Covers, Vol. 2

Covers, Vol. 2 is a pivotal entry in Sleeping at Last's extensive project of thematic EPs and singles. Released in 2016, it follows the artist's established tradition of 'reimagining' popular music through a lens of chamber folk and minimalist orchestral arrangements. Ryan O'Neal, the sole permanent member, handles nearly all aspects of the performance and production, creating a sound that is remarkably consistent with his original works like the 'Atlas' series. This specific volume gained significant traction through its frequent use in television dramas, most notably Grey's Anatomy, where the emotional weight of his 'Chasing Cars' cover became a defining sonic touchstone for the series. Critically, the album is praised for its ability to find 'the song within the song,' often uncovering melancholic or hopeful undertones in tracks that were originally high-energy pop. It stands as a testament to O'Neal's skill as an arranger, using strings and piano to create a cinematic scale within a bedroom-pop recording context.