Folksy Cover of Michael Jackson Classic Will Give You Chills

A unique country and folk cover of Michael Jackson's iconic "Billie Jean" gives the 1980s hit a fresh twist that's worth listening to, whether you're a fan of the original song or not.

I'm a big fan of music in general and enjoy listening to all genres. While I have my favorites, I'm always open to hearing something new—even if it's a new take on an old classic. There's a cover of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" that's been floating around for some time, and my only regret is that I didn't hear it sooner. Is it better than the original? No, but it's not worse either. It's just different, but in a good way.

Michael Jackson and 'Billie Jean'

Jackson's "Billie Jean" was released in January 1983 and climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart that year. According to Songfacts, "Billie Jean" is based on a woman who claimed Jackson was the father of her child. The unnamed stalker used to follow him and even wrote him letters about a son she believed was his. The song earned Jackson a Grammy at the 1983 Grammy Awards for Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance and Best Rhythm & Blues Song.

The Civil Wars - Billie Jean

The cover of this Michael Jackson megahit was released in 2011 by a duo called "The Civil Wars." Featuring guitarist John Paul White and vocalist Joy Williams, their music can be described as a blend of country and folk. The duo's first album, Live at Eddie's Attic, was released in 2009 and has since been followed by several other projects. While I've yet to explore an abundance of their music, it's safe to say I'm already a fan of their sound.