Tyler Joseph, the dynamic frontman of Twenty One Pilots, recently stunned long-time fans with a rare glimpse into his early, vulnerable artistry. Known globally for his rapid-fire rapping, genre-defying rock, and signature screaming vocals, Joseph showcased an entirely different side by delivering a heartbreaking, soul-crushing rendition of Christina Perri’s emotional ballad, “Jar of Hearts.” This unexpected performance left viewers frozen in silence, unable to reconcile the screaming rapper with such a deeply sensitive voice.
The Vulnerable Voice: A Shocking Early Cover
Before the global sensation and multi-platinum hits, Joseph’s early days were defined by raw, self-released material and unexpected covers. None was more surprising than his heartfelt take on the emotionally devastating breakup song. The cover offered an early, crucial glimpse into Joseph’s significant vocal range and his capacity to convey profound sorrow. This stood in stark contrast to the high-energy stage presence and powerful screams that would later define chart-toppers like “Car Radio” and “Heavydirtysoul.” The cover revealed a hidden, pure vocal control few suspected he possessed.
A Deep Cut from the Early Days of Twenty One Pilots
The studio recording of the “Jar of Hearts” cover was a deep cut from the band’s self-released era. It was posted to the Twenty One Pilots SoundCloud account and released digitally around February 21, 2011. This timing places the track firmly between their self-titled debut album (2009) and Regional at Best (2011). The song was first performed live shortly before its release, with an early performance taking place at the Newport Music Hall in Columbus, Ohio, on February 19, 2011.
Emotional Weight Leaves Viewers Frozen
The original song is a raw confrontation, warning an ex-lover: “Who do you think you are? Runnin’ ’round leaving scars, collecting your jar of hearts.” Joseph’s stripped-down, piano-backed performance delivered the lyrics with a raw, earnest quality that resonated instantly. It quickly became a fan-favorite, demonstrating that Joseph’s talent was rooted not just in performance theatrics, but in a profound capacity for emotional interpretation.
Showcasing a Hidden Vulnerability
While Joseph is celebrated for dynamic shifts between rapping and powerful screams—techniques used to convey themes of mental distress and anxiety—the “Jar of Hearts” cover revealed his ability to deliver a clean, controlled vocal. This track, along with early acoustic renditions of songs like Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” proved the band’s musical depth long before their 2015 global success with the album Blurryface. These early moments were crucial for building the intimate connection with fans. The simplicity of the cover stripped away all post-production artifice, allowing Joseph’s emotional vulnerability to take center stage. The original live video captured the intensity of the early shows, confirming the raw, unpolished talent of the duo even before drummer Josh Dun was officially part of the permanent lineup.