John West Delivers Beautiful Acoustic Rendition of Rihanna’s ‘We Found Love’

Just a few years ago, up-and-coming singer-songwriter John West was working as a street performer on the sidewalks of Santa Monica. Now, the musician is on the brink of superstardom with the upcoming release of his debut album on Mercury/Island Def Jam.

West, who hails from Baton Rouge, La., already has a rapidly growing fan base, but this number is bound to increase after pop lovers witness his beautifully haunting rendition of Rihanna's No. 1 hit single 'We Found Love.' While Rihanna's original is a club-ready track with booming bass and swirling synth, West is slowing things down and delivering a much more organic version of the song on his cover tune.

Equipped with an acoustic guitar and a small backing band, West will leave you with goosebumps as he sails through the gorgeous cover. The performer gives the song his own R&B spin, with his smooth and sultry voice becoming the main focal point. West has a wide vocal range, and he exhibits this with his flawless falsetto during the 'We Found Love' chorus. He truly makes the song his own, and we think Rihanna might be moved to tears over this acoustic rendition of her 'Talk That Talk' track.

If you are a fan of West's 'We Found Love' cover, chances are you will love his solo material. "The creative process comes organically for me," West has said of his songwriting. "I’m usually just trying to come up with lyrics that pool on me because ultimately you’re trusting your emotional center. Then you’re trying to use your inner sense: does that note feel right there or is that line too obvious. Ultimately you want a lyric or melody that’s going to make a random person’s heart soar."

The crooner is catching a lot of buzz for his song 'Lovely' (watch the video here), which is a collaboration with rapper Pusha T of the Clipse, and is working with some major artists (he collaborated with Big Sean for 'Already There') and producers for his full-length debut. If you are loving John West as much as we are, be sure to check out more of his material on his official website.

Watch John West Cover Rihanna's 'We Found Love'