Shania Twain, a Canadian-born country superstar, began her music career at a young age, signing with Nashville Mercury Records in the early 1990s. Her first album, released in 1993, fell short commercially, but the single “What Made You Say That?” and its music video attracted the attention of South African producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange.
Their initial collaboration sparked not only a creative partnership but also a romance, which led to industry skepticism due to their significant age difference and differing backgrounds. Nevertheless, Twain and Lange would continue to work together and grow closer, marrying in late 1993.
Together, the couple wrote and released two albums between 1993 and 1997. As they worked on her third album, “Come On Over,” alongside what would end up being huge country chart hits “That Don’t Impress Me Much” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman,” Shania penned “You’re Still the One” in response to skepticism surrounding both their professional and romantic relationship.
Released as the album’s third single and her first to pop radio, it propelled Twain into pop stardom, garnered critical acclaim, and expanded her fan base. The song has been forever etched into the hearts of millions, often used to express a long-lasting love that resonates with people as much today as when it was released almost 30 years ago.
This brings us to the year 2020, where a burly man rocking a big beard and various face tattoos by the name of Teddy Swims decides to take on the task of covering Shania’s most successful international pop hit.
The video begins with Teddy standing in front of his studio mic in a soothingly lit room, chuckling to himself and shyly darting his eyes to the viewer and away just as fast, as he dedicates the song to his mom. His rough-around-the-edges appearance is all the more jarring once he begins singing.
There’s a richness to his voice, a silky smooth tone, and a dynamic range that takes you away for the few minutes he has our attention wrapped. There’s something about a big fella beautifully singing such a heartfelt love song that gives you the room to really take a deep breath, to let your guard down and rest, while he serenades you.
Gorgeous, sparingly used falsettos, tasteful, fluttery vocal runs, edging on gritty tones that round out angelic vocal lines give us as listeners something that will bring us back time and time again to look out for something new with each listen.
Garnering 232 million views, the video grabs the listener by the heartstrings and envelopes them in a love that many are lucky enough to feel but unable to put into words in most instances.
Many people commented on how Teddy’s rendition brought them to tears by evoking memories of loved ones passed and present. Others spoke of a release from stress that the song gifts them, expressing that they use it regularly to feel that peace for a moment.
In the years since uploading this video, Teddy has released multiple original EPs and Albums, as well as numerous beautiful covers, such as his upbeat and grooved-out version of Ray Charles’ “Georgia On My Mind”, growing his fan base well into the millions. Follow him on YouTube and streaming platforms to stay up-to-date with all his wonderful releases.