matiasishere1487]

Well said!! I totally agree

[@brandonshuttleworth8374]

I’m 35, I think you’ll find that music fans, my generation, the real ones, have a real respect for the past. Dig the Stanley Kubrick reference, some of the movie remakes got a little weird, but dig the foreshadowing. definitely Ray Bradberry level.

[@LoneWolf-479]

Your extremely unique way of looking at songs/lyrics in a different light, & the unbelievable talent it takes to execute them to perfection is hard for me to wrap my head around my friend

[@joshuasayler201]

For real. This guy blows my mind constantly.

[@argonwheatbelly637]

I'm laughing and crying. This is so damn brilliant!!! You nailed the period take on it!

[@chrismelton6117]

That is one of the most creative covers I've ever heard, sir! GREAT JOB! TRUE ARTISTRY!

[@scottregan2038]

Jump came out when I was in 7th grade...Van Halens 1984 album was all the rage back then and we rocked out to them. This rendition of one of my favorite classica is absolutely brilliant. Most excellent brother. Thank you for sharing with this old man.

[@your_avg_joe]

You know a cover is a true re-imagining of a song when you're having trouble humming the original song in your head after a few minutes. Kudos Alex.

[@wesleyryan2024]

I've watched several of your covers in different styles. This cover is the best one, hands down! Jump is one of my favorite songs ever, and this version is stellar. Thank you!

[@nicolasp6238]

Brilliant idea and flawless execution - hats off man!

[@Rodeojoneswa12]

Genius…arguably your best remake ever.

[@iczorro]

Possibly your best reinterpretation work to date

[@KeikoMushi]

Such a good reimagining of the original. I don't often hear good covers, but Alex Melton made the genre change work with this arrangement.

[@kathryntaylor8926]

Absolutely flipping gorgeous! As an old school Van Halen fan, I can tell you that I am in love with this. Awesome Man - Brit lady here trying some cultural recognition from across the pond 😊❤

[@barroomhero4444]

My day just got so much better! Also that “Climb” solo fucking slayed me.

[@slackerlitgeek]

I *KNEW* I heard that in there. Thank you!

[@brettcollavo3050]

was checking to see if i was the only one

[@barroomhero4444]

@alexmelton The beginning of this reminds me of Christopher Cross "All Right". Please please cover that as Alt-pop indie / punk!!!! I keep going back to this song when I just wanna chill. So good.

[@ridewestyoungman7736]

Just found this while searchin the rabbit hole... Brother you are sick talented!!! This hit ALL the right buttons! Beyond that, I'm speechless. ABSOLUTELY LUV THIS!!!!

[@aacmsguitarensembles2759]

Nice work! I love hearing songs reinvented in a way that really works. This does.

[@johnnieaicher2706]

Eddie would be shaking his head & smiling!!! Great Job Alex Milton - Just added to my favorites… Thank You !!!

[@JoshCampbellGeekXL]

This is legit a whole-ass vibe of a cover. Nice, Alex. Love this.

[@GusDeLaCruzTX]

This was a very unexpected cover. Honestly, one of your best. You took and iconic song and truly made it your own. Oh, and that bass! Love, love the bass solo!

[@mcwalton6721]

Yeah, I'm ready for the album. We do need more of this!

[@bgrigg07]

It's a gutsy cover, taking an iconic song and changing it so much, but it is one that works. Well done!

[@tporter23]

Such a unique new take on a classic. What a great “bass solo” too! Panko said it: you are such an inspiration Alex.

[@suburbanindie]

I think this could be retitled "What if Jump by Van Halen was a B-side for Third Eye Blind?"

[@BlueMoonWolf85]

I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend

[@peterbkaplan]

Jump(er)

[@jons2052]

​@@peterbkaplanNailed it.

[@matthewoboyle6010]

Motorcycle Drive By is still amazing all these years later.

[@teebob21]

@@matthewoboyle6010 Track 13 is the most underrated song in all of late 90's existence. God of Wine isn't bad either.

[@AwesomeOpenSource]

It angers me how much I actually love this....hahahaha! Really well done!

[@PatrickFry]

This is the greatest KZbin channel I've found in a long time. I didn't know I needed these covers.

[@mcstar24]

Ladies and gentlemen, he's done it again. This was an experience. 10/10

[@christopherh4653]

I love Alex, but this is awful.

[@mcstar24]

@@christopherh4653 if you say so.

[@michaelveritas1930]

New release from the Meltons? I'll jump on that

[@Daniel.Walker]

Alex and the Meltons 😂

[@michaellevin5514]

I just came on this accidentally and I’m floored. At first I thought this is a clever bit, but it’s a totally legit rework of the song that really works on its own. Great job! I’m really impressed. And the little homage to Eddie right at the end of the solo was a really nice touch.

[@randeerandoff2564]

If only you could hear me actually clap as you continue to do with your art. Another solid everything!

[@jaythomaso9311]

This made me want to go snowboarding, listening to this going down the mountain just cruising, taking in the scenery..whoa

[@7cats2]

Holy cow...you did a fabulous job on this! It's a totally different sound, but you can still hear those guitar riffs and can still recognize the song ... chef's kiss 😘

[@TheTerrestrial]

Your whole thing has blossomed into such an incredible journey. Love it. Thank you.

[@armurano5093]

Thank you for bringing back great memories with just the right amount of new fusion vibe to be hopeful for tomorrow.

[@josiahsmith1669]

Dude such a risk on slowing this song down. But dang you pulled it off so well. Nicely done💯🔥👏👏👏👏

[@TheKalaxis]

Gives me "Even Rats" by The Slip kinda vibes 😍

[@adamrogers5157]

Omg, thank you for bringing up that song. I haven’t thought about that one in like 15 years.

[@KauffeyBean]

This is one of the soundtrack of my youth and my life, and I have to say that this is a great cover! Amazing job!

[@jeffmiller1548]

I would listen to this song every time it came on the radio! Awesome job . Could also see this as a huge soundtrack for some romcom

[@000ptimus]

Always interesting to listen to your renditions of songs, for some reason I often feel like I am hearing the lyrics for the first time.

[@TheGmoney1331]

Another Alex Melton cover, another banger. Keep killin it!

[@scottatjoy]

I think this Gen X'r is going to steal this for my acoustic gig. Love it. Nice job Alex.

[@MrShepardDog]

Wow. Was not expecting much. But.... this is terrific! I can tell a lot of thought -- and a bit of emotion -- went into the creative process. Deserves to be on the radio, with a million views, for sure!

[@Ryan-fg3pe]

Really great, the lyrics fit this style super well. A couple of requests - though I’m sure you have a massive backlog of ideas. 1 A pop-punk version version of a smashing pumpkins song. The song “today” would be really interesting. 2 A slow country version of Ah-ha “take on me” 3 Not sure what genre, but you could probably work creative magic with Paul Simon’s “You can call me Al”

[@josephjimorris]

100% for all three

[@emt0199419]

The lyrics to this song always had this playful energy, just trying to get someone to get up and dance. I feel like your interpretation actually tells the story, that you're giving weight to the other person's troubles and giving inspiration. Musically, love the use of space/layering with the guitar (perfect amount of OD), but your bass line just keeps tugging the entire song along. Love it!

[@cal90]

This song would perfectly fit The Bear. Absolutely killed it 🤛

[@RTA182]

This is a masterpiece. It evokes so much feeling. Thank you for sharing this and yourself.

[@mattthegreeter9074]

As a bass player, I approve of 3:20

[@RaymondPeckIII]

There's nothing better than subtle phaser on bass.

[@mitchbennett2369]

As both a bass and guitar player, the bass work in this whole song is pretty spectacular! I feel like it carries the whole vibe of the song, great work Alex!

[@scottcymbor]

I made sure to rewind and give this part a few listens. So. Damn. Good.

[@blindog2u]

me too......

[@blindog2u]

89 Pedulla Penta buzz here

[@clipsmasterproductions7479]

Dope!! The solos are freaking awesome!!

[@staceypendergrast2400]

I love this so much!! What an awesome take on this classic song! Very creative! Well done!

[@TheLivingFreeGroup]

wow...just wow! this is so good. unbelievable arrangement. I was a kid when this song hit. Can't believe I'm hearing the same song. Well done!

[@chronicmango]

Really dig the little chorus on the bass to remind everyone this song was actually written in the 80’s. This is one of my favorites that you’ve done man. Really jams well.

[@basementaquarist]

Wow...this is why I LOVE KZbin...tremendously good

[@ScottHarriganRules]

This absolutely incredible. A fresh and fantastic take on an old classic. Giving it a totally cool vibe from a band that used to claim to be the best backyard BBQ band in America. Well done!

[@jacksonpelzner2148]

This is just one of those songs that finds you at the exact right time in your life. Brilliant! 👏🏼

[@TheRazzaManazza]

I like the chill vibes of this one. 🔥

[@EvanSFTGT]

Completely transformed into something different and sounds perfect

[@jamesrenner5086]

I think what you meant was, if JUMP was recorded in Nashville as a country song....someone should do that...oh wait, you just did and it's FABULOUS! Nice Work - Horns Up, Brother!!

[@ObiMatt87]

I was not expecting that. Very nice job. Two thumbs up, WAY up!

[@kyledarson]

This just might be the best ever cover of any song I’ve heard. Well done, sir!

[@kingk108]

Best one yet in my opinion

[@noelmayeske2480]

I've been listening constantly to this and sharing with others ... thank you for this!