Transforming a modern neo-soul hit into a massive a cappella arrangement is no small feat, but the New York Vocal Collective executed it flawlessly. Partnering with two-time Grammy-winning arranger Ben Bram, co-creator of Pentatonix, this 46-member ensemble elevated Olivia Dean’s smooth track into an awe-inspiring choral experience. Mixed by Ed Boyer with videography by Materetsky Multimedia, the stunning crossover became an unexpected viral sensation. Despite having only 8,000 subscribers, the young YouTube channel saw their captivating performance skyrocket to nearly 600,000 views, proving the undeniable power of vocal harmony.
The audience’s obsession with the mesmerizing video was immediate. Demand for the breathtaking cover grew so intense that it prompted an official streaming release on Apple Music. Viewers quickly began sharing a unique playback “hack” to savor the intricate harmonies and rich vocal textures even more deeply. One enthusiastic fan highlighted this trick, writing, “The guy that suggested listening to this on 0.9x speed is a GENIUS!!!!!” The resulting slowed-down audio creates an immersive, hypnotic experience. You can watch the viral performance for yourself below. You can find the speed settings by clicking the cog icon in the top right hand corner of the video player below.
Beyond the breathtaking vocals, the visual and musical aesthetics of the performance completely captivated viewers. The video features a beautifully diverse choir elegantly styled in a calming sage green dress code, perfectly complementing the soulful energy of the arrangement. Fans were quick to praise this holistic approach to the art. One viewer beautifully summarized the collective impact, commenting, “Stop it. A choral arrangement of “Man I need”, an extremely diverse choir, and sage dress code. CHILLS.” This unified aesthetic beautifully framed the masterful musical choices crafted by Ben Bram.
Original fans of Olivia Dean have fully embraced this glorious rendition, with communities praising the choir’s immense talent. There is a strong, shared desire among the fans for Dean to see the video and feel proud of how her work has been reimagined. Recognizing the sheer scale of this cover, one viewer excitedly stated, “oh i hope Olivia uses a choir for her Grammy Performance.” Compare this massive choir arrangement to the smooth neo-soul sound of the original track.
Bram’s phenomenal arrangement thrives on brilliant dynamic shifts and vocal layers. Viewers specifically highlighted the call-and-response dynamics that add incredible depth to the familiar lyrics. One fan praised these structural choices, noting, “Oooof the male chorus second verse as the response to the first women led verse is honestly genius brings an extra layer to the song!!! Bravo.” This careful division of the 46 voices creates a rich, textured soundscape that highlights the distinct strengths of the choir while maintaining the rhythmic soul of the original piece.
This viral moment extends far beyond a simple YouTube upload. Inspired by the overwhelming response, the NYVC hosted an inclusive community sing event in New York City, allowing locals to gather and learn the parts by ear. Furthermore, the song cemented its place as a flagship performance for the group’s debut concert, genesis. By transforming a solo hit into a magnificent choral anthem, the New York Vocal Collective proved that a brilliant arrangement can truly bring people together in harmony.