Explore the top five acoustic rock songs that deliver a hard-hitting experience, expertly curated by the dynamic three-piece band Of Limbo. This talented trio has just released their latest album, Unplugged, which showcases a rich nine-track collection. This album features impressive covers of iconic songs from Van Halen, Radiohead, and Alice in Chains, alongside a blend of original tracks and a captivating live performance.

The soothing and introspective nature of these acoustic tracks provides a perfect contrast to the typical overwhelming guitar distortion, intense low-end sound, energetic drumming, and powerful vocal performances that we often associate with rock music. This makes them ideal for enjoying under the warm summer sun or cozying up indoors during a rainy day.

Moreover, acoustic songs can possess their own brand of heaviness, often allowing raw emotions to wash over listeners in profound ways.

Before diving into our selection of powerful unplugged tracks, let’s take a moment to learn more about this talented band…

Discover the Journey and Origins of Of Limbo

Originating from Long Beach, California, Of Limbo has carved out a unique space in the music scene.

They made their debut with the album Nicotine in 2017, marking the beginning of their musical journey.

Their latest release, Unplugged, showcases their evolution as artists.

Since their debut, Of Limbo has tirelessly toured, sharing the stage with renowned bands such as Wolfmother, Hinder, Candlebox, Buckcherry, Joyous Wolf, and Blue Oyster Cult, while consistently releasing new music. A pivotal moment in their career came in 2023 with the release of the single “California Demon,” which revealed a new dimension of their musical style, leading up to the launch of their latest album, Unplugged.

A highlight of this collection is their cover of “Street Spirit” from Radiohead‘s 1995 album, The Bends. Vocalist and rhythm guitarist Jake Davies expressed, “This is my all-time favorite Radiohead song.” He praises his brother, who plays lead guitar and provides additional vocals, saying, “I am incredibly proud of Luke’s guitar work on this cover. He crafted some guitar harmonies that elevate the song to a special place. Additionally, our friend Lucas Holter from Whiskey & The Wolves delivers incredible vocals, giving me chills during the recording process.”

Be sure to listen to their rendition below.

Explore Of Limbo’s Cover of “Street Spirit” (Radiohead)

READ MORE: 10 Best New Grunge Bands Since 2010, As Selected by Of Limbo

Now, let’s delve into the five heaviest acoustic songs that Of Limbo holds in high regard!

Top 5 Acoustic Tracks That Maintain a Hard-Hitting Edge, Curated by Of Limbo’s Jake and Luke Davies

The term “heavy” typically conjures images of riffs that hit hard, inducing that signature stank face, or powerful vocals that defy human capability.

However, in the realm of acoustic music, the concept of heaviness can take on an entirely different meaning. Even a seemingly gentle track, such as Johnny Cash’s cover of “Hurt,” can carry an emotional weight that resonates even more profoundly than heavy tracks like “Demiurge” by Meshuggah.

There’s no need to reiterate classic performances from Alice In Chains and Nirvana on MTV Unplugged—their impact speaks for itself.

Here are our top five acoustic rock anthems that still pack a heavy punch, guaranteed to resonate with any rock music aficionado.

Chris Cornell, “As Hope And Promise Fade” (Recorded Live At Queen Elizabeth Theatre)

When it comes to live performances, Chris Cornell stands unparalleled.

For me, this performance represents the pinnacle of live vocal excellence in rock history—just one man armed with an acoustic guitar.

His voice transitions from a valley of somber, emotive expression to soaring heights of notes that seem almost inhuman. Choosing just one song from Cornell’s vast repertoire is a daunting task, especially with remarkable tracks like “Seasons” and his rendition of Michael Jackson‘s “Billie Jean” in existence. It’s truly unfortunate that Soundgarden never participated in an MTV Unplugged session, as their artistry would have been showcased beautifully.

Damageplan, “Soul Bleed”

The Abbott brothers undeniably transformed the landscape of heavy music forever.

However, “Soul Bleed” by Damageplan exemplifies that you don’t always need distorted guitars to achieve an incredibly heavy sound.

Dimebag Darrell’s solo in this track serves as a natural successor to his legendary performance on Pantera’s cover of Black Sabbath’s “Planet Caravan.” The vocal melodies and harmonies stand shoulder to shoulder with the best offerings from Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell.

By the end of the track, lead vocalist Patrick Lachman delivers an electrifying performance that leaves listeners breathless.

Lindsey Buckingham, “Big Love” (Live)

Lindsey Buckingham is arguably one of the most underrated guitarists of all time. His intricate fingerpicking, combined with soaring vocal melodies, showcases sheer genius.

His live solo rendition carries a weight that surpasses the original full band studio version.

Days of the New, “Shelf In The Room”

Between the grunge era and what is now often referred to as the “butt rock” of the early 2000s, emerged Days Of The New.

They didn’t need to adapt electric guitars into an acoustic format for MTV Unplugged because their sound was always intended to be stripped down and raw.

Their music is characterized by an acoustic, heavy essence. Among the prominent vocalists of the grunge era, Travis Meeks certainly deserves recognition as a fifth member of that elite group.

Halestorm, “Black Vultures (Stripped)”

While some fans of Janis Joplin may have differing opinions, I firmly believe that Halestorm‘s Lzzy Hale is the greatest female rock vocalist of all time.

This track exemplifies her extraordinary talent—her power, vocal range, and character are simply unmatched. Her growl is particularly astonishing. Additionally, the haunting piano lines they incorporated elevate this version significantly.

In fact, I believe this rendition strikes even harder than the original version of “Black Vultures.”

Stay Connected with Of Limbo

Connect with Of Limbo on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok for the latest updates and news.

Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Tour Dates for Of Limbo

Aug. 8 — Hollywood, Calif. @ Viper Room (Full Band, Electric Show)
Aug. 30 — Long Beach, Calif. @ Que Sera (Full Band, Electric Show)
Oct. 11 — Anaheim, Calif. @ Constellation Room/House of Blues (Full Band, Electric Show)
Oct. 31 — Long Beach, Calif. @ V Room – (Full Band, Electric Show)

Don’t miss out on getting your copy of ‘Unplugged’ and check out ticket information on Of Limbo’s official website.