I liked Be Nice, too. I’ve been listening to it and although I like the BEP version, I agree with you - I wish the songwriter could have his version recorded as well. (Maybe he does?)
I do think it’s difficult to come up with something that sounds fresh. With millions of songs, lyrics, melodies, tempos, etc. already out in the world, I don’t know how anything new can sound unique.
In my opinion, a singer/songwriter can sound unique. What’s not unique tends to be those striving for a hit song on the billboard charts who tend to follow more formulaic sounds, etc. I think some songwriters try to write a hit song. Others have their own unique voice.
I watched one episode of Songland and I think the show is great! Whoever made it did a good job. The only problem is it tends to air kind of late for me.