Bobby Vinton vs. Akon | Head 2 Head

In the 26^th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Bobby Vinton and Akon contend for the best rendition of “Mr. Lonely” / “Lonely.”

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians performing the same song, comparing their respective 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 26^th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Bobby Vinton and Akon contend for the best rendition of “Mr. Lonely” / “Lonely”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Bobby Vinton, “Mr. Lonely”

Roses Are Red // Salt & Pepper // 1962

“Lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely / I have nobody for my own.” “Mr. Lonely” by Bobby Vinton was originally recorded in 1962. It didn’t become a hit until 1964 – let that sink in.  Although “Mr. Lonely” appeared on his 1962 album, Roses Are Red, it was not released as a single. That was not the choice of Vinton but rather, the record label. Vinton penned the eventual, beloved classic with Gene Allan. In 1964, reprised on the album, Mr. Lonely, “Mr. Lonely” reached no. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1964. It marked the fourth and final no. 1 hit for Vinton.

“Mr. Lonely” is one of Vinton’s best hits. The theme is straightforward. Bobby is lonely.  Why is he so lonely? “Now I’m a soldier, a lonely soldier,” he sings, adding, “Away from home through no wish of my own.” He misses home while completing service in the U.S. Army.  He sings about loneliness and longing for home expressively with his smooth tenor and ripe falsetto.  He’s backed by an orchestra which only sweetens this sincere, thoughtful ballad.  “Letters, never a letter / I get no letters  in the mail,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “I’ve been forgotten.” Aww, so sad 😭.  His sadness through song resonated in the 1960s and endures today. “Mr. Lonely” didn’t get its just due early on, but eventually earned the success it deserved initially.

Appears in 🔻:

• Bobby Vinton, Mr. Lonely: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 101 (2024)

2. Akon, “Lonely”

Trouble // Universal / UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2004

“Lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely / I have nobody for my own.” In 2004, Akon released his debut album, Trouble. “Lonely”.  Many of his younger fans likely didn’t grow up listening to the Bobby Vinton classic, “Mr. Lonely”. The Senegalese American musician samples and reworks the 60s classic for his huge pop hit. “Lonely” peaked at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2005. Also, “it was a multiplatinum single from his platinum-certified debut LP.

The verses on “Lonely” are brand-new.  In the first verse, Akon is dismayed his girlfriend is gone. Sad, he reflects, “Tryin’ to figure out what I do to make it go bad / ‘Cause ever since my girl left me / My whole life came crashin’.” You know what that means.  Our boy, Akon, is… “Lonely (so lonely) / I’m Mr. Lonely (Mr. Lonely) / I have nobody (I have nobody) / For my own (to call my own, girl).” Akon lifts the chorus, and rightfully, Vinton, credited as a songwriter with co-writer, Gene Allan, sings the core of the chorus, while Akon sings the response. The second verse is like the first, with Akon lamenting her exit and his stupidity.  “What really hurt me is I broke your heart,” he sings, continuing, “Baby, you a good girl and I had no right.” At least he’s contrite, even if it’s after the fact. The third verse keeps the same energy as well. Akon marvelously reintroduced “Mr. Lonely” via “Lonely” to a new generation.  He sings it authentically and beautifully. This is easily one of his best.

Appears in 🔻:

• Akon, Lonely: Covers No. 23 (2024)

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️ 

Ah, the moment of truth! Which lonely song is the best? Is it “Mr. Lonely”, a no. 1 hit by Bobby Vinton, or “Lonely”, a no. 4 hit by Akon that samples the original? On one hand, comparing these songs is unfair.  “Mr. Lonely” was written from the perspective of a soldier who is lonely – homesick.  “Lonely” is about a man who treated his lady badly and now she’s left him, and the relationship is done.  On the other hand, these two songs are related – they share loneliness.  Also, they share a chorus and pop success. The verdict: a tie.

Bobby Vinton vs. Akon: Head 2 Head No. 26 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Salt & Pepper, Universal, UMG Recordings, Inc.; Hernán Toro, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]