In the world of cover songs, there are two kinds—those that stick closely to the original and those that completely transform the song into something new. Mary Simone’s latest release, a reimagining of Mark Ronson’s “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart,” firmly belongs in the latter category. With hauntingly beautiful vocals, lush instrumentation, and an emotive reinterpretation, Simone doesn’t just cover the song—she makes it her own.
Mark Ronson’s original, featuring Miley Cyrus, is a driving, country-tinged anthem, propelled by pulsating beats and twangy guitars. Simone strips away that urgency and instead leans into the heartbreak, revealing a depth of emotionthat may have been overlooked in the original.
In her hands, Nothing Breaks Like a Heart transforms into a soul-stirring folk-rock ballad, infused with Americana and jazz influences. The song now feels like an intimate confessional, where every lyric lands with raw vulnerability and aching beauty.
Simone’s voice is the undeniable centerpiece of this rendition. Her ability to blend tenderness with power gives the song an almost cinematic quality. There’s a quiet strength in her delivery, making every note resonate with longing and resilience.
Where Miley Cyrus brought a fiery intensity to the original, Simone brings subtlety and control, drawing listeners in with emotion rather than volume. She understands that sometimes the softest moments hit the hardest, and this version of the song proves just that.
Recorded at the renowned Power Station in New York City, this track benefits from a rich, immersive production that enhances its emotional weight. Produced by Emmy-winning composer and Grammy-nominated producer Stephen Webber, the arrangement breathes and flows naturally, allowing the story to unfold at its own pace.
The instrumentation is lush yet restrained, featuring:
- Warm acoustic guitar tones that add an earthy, folk-like quality.
- Subtle strings and piano that enhance the melancholy without overwhelming it.
- Gentle percussion that gives the song a rhythmic heartbeat, but never pushes too hard.
This careful balance between intimacy and grandeur makes Simone’s version feel both deeply personal and universally powerful. Mary Simone is no stranger to reinterpreting classics. Her debut single, a fresh take on “Cry Me a River,” showcased her ability to blend nostalgia with modern sensibilities. With Nothing Breaks Like a Heart, she continues this journey, proving that she’s not just a vocalist, but an artist with a unique vision.
Born and raised in The Bahamas, with musical influences spanning Canada and the UK, Simone brings a global perspective to her artistry. Her music feels timeless yet fresh, bridging genres in a way that feels both effortless and intentional.
Her decision to slow down Ronson’s high-energy track and focus on the emotional core is a testament to her storytelling instincts. It’s not just about performing a song—it’s about re-examining its meaning and giving it new life.
Many artists attempt covers, but few completely reimagine a song the way Mary Simone does. With Nothing Breaks Like a Heart, she turns a modern hit into what feels like a folk-rock classic, bringing out the raw ache and vulnerability that may have been buried beneath the original’s pulsing energy.
For fans of Americana, jazz-infused folk, and deeply emotive storytelling, this is a must-listen. If this track is any indication, her upcoming debut EP, Great Escape, is set to be something truly special.
It’s not often that a cover overshadows the original, but in this case, it just might. Mary Simone hasn’t just covered “Nothing Breaks Like a Heart”—she’s redefined it.
Connect with MARY SIMONE on
English