If you’re like Us, you’ve been listening to Ryan Adams‘ version of Taylor Swift‘s 1989 on repeat since it came out just before midnight on Sunday, Sept. 20. Expectations were high for the covers album — especially after Swift herself started tweeting a countdown to its release — but fans of both artists seem to agree that it more than lives up to the hype.
Adams took 1989, which was already a stellar pop album on its own, and gave it new life, honoring Swift’s songwriting while still putting his own unique spin on each track. The result is a collection of moody rock anthems (“Style” and “All You Had to Do Was Stay” are standouts) and brooding acoustic covers (“Out of the Woods” will haunt you like never before).
Naturally, the Us Weekly staff started thinking of other records — specifically, from female pop-rock stars in the modern era — that we’d like to hear through Adams’ voice. Check out our list below, and add your own ideas in the comments!
1. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Lauryn Hill
Hill’s 1998 Grammy-winning debut solo album has been named on countless “Best Of” lists, including Rolling Stone‘s 2003 ranking of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. We’d love to hear Adams’ take on “Everything Is Everything” — or maybe a Whiskeytown spin on “Doo-Wop (That Thing).”
2. Jagged Little Pill, Alanis Morissette
Morissette’s 1995 record is one of the seminal and best-selling albums of the ’90s, and people still go crazy for it today — just ask the fans at Swift’s L.A. concert on Aug. 24, when the “Ironic” singer joined the “Wildest Dreams” hitmaker during her 1989 tour to perform “You Oughta Know.”
3. Ray of Light, Madonna
Really, any Madonna album would suffice — Adams would slay “Like a Prayer” — but 1998’s Ray of Light is arguably among the Queen of Pop’s most critically successful and reflective records. We bet the “Come Pick Me Up” crooner could have some fun with “Ray of Light” and “Frozen.”
4. Beyonce, Beyonce
Imagine Adams’ covers of “Pretty Hurts” and “XO.” You need this in your life.
5. 21, Adele
Three words: “Someone Like You.”
6. Bangerz, Miley Cyrus
Cyrus’ 2013 record — which officially reintroduced the former Hannah Montana star to the adult world — is rife with potential Adams masterpieces. Think of the possibilities! A Smiths-esque rendition of “Wrecking Ball,” perhaps? Or a slowed-down acoustic cover of “We Can’t Stop”? “Adore You” is gorgeous as is, but Adams could no doubt find some nuance in it.
7. Blackout, Britney Spears
Spears’ 2007 album — made around the height of her breakdown — is maybe her darkest and most critically acclaimed record. And while we’ll always be nostalgic for 1998-era Britney, this version of her, with catchy-but-bleak tracks like “Piece of Me” and “Gimme More,” seems more in line with Adams’ rebellious rocker vibe.
8. Teenage Dream, Katy Perry
Adams might not seem like the most likely person to bridge the divide between Swift and her rumored “Bad Blood” nemesis Perry, but who would have predicted his 1989 covers to begin with? Besides, we’d like to hear his take on ultra-poppy hits like “Firework” and “California Gurls.”
9. Daydream, Mariah Carey
The best-selling artist of the ’90s, Carey has plenty of albums to choose from, but 1995’s Daydream is easily one of the best — despite the fact that it didn’t win any of the six Grammys for which it was nominated. We’re picturing “Fantasy” as a jam in the vein of Adams’ “New York, New York.”
10. The Fame Monster, Lady Gaga
Adams would have plenty to work with from Gaga’s 2009 re-issue. The two-disc record includes some of her biggest hits, including “Paparazzi,” “Poker Face,” “Just Dance,” and “Bad Romance.”
