It has been over a decade and a half since System Of A Down released their hit-laden sophomore record Toxicity. Since then, the band had gone on to release two more albums, one of which was the double-album Mezmerize/Hypnotize. Their catalog boasts many iconic chorus lines belted by SOAD frontman Serj Tankian and the instantly recognizable riffs of Daron Malakian, but there is one song that stands the test of time. That song is “Chop Suey.”
There have been countless covers recorded and tributes performed since SOAD debuted the hit song in 2001, but there is one that has blown them all away. The version voiced by singer Anthony Vincent is a special one because, well … it’s not your standard cover. Vincent is the voice behind Ten Second Songs, a wildly popular YouTube channel that boasts over two million subscribers and over a hundred million views. His take on cover songs is a bit different. Instead of singing the song the way the original artist performed it or even interpreting the tune in his own personal vocal styling, he takes the viewer on a journey of sonic schizophrenia — and it is awesome!
Ten Second Songs is all about reimagining a song, some of which are requested by viewers, and crafting the arrangement to fit each style, resulting in the ultimate mashup. With “Chop Suey,” Vincent sings the song in 20 different styles, starting with System Of A Down. From there, things change quickly and kind of blows your mind when the transition goes from Tankian to Michael Jackson. Yes, Michael Jackson. Along the journey, Vincent channels The Beach Boys, Meatloaf, The Bee Gees, Wu-Tang Clan. There are very interesting dynamics between the styles, and it is easy to tell that Vincent has honed his craft and is an incredibly creative artist. There has definitely been some careful thought put into the placement of his artist impersonations at certain points in the song. Somehow, it all works.
The frenetic performance continues with a Tiësto breakdown because, why not? The climax is highlighted with performances by all three members of The Rat Pack, back to System Of A Down for a few seconds, My Chemical Romance, and concluding with Boyz II Men. What a ride!
Anthony Vincent has developed a huge and loyal following with his multi-style cover songs. What started out as a side business on a micro-job site, exploded into a phenomenon. Ten Second Songs took an unassuming and incredibly talented singer and songwriter into the upper echelon of YouTube sensationalism. Other videos worth watching are: Eminem’s “Rap God,” Twenty One Pilots’ “Heathens,” and the video that started it all, Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse.”
Watch the video for “Chop Suey” below, and watch all of the other videos on the Ten Second Songs YouTube channel.
