The "transition" from the group to Cesar is actually everyone grabbing their stools and ducking out of the shot, so it's one compleate take at the end.

The musical theater analogy works! The way they orchestrated it directly lines up with the kind of self loathing spiral that has you choking on sobs at 2am, until you wear yourself out, and just settle on the thought that crystallized in the storm.

Cesar always seems to wear his heart on his sleeve but never more than here ❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Eli also arranged their cover of Eleanor Rigby, right after Earl abruptly left. Eli sang both tenor parts rather than rearrange or bring in a collaborator.

Respect to Mortius for going (paraphrasing): "About pausing; You're right, I just dont care. Deal with it." Respect.

Cesar is a heartbreaker. He puts so much emotions in everything he sings. Eli did an amazing job with this one. Nobody does a smoother transition better than Voice Play ❤️

I think you’re the first reactor that I’ve seen that really noted Cesar’s voice breaking on the word “cry”. That is where my tears start every single time. I’ve gotten better and I no longer sob through the whole thing, but when his voice breaks it does something to me. I should have guessed that you would be the one that would catch that bit of vulnerability. Cesar’s acting through this was phenomenal. Eli did an amazing job. He really chose the right person for each set of lines. I really appreciate that he had Anthony singing very quietly . Usually they go right to those soaring vocals and it was nice to see him do equally well when things were more subdued. The mirror idea actually was Geoff’s and they really made the most of one simple prop. That last transition by the way was not a transition. It was a single cut. The camera zoomed in on Cesar, everyone scattered and Layne pushed the mirror back in front of him all at the same time. Tony helped with the direction and it was pretty entertaining to watch him behind the curtain, just like the Wizard of Oz, directing everyone. Because they had to completely black out the room they had curtains all the way around and no one could be in the room except the singer and the camera person. I totally sympathize with you with the heat. I live in Northern California above Sacramento and few nights it’s not gotten below 80 and I have no AC. It’s pretty hard to get cooled off after those 110° days when it doesn’t get below 80 at night🥵.

Anyone who complains about a reaction channel pausing, they don't know what a "reaction" means. Let Mortius do what he wants with HIS channel!

A wonderful reaction. Cesar's acting ability is phenomenal. This is only the 2nd time VoicePlay brought me to tears, the other being "True Colors," but his voice crack and especially the tears at the end broke me. Eli brought in all of his talent for this one. He's a lighting genius, and his arrangement elevated this song. Layne is a beast, haha. Anthony is spoiling us with his talent. And Geoff... sheesh! Geoff's line "I want a perfect body" sounded way too personal and honest. He portrayed his struggle with body image issues in "I Love Me" with lightheartedness, but now he sounds vulnerable, like he still suffers with that part of his mental health..... although many fans MELT over him, haha! Still, I know that all the adoration in the world doesn't help; if anything, it can drive a person to believe they must keep up potentially dangerous diets and workout schedules because otherwise no one will love them. I've known people who wrecked their health and shortened their lifespan (my aunt even died) due to body image struggles. So it personally hurts me to think he's had to deal with that. Add that to Cesar tapping into whatever cruelty he's faced in his life, being called a "creep" or "weirdo" for being who he is and loving who he loves... such an emotional video and song from our beloved Theater Kids. BTW I'm also in Oregon with a new window AC (well, a used Craigslist find for $50). It's only in one room of our apartment. My husband's office (a 2nd bedroom) has multiple computers running and gets HOT, so since he's in there 8 hours a day and has to do video conferencing, so he can't look sweaty and gross, he gets the coveted AC. Meanwhile, we have strategically placed fans to direct the cold air out of the office, through the hallway, a sharp turn left to the main living space (kitchen/dining/living room mashup ALA apartment life) and then another fan blowing the air to the right so it can finally reach my computer on the far opposite end of the apartment, right by the back deck. (I like the view of the wetlands.) Best $50 investment EVER! Hope the best for you guys here.

Honestly? this is the first version of the song that made me feel sympathy for the narrator. 'Cause when there is *any* ambiguity over whether or not the narrator is speaking these word aloud to their object of infatuation, all I can think is: "I hope she runs fast, and doesn't look back." (Think Hal in _Megamind_ ). But this cover made it clear that these thoughts were all internal and self-recriminatory. Part of that is Cesar's mirror and phenomenal acting, but mostly, it's Eli's arrangement -- using the background vocals to show us the soloist's internal thoughts, *before* they each sung their line. Like you said: the musical theater tradition of building on internal emotional intensity.

Great reaction, Mortius. I'm so glad you looked to see who arranged (and everything else😂). Eli definitely went all out here. I have mentioned on other videos that I have been listening to this song since the 90s, so, literally, for decades. I always liked the song. I always understood the lyrics and the meaning behind them. I was actually over covers of this song because of, in my opinion, oversaturation, and I wasn't even that excited about VP covering because of that reason. But after all these years, and countless covers of this song, VoicePlay was the first to make me feel this song. I will never question them again. 😆 I'm glad you liked it. 😊

Cesar should be on Broadway, center stage.

This so phenomenally fantastic!! These guys can do anything and turn it into gold. Had to grab me a box of tissues for this one. Cesar killed it with his emotions and I feel he deserves a hug, Eli did amazing with this arrangement. I have no words. I mean They all put so many emotions into this song. I was crying through most of it, and I have cried everytime I watch it. It hits deep with all my insecurities. It is already on my playlist! Great reaction as usual Mortius!!!!

Yes, it's Gar-jool-a. Cesar's voice break on "cry" gets me every time. I just want to hug him.

Re: your thoughts on musical theater analogs. I've been trying to put my finger on why VP's last year or so of work feels different not only from what other a capella groups of this caliber are doing, but VP's own older work. I think with the connections they create between their musical choices and their visual storytelling, VP can now operate in a *rhetorical* register other groups rarely access. It's part musical theater, part top-tier c. 1990 music video (think "Losing My Religion"). None of which takes away from the vocal performances themselves, of course! But we're talking about what distinguishes them from their musical peers. I wish I knew enough music theory to be able to tell if their arrangements lend themselves to that approach.

The raw emotions in everyone voices can really bring up past memories where I've felt very similar. I just want to give them all hug and tell them they are perfect. Since I can't actually do that I've resorted to giving my dogs extra cuddles. This is really an exciting month for Eli. Not only has the song he arranged blow everyone minds 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 He has also announced he and his wife will be welcoming a baby boy somtime around November🎉😊😀😄😁😆🎉🎉🤗 Sorry about the heat, totally understand. Stay hydrated. You might want to look into drinks that include electrolytes not just water.

This is so gorgeous, heartrending, wistful. So emotional. Cesar has a way of incorporating all of those emotions into every line of his body. Anthony is not far behind in that either. I've listened to other Creeps but this one is the way it should be. So glad VoicePlay (and Eli - arranger extraordinaire, staging, etc) did this. Layne and Geoff laid the foundation for this all the way through. Wow.

Eli is great at whatever he tries to do so far. I hope you have tissues. Anyone should expect you to pause a lot, really.

Ok most reactors only focus on the music or vocals. Thank you for also noticing the video production. People don’t understand how everything together is what makes a music video so amazing. Definitely deserves a major like and follow. Thank you.

I'm drowning in tears over this cover.😭🤧 I would just like to hug them and tell them how special they are and that no one can say otherwise. It's funny how people want to see a >reaction< and don't want the reactor to express their reactions. 🤔😏 I personally love seeing people go crazy with your reactions, just keep it up. 😉

Great reaction to another fantastic Voiceplay tour de force, and I am delighted that you got to run into Cesar at Disney World!

Next time you should listen to Cesar (and the fans) when they tell you that you need to be emotionally prepared, even though a Mortius meltdown is always fun to watch 😄 Sometimes it's okay to be lazy, but doing the work might safe your mental health in the future 😉

You aren't the only reactor who first apologizes for pausing "too much" and then tells the comment section to ... just deal with it. What makes that weird to me is that I can't remember ever reading a comment (on ANY reactor's page) that complains about pauses. We know the drill - this is, after all, a reaction and/or analysis video - not the original song. If you DIDN'T pause as needed to react/expound, then you'd be doing what Geoff complained about once, when he said that they work too hard to just have someone sit there like a lump and watch their video on camera. Not to mention, most of us tell you how MUCH we like your reactions - you are a delight to watch. Our reaction is to enjoy your reaction, so go for it - full steam ahead! 🙂😊☺

I like how you’ve entered a stage with your channel where you do what you want regardless of the comment section, because you know the right people are the ones who love your reactions for what they are :) also loved this reaction - I also didn’t have a strong preference for this song before this cover, but VoicePlay made me actually enjoy it :)

Great reaction mortius Are you see Geoff interview by Peter Barber ?? It s a long video but very interresting Bye until the next time

I really enjoy your reactions. They are the perfect blend of enthusiasm and technical explanation. I also appreciate how you notice everyone's amazing performance and not just getting hung up on Geoff, like so many do. Thanks for being so great.

Today I listened to the version of pentatonix too. Adapting and making a cover version is a challenge for itself and everybody is expecting something different. So to put it bluntly, the VP version is in my opinion much more emotional and sensitiv and more fiting in the meaning behind .... Great Job !! 😉

I love that you're the only reactor I've seen to notice that the last transition is one continuous take. I'm sure you've watched the BTS of the making of this. Geoff's concepts for the transitions with the mirror are so cool, and it's astounding how they pulled them all off

One of the beautiful things about VoicePlay is that no matter who they have singing with them they all fit! They are always amazing with just the regular guys but they add someone - does not matter if male or female - they just sound and feel like they belong. I love that! It really works for them every time! 💕

They did a phenomenal job with this one. I'm kind of glad that they went... a little lighter than their last three, but that isn't to say that this one isn't up to the standards of In the Air Tonight, Seven Nation Army, and Valhalla Calling, it's more that those three were all very... _aggressive_ songs, and I'm okay taking a break from those ones and getting eviscerated... much more emotionally XD

I totally get it when you say you've never felt anything much for this song. I've always felt the same - it's never done anything for me. This cover, however, is a very different story! The arrangement and performance are just phenomenal. The emotion portrayed, especially by Cesar, just bursts through the screen. Absolutely love it!

I loved the connection you made about the emotion of the piece and how they moved through the song based on that.

Mortius, I am subscribed to you because you pause and talk about the music. You add to what I’ve picked up from my listening. Anyone can listen and make faces. I’m here for the additional insights you bring.

I have a suggestion that could help you with wanting to sit, Mortius. I actually have back issues so I can never sit or stand for too long. However, I have this in my home, and used to have it at my job. A "standing desk"! Normal desk height, but you can raise it to whatever height you like or need. Basically, the one I have is two levels, and I can raise or lower it as often as I like. It works really, really well for a multitude of reasons. I just wanted to toss that out to you in the hopes that it might help. And, as always, wonderful reaction video!! Try to stay cool. 😊

Love your reactions Mortius! I always look out for them. A note about the "transition" at the end: Others have given some details on how it was done, and how it was a single take, but further than that - the whole group wasn't in that take of the shot. This take was done through what might be called the "Cesar close-up" where the cameraman is just focusing on Cesar, but the people to either side of him (Geoff and Eli) are in the shot too for continuity. So when the camera swings around Geoff to pull in on just Cesar I believe Tony (who was helping on the shoot) calls "clear" and that's when Geoff and Eli grab their stools and hustle out while Layne, who was standing by with the mirror, wheels it back into position.

Eli hasn't done a ton of arrangements for VP (5 I think so far) but he has absolutely *nailed* it every single time. This one in particular just blew me away.

The more I listen to this cover, the more I like it. For me, the Post Modern Jukebox/Hayley Reinhart version is my absolute favourite, and the one I listen to most. As such, the first few times I listened to this I was missing some of the arrangement/vocal choices from that version, but this one is growing on me. Cesar is so gorgeously soulful and vulnerable in this. Since they did the "I can't make you love me" cover, I've felt that he possibly has the most honest and truthful delivery, especially his runs and riffs. I often think riffing in heartfelt songs comes off as a bit show-offy but his always feel like they're coming directly from the heart, like one single note wasn't enough to express all he was feeling. Hope that makes sense :D

Genuinely made me cry. Geoff's facial expression in the mirror was heartbreaking.

I'm sitting in 118 heat while my car ac can't keep up. I feel your pain! no one would judge if you went cool and comfy clothes but I respect the dedication! keep up the great work

the tears in Cesar's eyes get me

I'M IN THE CREDITS! Ahem. Sorry, I only just managed to get into a situation where I could join that level of patronage for VoicePlay, and this is the first one my name is in!!!! I'll be honest, I've never really liked this song. When I saw that this was going to be the first one with my name on, I was bummed. But what they did with it... I must now repent for ever doubting them, even for a second. Eli's arrangement is so dynamic, taking you through a whole emotional journey. And Cesar has been taking things to a whole new level it in the last couple of videos. This.. I FELT this. Something about just how deeply emotional the performance makes you feel the desperation of it. It just blew my mind. And the image of them singing into the mirrors is brilliant. Ignore the haters, and keep on pausing. It's your reaction that I'm enjoying and that's more than just facial expressions. I actually learn something from your commentary. You notice things going on in the music that I missed. So watching these videos really gives me a deeper appreciation for what I'm listening to. And watching as the case may be.

Terrific reaction! Please keep pausing whenever you like, and PLEASE continue to be unapologetic about it. Your comments are valuable and insightful, and I look forward to your reactions AND analysis - especially to Geoff and VP.

I'm just an old hippie but I've been watching a lot of reactions to this song and I, too, have wondered how they did that transition from the group to Caesar so seamlessly!!!!! It's perfect!

What a terrific review and analysis. There is so much talent in this group. Technically very difficult, but when a group like this takes it on, the result is nothing short of incredible.

The syncopation is incredible 😍 during the background is so unique.

Since they released this on Patreon, it has had a permanent place in my head, pretty much 24/7. I could not love it more.

I have waited for your reaction to this one since i seen it❤❤. Loved seeing you to react and explain the parts we loved in this one. There are 5 reactors that i look for when VP releases a new video and you are the first one i look for.

Watching your brain short-circuit as you watched this is a hoot Mortius. Stunning performance isn't it?

The song never made any impression on me before this. Cesar's expressions here break my heart and make me want to cry.. everyone is soo good in this!

I don't know if you come back to the comments, but here goes. We come here to hear you, what you think and all that you notice that we miss. So thank you. I would only say that you might want to start back a little further each time so you don't miss the "whole feeling" coming across when you get to just sit and listen. Keep on keeping on. Well done and all that!

King of headcanon but it feel like a thank you from Elis to Cesar for having given him some of his space in Nothing Else Matter.

Your reactions Mortius are always HILARIOUS 😂 love every one of them... But having seen VPs vid when it came out, I KNEW this was gonna be a good one!! ❤

This was a wonderful production and performance, thanks as always for all your insights into the various elements that make it work!

This cover gave me all the feels. Great reaction Mortius

I was like you with this song. It was neither here nor there for me but this arrangement and performance is just spectacular. I think they sing with emotions better than anyone which pulls me in

I've been not so patiently waiting for you to react to this video! Amazing, huh?!? 😲 ❤

The constant pausing does get annoying, and is a dealbreaker for me with other reactors. I have actually screamed "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, WILL YOU GET ON WITH IT??" at a few other reaction videos, after they've hit the pause button too many times, or they don't hit play again fast enough. But, I don't mind it with Mortius. He's a teacher, so he's trying to teach me about the different acapella techniques, and what each singer is doing in each part of the song. He's pausing the video to impart wisdom, not just to avoid a copyright strike, or make some inane observation that nobody asked for. I appreciate that, and Mortius is the only reactor that I regularly watch and enjoy.

Cesar start songs are always my favorite, he's so good at the lead-ins! Mortius reactions are great because you always catch the tiny details that glue things together but are hard to put an explanation to! Thank you so much!

I agree with your musical theater analogy. The difference is, Voiceplay often has several "finales" in one video/song.

Deam meeting Cesar him self! Wish i could be in your shooes Mortius:) #envious

Very nice breakdown, enjoy hearing your opinions.

I've been waiting for you!

I know that spot! Spring’s Magic (Lego)Puff. Very cool. Thank you so much. Your videos always make me smile but this one made me cry as well. Wow, the emotional punch here

I always love your reactions. You bring such a great insight into these videos. Thanks for all you do!

No worries about stopping. There are a few reactors who'll pause irritatingly often to say nothing of substance or to pick the music apart so thoroughly that the impact of the performance is lost. But you strike a very good balance between stopping too often and not often enough, and keeping your commentary relevant and insightful without delving so deep into the technicalities that you lose sight of the thing you're reacting to as a whole.

Thanks you for another fantastic, emotional and informative reaction! Well you didn't fell down this time!😁

Cesar's sad expression teared me up.

Hey Mortius! I heard you mentioned you were in Oregon?! So am I...and I wanted to let you know that Home Free will be appearing the first night of our county fair on August 9th. If you haven't seen them in person, now could be your opportunity (if you're so inclined). Was waiting for your reaction to this song...and you didn't disappoint. Stay cool in your heatwave!

Wonderful video and loved what you brought to it. Loved this!

Love the outro... Miss them

I think you got it perfectly

Loved your reaction. Yes, they are incredible.

EVERYBODY feels a connection with this song whether they admit it or not!

A group in the Netherlands called o'gene call it echoing

Ya, this is by far my favorite cover of this song. Eli made an excellent choice having Caesar start and finish the song. His ability to emote the feelings of a song is perfect.

Idea Mortius: Instead of fussing with the mic, invest in a high stool? Preferably with a back.

Epic. Mortuis got broken again.

As someone that has some training in cinematography, I think that transition from group to Ceaser was a bit of slight of hand. To me, it looked like he was still sitting there with the group - they killed the lights (except a front light) and put a lit stick acting as the edge of the mirror that they panned slightly left to. You may have noticed that the blue ring shown on other mirror shots was absent until they did a wipe.

After watching a second time... oooh Geoff-notes! Mortius, what are Geoff-notes?😂🌷

there is just one cover i like more than this one and thats this one on the channel guitaro5000 "Greg sings Creep " not acapella tho :D VP did a great job but Greg's voice and the ambiente suits it more in my opinion just personal preference :D

Mortius get a stool! 😂

I think the word you were looking for at the end was liquid. ❤

You might need to invest in a barstool or a drafting table chair lol

As always, i adore your reactions, but i have to admit some surprise here - they did your favorite thing and i'm not sure you even noticed?

*smiles* Now I watched till the end. I found peace and amazement in your comments. Now they won't bother me, because I understand your comments! Yes this piece is beautiful & perfectly arranged.

Mortius, are you saying you're high?? 😂😉

❤❤❤😢🎉

Exquisite.

I’m just hearing about this new cover and now I’m wanting to see it. Give me a moment to dive in head first… Okay I’m back, and for whatever reason I had this song pop into my head when I was watching it: m.kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qrGYbKqlyM7Th30.html&pp=ygUSZGlzbWVtYmVybWVudCBzb25n Yeah I know, it probably doesn’t match the same message as the one they were singing but that’s what happened.

Mortius, I doubt there's anything you can do about this, but I was really disappointed that your reaction was interrupted by an ad for a transphobic "documentary" about gender-affirming care. I get that ads are part of the deal with YT but this ad really doesn't square with what I believe you and your channel stand for. So. Just an FYI I guess.

way too much pausing and talking,

I HATE this song. No matter who sings it.