Bobby Caldwell vs. John Legend | Head 2 Head

In the 20th edition of Head ️ 2 Head ️ (2023), Bobby Caldwell and John Legend contend for the best rendition of “Open Your Eyes.”

Welcome 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.  In the 20th edition of head ️2 head ️ (2023), Bobby Caldwell and John Legend contend for the best rendition of “Open Your Eyes.” So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence! 

1. Bobby Caldwell, “Open Your Eyes” 

Cat in the Hat • Big Deal • 1980  

“Darling open your eyes / Let me show you the light / Girl you’ll never find a love that’s right.”  So, how does one best describe a white R&B artist? Why, they are a blue-eyed soul artist, of course.  That is a characterization of the late, great Bobby Caldwell, who could flat out sing. Caldwell’s talent spoke for itself. One of his most beautiful songs, the exuberant “Open Your Eyes”, appeared on his 1980 album,  Cat in the Hat.  Clearly the Cat in the Hat outdid himself with his distinct, expressive tenor shining something fierce.  Sadly, “Open Your Eyes,” penned by Caldwell, Bruce Malament, and Norman Harris, did not chart ! Notably, however R&B artists John Legend (more on him later) and Dwele have covered and reintroduced this underrated gem while Common sampled it in his 2000 classic, “The Light”.   

Matters of the heart are written all over this soulful joint. In the first verse, Caldwell sings, “You’re still regretting / The love you left, left behind.” He adds, “I’ve seen you go through the changes / Sitting alone each night / Are you expect to find the love / Love that’s right.” Obviously, he’s going to open her eyes regarding her ambitions because, “You may never find a love that’s right.” That said, couldn’t he be the suitor for her? That seems to be what he’s proposing, and honestly, she should indulge: “There is a light that shines / Special for you and me / You need a look at the other side.”  Besides the love-oriented lyrics, the music is to die for.  The piano ostinato is pivotal, the drum groove anchors, and the ripe guitar adds some bite. Ultimately, the brilliance and success of “Open Your Eyes” all comes down to those incredible pipes by Bobby.  

via GIPHY

Appears in :  

• Bobby Caldwell, “Open Your Eyes”: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 56 (2023) 

2. John Legend, “Open Your Eyes” 

Love in the Future • Getting Out Our Dreams / Columbia • 2013 

“I see you in the lonely place / How can you be so blind?” John Legend has written and performed some marvelous originals throughout his career.  That said, the Academy and Grammy Award winner is also skilled a covering songs, particularly more soulful songs.  On his 2013 album, Love in the Future, Legend puts his own spin on the Bobby Caldwell gem, “Open Your Eyes”. While Legend and Caldwell have two totally different voices, both possess ample soulfulness, hence, why this classic is a fit for John.  Legend lets his gritty, robust baritone shine as he serenades about L-O-V-E.   

“Open Your Eyes” appears as the third track on Love in the Future – the second full-length.   In this Legendary remake, produced by Dave Tozer, DJ Camper, Boogz BG, and Kanye West, many of the music cues are preserved.  Such music cues retained include the ostinato piano lines, a marvelous guitar solo ( Chris Sholar), and the key change. Melodically, Legend maintains the sanctity of the tune, but also throws in addition nuances, namely his signature runs.  Also, it’s worth noting that Legend slips in some falsetto occasionally, which is sweet. John doesn’t reinvent the wheel on “Open Your Eyes” but like Dwele years before him, he reintroduces an underrated classic to a new generation of listeners. 

via GIPHY  

Appears in :  

• John Legend, “Open Your Eyes”: Covers No. 21 (2023)  

The Verdict   

Bobby Caldwell or John Legend?  Legend successful reintroduced – or better yet – introduces a classic to a new generation.  Undoubtedly, his cover of  “Open Your Eyes” is a highlight from Love in the Future.  That said, no matter how awesome Legend sings this marvelous joint, it will ALWAYS belong to Bobby Caldwell.  Rest in peace, Bobby!   

via GIPHY

Bobby Caldwell vs. John Legend: Head 2 Head ️ No. 20 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Big Deal, Getting Out Our Dreams / Columbia; Antoni Shkraba via Pexels; andresilva5, talha khalil, Valentin Tikhonov via Pixabay; Nick Wang on Unsplash]