Music Teacher Reacts: VOICEPLAY - Nothing Else Matters

‪@Thevoiceplay‬ ‪@GeoffCastellucci‬ ‪@djtemple‬ ‪@metallica‬
#reaction #metallica #video
Music Teacher Reacts: VOICEPLAY - Nothing Else Matters
Well here we are with another staple on the channel, VOICEPLAY!
This was made aware to me during one of our live streams and I have been waiting until now to get it all ready! Still attempting a somewhat new editing style, I hope you enjoy the video!
Sending love,
-DJ
Original Video:
• Nothing Else Matters -...
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[@chelliespider]

Yeah well, as a Metallica fan and a Voiceplay fan, I love their version and the changes they made. I adore the original, but music is meant to be a living and breathing thing. If you want something to stand the test of time, don't keep it static; let other people put their own emotions and spin on it to keep it alive. Like Freddie Mercury said about his own music, he didn't care what was done with it, just don't make it boring. This was far from boring, and I agree with most other reactors that this might be some of Voiceplay's best work yet. So that's me with my polite pitchfork presented. 🙂

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Valid point! This video was one of the first times I was tested to be honest in my opinion and critique. So it's bound to get a bit anxiety inducing haha. Thanks for keeping the pitchfork polite!

[@ShyAnn291]

@@TempleMusicAcademy you’re definitely entitled to your opinions!😊

[@chelliespider]

@@TempleMusicAcademy Understood, and you're definitely allowed to be forthright with your own opinion on your own channel! Just don't be surprised if we challenge it with our own, lol. Politely, of course, ha ha 😉

[@anaestay6698]

This is the most valid argument I've seen so far. I did love this version and I do think this is on the top 5 work of voiceplay

[@Hellmaker1000]

I agree with you.

[@SunnyOutlook]

The purpose of a cover, in my opinion, is not doing a carbon copy of the original. This is VoicePlay. They showed a lot of respect and love to Metallica, but they made it their own. There is so much artistry here musically. The arrangement is phenomenal. I’m surprised by your reaction. I thought you would understand this. So many Metallica fans absolutely loved this. They understand who VoicePlay is and could see what they did.

[@rosswhite5975]

100%. Geoff has said in interviews before that just doing a straight cover is pointless as the original already exists (just listen to that), so Voiceplay will always change up songs and try to do something different and creative when they cover them. This track is actually closer to the original structure and chords than I would have expected. I am a big metal fan and was pleased that they changed it up, in fact I might have even liked more changes to really mix things up 🤷

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Surprise is understandable. I didn’t like this but that doesn’t sway my Opinion on voice play :)

[@southernhippie9058]

I am a huge metal fan and I would have hated it if they had tried to copy what Metallica did with the song. I love Metallica's version of the song and I love this version. Comparing the two groups doing it is like comparing apples and oranges. I don't want to hear Metallica trying to sound like VoicePlay and I don't want VoicePlay trying to do an exact copy of Metallica. Everyone has their own opinion and no version of a song is meant for everyone.

[@SunnyOutlook]

And I still love your reactions and will look forward to others. Music is subjective and personal. I hope it didn’t seem like I had a pitchfork out. LOL! Just surprised because I know you appreciate what VoicePlay does.

[@gilliandrysdale5306]

a lot of big metallica fans did think that this was awesome. There wouldn’t be much point in doing a carbon copy of the original. You are probably in a minority but hey not everyone likes the same things. Interesting reaction and I’m glad you like the violin because Layne killed that ❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

I agree, Layne did a fantastic job on it!

[@Prozak63]

Fact...

[@christinestromberg4057]

This is VoicePlay, They do harmonies. It's who they are, what they do. If you want a karaoke type cover, I'm sure there are plenty out there. Apples and oranges. You can't make a direct comparison, just take it at face value. You're not the only reactor who didn't like this and I said the same to the other one. Apples and oranges. You don't like it? Fine. At least you didn't call it boring, as one person did.

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Someone used the term boring? lol. Crazy! Thanks for the comment! It's interesting to see what other reactors are saying about this for sure... it must have been a bold step for Voiceplay to go after this song. Its a classic for sure.

[@alexwalker8440]

VoicePlay doesn't do carbon copy version, that would be plain and simple karaoke. They always put their own spin on it, making it their own. I love the original, don't get me wrong, but I feel like Geoff's arrangement and their overall performance are fantastic! Changes to the original are never "required", but that is what VP does; they keep the original's feel, then put the VP trademark of changes. Kudos to you for having the guts to expose your own personal opinion and not what everybody's expecting! Personally, I really love this version!

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Alex, you’re awesome. Yes I agree with you about the cover situation but even still I agree with your comment. As long as you dig what they did then voiceplay has succeeded in their goal. They have entertained and performed their interpretation of a classic and that’s won them over old and new fans alike.

[@lkayh]

I think when you’re super attached to an original to the point where you hear the song in your head and anything that varies from what you’re hearing is jarring, you’re probably going to object to the changes. Personally I can listen to this all day-and have been pretty much since the song dropped. Anyway, great, honest reaction. No pitchforks here.

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Thats a very fair point. I love the original and teach it often so theres that. I do walk around hearing it in my head often as well.... so I think your point is very accurate. Thank you for the lack of pitch fork haha

[@lkayh]

@@TempleMusicAcademy I was the same way with their Queen Medley at first. I love Queen and have heard nearly all their songs so many times I no longer need to pull out the CD’s to hear them -I can replay them in perfect detail in my head (I still pull out the CD’s, tho, because my EARS want to hear them, if that makes sense) . So when Voiceplay changed things up it jarred me. LOL. I got over it in time and really like it now.

[@NPNPaganArtistSpotlight]

this is the BEST version of this iconic song to date ! They literally broke the internet with this !

[@chandleraskew6496]

As a huge Voiceplay fan I found your thoughts on their version of this masterpiece of a song most interesting. I like that you found parts where you said hey this is really cool then parts you didn’t like. To me that’s music, you can be a fan of someone and not like everything they do. It’s awesome to me you respect how well they did without liking their arrangement

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Thanks chandler! Variety is the spice of life and I really try my best to remain open and honest with every video I do. I just wasn’t feeling this and given that the original is so close to my heart, I have to discuss what I’m thinking and hearing.

[@bartonbagnes4605]

I enjoy both versions. Metallica said "Just don't make it boring.", and it definitely wasn't boring. Big changes can be made to a song and have it still be just as good as the original, like "Enter Sandman" by The Warning and "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Angelina Jordan for examples. But I haven't spent countless hours learning how to play it, so it wouldn't be as burnt into my brain as it would be for you, nor do I have a guitar bias. So I understand why those changes would affect you more.

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

The guitar bias definitely plays a role, that I can admit to.

[@Matthewrents]

Unfortunate you are one of the few that just wasn’t crazy about their version. I respect that you were honest about it, though I think when you paused it after 15 seconds and decided you didn’t like how they started, you had already made up your mind that it wasn’t the version for you. It’s tough to balance a song that you love with a group you love, but you’ve gotta remember a capella groups like VoicePlay, Pentatonix, Home Free.. they make changes in every arrangement they’ve done, and you’ve pretty much loved those versions. For this song to somehow not fall under that rule just doesn’t make sense other than your attachment to it specifically

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

I can see your point, Matthew for sure. But this time I straight up didn't like parts. I found some of it to be a bit too much and not tight where it should be tight. Again, that's just my opinion and looking at it from another perspective is always amazing, so I thank you for the comment! Helps me re-examine things.

[@tiffymcconkey]

I grew up listening to Metallica and seen them a few times in concert. I love what Voiceplay did with this. I love what they did with thus song. If they would have stuck to the original arrangement it wouldn't have been as beautiful and epic cover that it is. I understand sticking to the original with covers . It wouldn't have fit with what voiceplay does(if that makes sense), if they had did the original arrangement. When other bands cover songs, there are times they change the arrangement to fit them and how they sound. Voiceplay did the same thing.

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

That’s a fair point, Tiffany and it’s one that continues to pop up. Voice play made this song their own and that can be what covers are for. Hence my point of they did it great but I just didn’t enjoy it. As long as fans like you did then they have done well!

[@tiffymcconkey]

@@TempleMusicAcademy That's fair and understandable. Been a subscriber for a long time and I think this is the first time my opinion differs from yours completely lol.

[@Melisendre]

I respect your honest opinion. That's what reaction videos are for, after all. Some voiceplay covers I didn't like when I first saw them, and some I never liked for various reasons. But I've always given them more than one chance. For me personally, this is the most emotional cover of Voiceplay. I couldn't watch it without crying the first few times. That's what music is supposed to do.

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

That’s a very good attitude to have (watching things more than once to give it a chance). As long as the song reached and moved you, then who cares?!

[@Froggyh63]

I don't think any pitchforks are required sir. You gave an honest opinion and disagreed with stylistic choices, but at the same time, you were extremely respectful and complimentary of the group and their talents. Keep on keeping on!

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Thank you Larry! Sometimes I stress about people not hearing the entirety of what I’m saying. I think you got it though. Thanks for being here ❤️

[@erinromary2796]

I disagree completely. As a long time Metallica Fan I loved it all. They kept the heart and feel of the song but the changes just improved on it for a new time. You can tell that VoicePlay is a big fan too. One of their best.

[@paulmacdonald1525]

I loved VoicePlay's version, viewed multiple reactors, and listened to Metallica's original a few times this week. The vast majority of reactors I follow loved VP's version. Those who were strong Metallica fans were blown away. I acknowledge your points as being valid for your expectations, but hey, VP's covers are their take on the original.

[@edmitchell528]

People seem to hate their idols being criticised but watching your video that’s not what you did. You have an affinity to the original and it is a classic. One of only 2 Metallica songs I can listen to. Geoff has always said he doesn’t make a copy of the original and let’s face it that would be difficult given the instrumentation. But what they did to my mind was make a cover that was theirs but stayed true to the original. A bit like disturbed and sound of silence. There were no dubstep drops or unexpected tempo changes it was just a good reimagining of the original. It is up there among their best straight songs. It would be interesting to see a reaction from someone like James Hetfield and get their take on it. Keep doing what you do and being honest. All you can do.

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Thanks Ed! I agree that I don’t think I attacked anyone in this video but you’re right, the song is a classic.. Geoff being their main arranger does seem to play a role in a few things that happen consistently and it brings up how much I’d love to have a conversation with him.

[@thatguy_5240]

I appreciate the honest opinion, not everyone has the same tastes, and as long as its presented respectfully, thats totally fine

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Thanks man. ❤️

[@herkin114]

Yeah so as a fan of both, they were both amazing versions, I felt like you were going a little overboard comparing the two, as someone said apples to oranges with that. But they did their own thing as you stated, I just don't think the amount of comparison to the original was really needed I guess is the best way I can say it. There are a few reactors I felt have some indifferent opinions as well and that's okay. But the over comparison to the original has been a bit too far by multiple reactors.

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Interesting point for sure. Given my background with the song and the years of teaching it, I found it difficult not to compare as much as I did.... but we're only human right? Thanks for the comment!

[@scottrogers7242]

@@TempleMusicAcademy Herkin, the man would have issues with "Happy Birthday to You . Temple guy, please retract your statement about enjoying Voiceplay. Clearly you don't. The venom speaks for itself.

[@sakkora888]

I didn't know the original..if I have ever heard it, it wasn't enough to remember that well, so I went to listen to it. then I did a thing... I played both at the same time.. Metallica was about 10 secs ahead, so I'd hear them on a line/phrase and then VoicePlay... that was interesting and ...a lot lol, so I played one for a phrase, then the other; going back and forth. Honestly they didn't make *that* many changes... the changes that were made was to take guitar and one main voice, and split it between the three main, and a few minor tweaks here and there, some riffs/runs ect.. but nothing too drastic from what I could tell... certainly wasn't anything that didn't make sense to me. Metallica did what Metallica needed to fit their group and VoicePlay did what they needed to do to fit their group. Taking something like "Nothing Else Matters" and making it Accapella is going to change it, there's no getting around that. Geoff arranged for the voices, and the group, he has to work with. That being said, I understand, for someone who knows the original so well it's in their head, some of the changes may not sit well on first listen. sometimes something can "grow" on you after more listens...or maybe you'll never like it, and that's fine. I appreciate an honest reaction.. I found you were also balanced, pointing out things you did find cool and good. and didn't write off the whole thing just because you didn't particularly care for some of the artistic direction they went. I prefer an honest reaction which can critique without being too overly critical, rather than holding back true feelings about something just to follow a crowd or to be liked (or fear of pitchforks lol) there's a difference between critical and critiquing that seems overall to have gotten lost nowadays...

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

This is one of the best comments on the subject!

[@jeffwhittingham5314]

Huge Metallica fan here (bought this album the day it came out). This is the best cover of this song I have ever heard.

[@fallingstar9643]

I can see what you're talking about. We can pick nearly any VoicePlay cover and point out that they... well, they really butchered the song. The chopped it into pieces and put it back together in the way they wanted. I recall having similar feeling with their version of 'Dream On'; it was almost jarring, because I kept thinking, "Hold on, is that how it goes?" It took a few listens before I disconnected from the original and appreciated that ... this is their version of it. The original is still there if I want to go back to it; VoicePlay is simply showing me their perspective. What I remind myself is... it's in the name: VoicePlay. They use their voices, and they play. It's pretty much their signature at this point; they are fearless in their arrangements and for doing things that might seem odd and heavily displaced from the original. Seriously, look at their KZbin videos list: top ten includes the TV show 'Stranger Things', 'In The Hall of the Mountain King', Disney, Aerosmith, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and Metallica, the latter of which involved a violin in an a capella arrangement. That is - to say the least - one hell of a spread. You cannot achieve that without every step of your march being to the rhythm of 'f**k it, let's have some fun with this'. For devoted fans of the original, yes; it absolutely can be jarring to hear something that you love being mercilessly mixed up and contorted. Even more so for a song that really moved you to the core, and when you have a breadth of experience in the field and you know exactly how you would have tweaked it. I'm glad you at least took the time to appreciate the work they put in, even if the result wasn't to your taste.

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

This is very in depth and very accurate. Thanks for taking such time to compile this thought into something like this.

[@toddmaliepaard9777]

​@Temple Music Academy will look into more reactions from you just based on honesty and willingness to accept the criticism on that honest opinion.

[@hermithollow2024]

😂😂😂 spoke too soon!!!

[@janeramirez8767]

I'll say just this: I came here for your opinion, and I'm glad you gave it. I love the Metallica original, I love Miley Cyrus's cover, and I love this one. But I do see your point, and you've given me something new to think about. I appreciate that. Thanks for your sincerity.

[@bowdinkle]

Ok so clearly I haven't been here in a while, and I know this is not what your channel is for, but I just want to say I love your haircut and I think you look great in it! Also, I like that you aren't afraid to say dissenting things. The majority of reactors are appeasers so it is refreshing that you speak your truth, and objectively so at that. Please keep on ☮️

[@tbwkn]

Have you heard Ren yet? He is a independent artist from the UK. Check out his performance of Hi Ren. It's just him and a guitar. It will blow your mind and change your life.

[@Back2SquareOne]

I think the more invested someone is in the original, generally the harder it is for them to accept when someone tinkers with the song in some substantial way. Their name, however, is VoicePlay and they mean it. They take their "play" seriously. Their arrangements are more "adventurous" than many other groups. This tends to make them slightly less accessible to the general public but more interesting to people who are down for a new and different ride, IMO. I get that it can seem offensive when someone tinkers with a piece your consider sacrosanct. I, however, have no such commitment to the original so I absolutely loved this version.

[@angelab2345]

This is a solid reaction and I respect your honesty. I actually agree with you about too many inflections and rearrangements. Strangely, I still love Voiceplay's rendition as it is. I felt the same way about Dream On. I grew up with Aerosmith, they were always my number one band, and I cringed through VP's version the first time I heard it (it has since grown on me a smidge).

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Thanks Angela! Yes many people are talking about the Dream On cover and I think that’s one I enjoyed overall but just not this one. I’m glad you felt it was an honest reaction since that’s my Goal for every one of them haha. Hope you’re well! ❤️

[@kirstenmorris4314]

The man that wrote this song said he was actually ashamed to present this song to the group because it represented so much vulnerability. He was surprised the group loved it because it was different from their normal style. I find it sad you didn't like the opening... You're not going to get a guitar lead in from an acapella group. VoicePlay are the theatre kids of the acapella scene they have a flair for the dramatic. The point of a cover is to pay homage while showcasing their own strengths and style. Geoff did the arrangement. This same group did an acapella version of Halo for the 25th anniversary and the writer of that piece of purely instrumental music loved it. I think Metallica would have loved this.

[@remiavard7709]

Thank for you own opinions, keep it this way !! I understand what you mean, I feel little disapointed the first time for reason similar as my feeling memory from the original song, but after some times I concentrate on what they did good and now love it. BTW I'm a huge fan of VoicePlay. I like your commentary !!

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Thank you so much! Welcome to our family on the channel :-)

[@karenponchak5304]

Honestly, if they had done what you expected, especially in the intro, would it have been VoicePlay? No. Because that is not how they operate. For example: the intro, if they had come out of the gate flying (keeping more to the original), and then dropped to how the verse started, would not that have been a letdown? It's more that they choose to keep you wondering what is coming next. That is always interesting.

[@scottrogers7242]

God bless, Karen. Exactly what should have been said. I don't think he gets it. I was more than perturbed with his critique.

[@zitriphyer8429]

I enjoyed your reaction. And I'm glad you were honest with your critiques, keep that up!

[@vvoof2601]

Well enjoyment certainly is subjective. As a lover of metal (heavy metal all the way up to satanic black metal and grind) this cover to me is THE definitive version.

[@randiskye4444]

I respect your honesty. It's kind of funny since Geoff recently was asked his opinion on the role of reactors as regards VP and his solo works and his response was interesting. (It's on his Patreon). Your being frank in your assessment without being worried about what your subs who are VP fans will think of your critique is admirable. We all have our own likes and dislikes when it comes to art; I personally cannot stand Picasso's abstract style of painting, give me a Rembrandt any day. The same is true for other media, especially music these days. I enjoy VP's arrangements on most of their catalog and yet I understand where you're coming from with this one. I was hesitant to listen to their Dream On cover at first, since that is the first song from my childhood that I remember falling in love with the sound of and I wasn't sure how I would feel about any cover or different arrangement of it, even some of the Aerosmith alternate renditions were not so good, in my ear's opinion. If you have a special connection to a particular version of a song, it's completely understandable that taking what to you was any special section of it away leaves you wanting. While I thoroughly enjoyed VP's version of this song and I believe it kept true to the essence of the original without just being a copy (look how much I can make my voice sound like an electric guitar, Mom!), I respect that you gave your honest opinion, even though you knew you'd get some crap for it.

[@Chris_T_S]

As expected - they did what they do well (as appreciated by DJ), some of their choices didn't match his preferences - then again, we came to hear DJ's reactions, not to hear blind adulation of VoicePlay... simply because they are Voiceplay. Interesting that the focus for some of these reactions was only on what DJ felt didn't quite suit him, totally ignoring a great deal of the song he loved.

[@katherinebaxter6870]

Thanks for a great reaction. I love how you appreciate the effort put into it. I also think that for some Metallica fans, not you, they want this to be Metallica, which it could never be and if they tried to be Metallica it would be unimpressive. Generally I believe you can’t beat an original version (unless you are just that much better of a performer and have great instruments and players for those instruments). Otherwise you have to take risks, mix it up, and really own those risks. Not everyone is going to like it, but not everyone loves the original. Postmodern jukebox did a version too and I don’t love that version, but I really appreciate the effort it took to make it a unique performance.

[@joannbarrow4497]

VoicePlay arrangements seem to be designed around Geoff's vocal range and abilities. Your view reflects mine in one essential way: No matter what I think of the arrangement, I'm always amazed at the talent/skill of VoicePlay when it comes to the vocals. They are almost always better than the original performers.

[@mahoustar]

I agree! Don't get me wrong, Geoff's base is amazing, but...I do feel like they put more focus on it than need be. And it's weird to know that this is a song that Geoff himself arranged. It really does seem like he puts a lot of focus on himself. Which, again, he is a master writer. He designs harmonies that are insane, but I feel he throws in so crazy base notes to just...I don't know, make the reactors go mad, which garners more views. Not every song needs the Castelucci E1 note. Just like not every song requires Eli's wonderful rock sounds/high notes. This song is so emotional, I personally feel like it should have emphasized Cesar more, as he has an incredible emotional range in his singing. Alas, music is subjective.

[@giuseppesavaglio8136]

Nice review and opinions about the song, but i think this covers Voiceplay's intentions about doing a song, succinctly: "I look for a place where i can add moments. What can i say about this song that the original artist did not say. How can i add something to the body of work without being too kitchen sinky". "I want it to be the best possible version that we (as a group) can do." - Geoff Castellucci. In other words they do not simply do covers. They put their own spin on a song and make it 'their' best version. Polite pitchfork thrown.😁

[@steelethistleartistry8202]

Everyone has an opinion. Some of those opinions really suck.

[@timgilmam9170]

And how many recordings/covers do you have posted?

[@janihaavisto79]

I just say sounds great to my ears, I mean maybe there would've been a place for guitar from beginning, since they did play violin at the end. Not saying I know how hard this genre is for a vocalist. Must be a huge challenge just to sound even those harmonies with 5 guys. I mean I can't harmonies even with my cat. Lol Hello from Finland 🇫🇮

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Hi there from Canada 🇨🇦! Haha

[@chowchowdad2669]

I loved it, love the original and love honest feedback. There have been some Voiceplay songs everyone went nuts over and I was less enthused. It happens. Stay true to who you are.

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Thank you, my friend. It’s not always easy to be transparent.

[@stevefromdodge]

Great reaction, as always. I guess we all have our own personal small lists of songs that just can't be changed. I love that you gave it a fair view. In the end, you approved of everything they did, but it just didn't measure up to the original. I felt the exact same way when they covered Unchained Melody for the same reason. It's a song I've listened to thousands of times. I've sang it, arranged it, worked it to death. It's so stuck in my head that it's part of my brain. In the end, it turns out Voiceplay just ain't Metallica any more than they are the Righteous Brothers. We all have that list of songs that "Thou Shalt Not Touch". :) Looking forward to your next reaction.

[@elvwood]

I'm probably very unusual in that I'm coming to this version without knowing the original, so I can agree with your comments about this performance while having no idea about comparisons. Hopefully I will enjoy both when I get around to it...

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Please give them all a chance, John. Also the version from the symphony concert !

[@sjenny5891]

I'd have got the pitchfork out if you'd said it was bad. The phrase " I just didn't care for it" Is an opinion. To each their own. I appreciate your honesty. That is what a reaction video is supposed to be.

[@patriciahughes7516]

To be honest, from the intro and what you were saying when you were editing, I expected a lot more haterade. This rendition might be a little off-putting for some for various reasons, it's like when you have a growler covering a verse in a pop song, it might be a unique option it might even be an interesting sound, but it's just not something you prefer, and that's okay. As long as your reasons for disliking it are coming from a genuine place, then it's all good, man. You can not like something and still respect that they did it well. I liked the reaction, and to me, anyway, I think you still said a lot of respectful and positive things about VoicePlay. Nice reaction.

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Thanks Patricia! Always a pleasure seeing you around the comment section and in our live videos.

[@Vildash]

i love this arrangement better than the original imo.

[@BlueZebra1955]

Why would anyone sing a song the same way it has always been sung? What's the point?

[@Hackensheath]

Honest reactions will always hold weight, and there will never be total agreement. Any heat you get for stating honest opinions should be a badge of honor, my brother. Keep up the good work.

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Thanks Justin! I’m doing my best to remain honest on this channel!

[@bizzer999]

just remember those who can sing those who can not teach

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

This kind of comment isn’t helpful at all And also kinda shits on the teaching profession.

[@olabergvall3154]

Nice review! I see many of your points but just don't feel the same way you do about this - and that's great. The neat thing about art, and opinions, is that I can disagree with yours while still respect and appreciate it as it stands, as well as the effort you put in. What if we all felt the same way about everything... wouldn't that make for a dull human experience?

[@mahoustar]

So I haven't watched the episode yet, but based on your intro and the comments I feel I can safely make a few assumptions, and I gotta say. Yanno, in many ways I agree with you. Without knowing the why's or hows of your reaction, I feel that when I first listened to this song it struck me as off. I don't think that says anything about Voiceplay. They are and always will be a masterclass in a Capella. I think this speaks more to Metallica. They have such emotional and iconic performances that it is almost impossible to live up to them. When thinking of this as a Metallica cover (which it is, and so it's a completely justified thought) I thought it was a little too boy-bandish, but listening to it through a couple times, I've learned to appreciate it as its own song. I don't think it's a heartbroken love letter to the fans the way Metallica's was, but it's still fun to listen to.

[@jbbya6040]

Great reaction. I love to see reactors that are able to be open about their opinion. I also don’t really like the cover overall based on first listen. Maybe at some point I’ll hear it and it will click though. Who knows.

[@plima9342]

Have you seen the Evolution of Justin Bieber medley? It’s by this new a cappella group called Radius, I discovered them when I saw them perform live in Chicago. You should react to it! I think you’d love it! It’s just like these singers but younger!

[@Traci2000]

I'll use my pitchfork in a friendly manner here. No stabbies, just sneaking up behind you to give you a gentle poke in the rear the way any true friend would do if given the opportunity. 🤣🤣 That's not even cuz you don't like it, I'm just like that. 🤣 Anyway, I've noticed in my own reactions that if I know and love a song really well, it can take me a while and a few listens to appreciate a new cover. Like when Geoff came out with "House of the Rising Sun" I couldn't let go of the original melody and so I didn't like it at first. Once I was able to adjust, I did like it but it took me a minute and that doesn't always happen so I can definitely understand where you're coming from about hearing the original in your mind. I think that's pretty natural and you seemed to appreciate what they'd done and the work that went into it. It's just that original holds a special place in your heart (especially the guitar). So no worries, we know you're allowed to love what you love! No hateful pitchforks here! Still, for me, this knocked "Hoist the Colours" out of the top spot and took over as my new favorite. I just love the fact that they had the balls to even attempt this Acapella, lol.

[@shercahn]

I agree with some of the critique parts. They like to show off Geoff and it doesn't always sound right. Also I don't know what it's called but the one spot in the first half where they harmonize but it sounds off (flat maybe?) didn't sound right to me either. However, overall, I thought they did great (as you said). But I get ya. And that's why HF remains #1 for me but VP is #2 :)

[@jasonwilliams9556]

The 1 that does the beat is good

[@DublinLass]

Hi there can you react to Hi Ren its very different but so worth a watch

I see your point here. I made the mistake to watch the premiere on friday while I was super tired and exhausted and I was simply overwhelmed and didn't like it at all because then it felt way "too much". By now I am pretty much with you, that the performance is as good as one would expect from VoicePlay and I only disagree with a few of Geoff's arrangemnet desicions. For me it is on the fine line of being too much change and I could have lived with a little less complexity in the arrangement. But from an artistic and skill perstective it is still super impressive. It's nice to see someone pointing out what they don't like and why. 👍

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Thanks my friend! I’m glad you’re seeing what I’m seeing even though they are separate opinions haha. I think this kind of thing allows us to speak and communicate which is getting dangerously lost in the world.

[@feathersandspikes2166]

Woo ya!!!

[@Bloodbound89]

i like the song but not as a COVER .. for me it is a interpretation of the original it comes second for me and the original is just something else :D

[@fontainefitness5698]

I would like to see your reaction to Chris Stapleton’s version. In my opinion, it’s a masterpiece of taking a classic and moulding it to his style.

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Chris Stapleton did this?!

[@fontainefitness5698]

@@TempleMusicAcademy Yes and in my opinion it’s amazing!

[@marta150]

I really like Eli's voice in this. I like the harmonies when they were all singing the words. I did not like harmonies as much when they were singing syllables, for example, the way they start the song For some reason it just didn't feel right. Which is simply a matter of taste. Because it is a matter of taste, I can't criticize those who like it or those who don't.

[@NavaeraGreenleaf88]

Definitely no pitchforks for having a different opinion.

[@joshuaebel7096]

Honestly as someone who is a huge fan of both versions. I absolutely love both and even though you had your opinions as someone who enjoys music theory and the intricacies that come with it. I did enjoy the liberties they took in their arrangement of this song and I enjoyed hearing your point of view and completely understand where you are coming from! I always enjoy watching your reactions because of how candid you are

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Thanks for the comment, Joshua! This is one of those times where music becomes subjective and as long as it brings movement and feel it doesn’t matter! Hope you’re having a great day and thanks for supporting the channel like you do :)

[@joshuaebel7096]

@@TempleMusicAcademy 100% that is why I always love watching videos like yours. People's encounters with music forms their taste in music and I always love hearing other people's point of view when it comes to music I like!

[@MichaelSullivanCincinnatux]

No pitchfork here. Rather than try to reinvent the music they should have rewritten the lyrics. The source music is perfect the way it is, but the lyrics are a bit thin. I get it - Voiceplay has world-class vocal talent and this is what they do - but I didn't need this song to be beautiful, I needed it to have some of that Metallica grit and this version dropped the original feel of the song. If I had never heard Metallica perform this song, I'd probably really enjoy Voiceplay's take because I love the melodic interplay of the song so much. But the reality is that I've heard Metallica do this song dozens upon dozens of times (S&M is one of my favorite albums of all time) and Voiceplay is too distant from the atmosphere that Metallica's performances deliver. It was like listening to a foreigner speak your native language - they choose words that technically work, but the accents are all in the wrong places and the word choices aren't always appropriate for the tone of the conversation.

[@milesyager2903]

Old school Metallica fans think that anything past “Justice For All” is radio friendly rock. They lost their metal card with the black album. They are a good band and do what they do…. Metal just ain’t it. If you have ever seen them live, they mostly do old songs because nobody gives a fuck about anything past the Black album and they only want a couple songs off it. They adapted to sell records. They lost their edge and the very thing that made them. But hey, they sold a bunch of albums and made a bunch of money…

[@natebaker3672]

I guess I just don't understand the criticism. No iconic piece of music requires any rearranging, but the closer you stick to the original, the less relevant your take on the music is. A straight cover is essentially a useless piece of music to the musical zeitgeist unless you somehow perform it better than the original. I don't think it makes sense to approach any performance with a checklist of what it must do to make you happy with it. I think it is best to approach it with an open mind and judge it on its own merits. You may still think this piece is not what you want, even on its own merits, and I would disagree. But to try to squelch creativity that brings dramatic change to a song is overall harmful to the music. Imagine losing Chris Stapletin's iconic take on Tennessee Whiskey or Disturbed's iconic take on Sound of Silence.

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Well hang on now, I didn’t come in with a checklist and indefinitely had an open mind in the beginning of it, because I still did the video. I would also please ask that you watch the video again as I’m not saying they shouldn’t arrange the song differently, I’m saying I disagreed with what they chose to arrange differently. There’s a few factors at play here that made me say it which is why I considered it to be notable )no pun(

[@natebaker3672]

@Temple Music Academy It sounds like you had in your head what you thought it should sound like based on the original song. From what I took from your comments, you agreed that the harmonies and overall arrangement independent of the original song were good, but you didn't like the fact that they changed more of the song than was necessary. Please correct me if I misinterpreted your words.

[@catherinelopresti7121]

I agree 100%.

[@feathersandspikes2166]

Will it cause a broken reactor?...

[@feathersandspikes2166]

Awesome purist reaction and unbroken!

[@foxxknight8847]

As much as I like Geoff and am impressed by his deep voice, I think sometimes he leans too heavily on bottoming out with the subharmonics as a gimmick sometimes. Like there are plenty of times when he does it and it just feels completely gratuitous. It's not adding anything to the song to just suddenly drop his voice through the floor...

[@user-rq5qs5zn4r]

Never cover a song and do it the same as the original. It has to be your own.

[@ambergarner8471]

Well, you're definitely in the minority but I truly appreciate your honest review. I can see your point about the arranging. There was a little too much vocal gymnastics at times that didn't really fit the feeling of the song. Overall though, I loved it. BTW, I miss your PTX reactions. Get back on that my dude! 😁

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Haha thanks amber! PTX is coming back… especially on our new channel :)

[@jmoney6900]

I’m not saying the did not do a good job but it was simply to clean. There needs to be some grit is all I’m saying.

[@marshayoung9387]

I think the grit as you call it takes away from the sensitivity of the meaning of the words themselves.

[@jmoney6900]

@@marshayoung9387 it’s not an original, it’s a cover and one should honor the original a little. As I said it’s simply to clean which is not metal as Metallica is. Even when that guy went low there still was not that grit. The grit might not always b in the vocals but in the bass or guitar. It was just missing something and I had that thought throughout their performance.

[@MrZnarffy]

I totally agree with you, the places you didn't like I totally agree with, especially in the beginning where I also wanted more "clipped" sounds as the melody is sooo beautiful....

[@JerryGDawg56]

😂 How are we supposed to take your reaction seriously. Were you reacting legitimately or trying to be funny?

[@min-magicks]

On the up, once it hits vocals, it was excellent. Super cool stuff... but that opening is just so disappointing. Like, I know they are about harmonies, but sometimes you have to go outside your comfort zone to really do something amazing. This was an opportunity, and they let it slip. Pushing yourself as an artist is how you improve and explore, and even if it wasn't a 'safe' move, I would have loved to see them take it. Especially with the rest of the song being so strong!

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Maybe that’s what i can’t get behind. The opening has so much emotional feel in the original and it really sets the pace for everything to come. Here, I thought they just sorta “got it done” so they could get to where the shine which is the vocals.

[@MsJimmysgirl]

I am sorry I love Voice Play but to me this just isn't as good as their version of Dream On. I really love Nothing else matters and I just wasn't as impressed as I usual am.

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

That seems to sum up a lot of how I feel as well.

[@jerlynneallison6361]

Well, as a Metallica fan, you're wrong. And I'm glad I'm not subscribed to you.

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Me too

[@lindalegan6917]

Sounds like you just want groups to copy the original. No innovation, no creativity?

[@TempleMusicAcademy]

Not at all what I said. But thanks for playing.