Ben E. King vs. Aretha Franklin | Head 2 Head

On the 12^th edition of Head 2 Head (2022), Ben E. King and Aretha Franklin contend for the best rendition of “Don’t Play That Song.” 

W

elcome to Head 2 Head ! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians singing the same song together, comparing their performances.  Then, after much deliberation, we deliver a verdict of which performance was the best, or at least, subjectively, which performance moved us more.  On the 12^th edition of head-to-head (2022), Ben E. King and Aretha Franklin contend for the best rendition of “Don’t Play That Song”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

---

1. Ben E. King, “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)”

Don’t Play That Song! • Atco • 1962

“(Darling, I love you) / You know that you lied, darlin’.” Ben E. King is noted as one of the early R&B standouts.  In 1962, he released an album that’s kind of a big deal: Don’t Play That Song! It should come as no surprise that “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)” commences the album as the title track.  Honestly, had it not been for “Stand by Me”, the lucky number seventh track, “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)” would get all the love (as it stands, “Don’t Play That Song” has the second most streams). Even in the shadow of “Stand by Me,” which it bears similarities too, “Don’t Play That Song” is a surefire bop – a vibe – in its own right.

“Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)” has a cutesy, playful feel.  Even with the vintage 60s pop/soul sound, King is a dynamic, gritty vocalist. King has no shortage of expression and emotion, making the listener feel it.  Furthermore, he’s amplified by strong female backing vocals.  What’s fueling King’s fire and his reason for NOT wanting the song played? Past love and ultimately, heartbreak:

“Oh no, don’t let it play

It fills my heart with in

Please stop it right away

I remember just-a what it said.”

Ben’s love pains are our listening pleasure.  Certainly, no surprise that “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)” peaked at no. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.

---

2. Aretha Franklin, “Don’t Play That Song”

Spirit in the Dark • Atlantic • 1970

“Don’t play that song for me / Cause it brings back memories / Of days that I once knew / The days that I spent with you.” When Aretha Franklin covers a song, often, you swear she was the original performer.  In many cases, the Grammy-winning “Respect” icon was transforming other’s work to suit her musical sensibilities. That’s the case on “Don’t Play That Song,” the soulful opening track from her 1970 album, Spirit in the Dark.

“Don’t Play That Song” arrived eight years prior to the famous Aretha Franklin take – *gasp*!  A Ben E. King song written by Ahmet Ertegün and Betty Nelson, the Franklin version embraces southern and deep soul – some of that churchy, gospel flavor.  Franklin delivers commanding, powerful vocals – the biggest selling point of the record.  The ad-libs are utterly sublime. Besides those dynamic pipes, the arrangement and production are stellar ( Jerry Wexler, Arif Mardin, and Tom Dowd). Franklin is accompanied by an awesome piano part (played by herself), robust bass ( Tommy McClure), horns, and electrifying background vocals.  Interestingly, like the Ben E. King original, Franklin’s cover of “Don’t Play That Song” peaked at no. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.

 

---

The Verdict  

Ben E. King or Aretha Franklin?  Both legendary musicians ‘do the damn thing’ on their respective versions – NO CAP!  Furthermore, both peaked just outside of the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.  That said, breaking the tie, I give the edge to… The Queen of Soul.  Once Aretha claims your song, well, it’s hers baby! Can you imagine Spirit in the Dark sans “Don’t Play That Song?” Of course, you can’t!

---

Ben E. King vs. Aretha Franklin: Head 2 Head No. 12 (2022) [: Atco, Atlantic, Brent Faulkner, Layers, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, RODNAE Productions, Valentin Tikhonov]

---