Bonnie Tyler vs. Adam Lambert | Head 2 Head 🗣️

In the 11^th edition of Head 🗣️ 2 Head 🗣️ (2023), Bonnie Tyler and Adam Lambert contend for the best rendition of “Holding Out For a Hero.”

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 11^th edition of head 🗣️2 head 🗣️ (2023), 🎙 Bonnie Tyler and 🎙 Adam Lambert contend for the best rendition of 🎵 “Holding Out For a Hero”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Bonnie Tyler, “Holding Out For a Hero”

💿 Secret Dreams and Forbidden Fire • 🏷 Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited • 📅 1986

“Somewhere after midnight in my wildest fantasy / Somewhere just beyond my reach, there’s someone reaching back for me.” Who, 🎙 Bonnie Tyler, who?  Well, back in 1984, the Welsh singer was 🎵 “Holding Out For a Hero”, WOO! Originally, the 🎼 ✍ Jim Steinman and Dean Pitchford penned record graced the Footloose soundtrack. The hit appeared on her own 1986 LP, 💿 Secret Dreams & Forbidden Fire. So much about “Holding Out For a Hero” is one of a kind.

One of the biggest things that stands out on this cut is how ornate it is. The backdrop was carefully arranged and produced, still sounding impressive to this day, nearly four decades later.  The quick pace helps to make “Holding Out For a Hero” incredibly exhilarating. There is a plenteous amount of energy, courtesy of the busy backdrop as well as Tyler’s distinct and powerful lead vocals. Beyond the colorful verses, the chorus is infectious to the n^th degree:

“I need a hero

I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the end of the night

He’s gotta be strong, and he’s gotta be fast

And he’s gotta be fresh from the fight.”

Support for Bonnie during the centerpiece, the chorus, includes harmonized background vocalists, pummeling drum runs, dizzying keys, and biting horn riffs. Yes, yes, yes! Surprisingly, “Holding Out For a Hero” was only a moderate success on the pop charts, peaking at no. 34 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984.  Oh well! We all know 🎵 “Holding Out For a Hero” deserved better!

via GIPHY

2. Adam Lambert, “Holding Out for a Hero”

💿 High Drama • 🏷 More is More, LLC / BMG Rights Management (US) LLC • 🗓 2023

“Where have all the good men gone and where are all the gods?” That is a legitimate question 🎙 Adam Lambert asks on 🎵 “Holding Out for a Hero”. Sigh, I wish I had the answer! He goes on to sing in the first verse, “Where’s the streetwise Hercules to fight the rising odds?” The  🏆 Grammy-nominated pop artist was NOT the first to asks these burning questions, however, His cover of the 1984 🎙 Bonnie Tyler gem appears on his album of covers, 💿 High Drama.

“Holding Out for a Hero” suits Lambert perfectly. Big-voiced and theatrical to the n^th degree, Adam makes this hit sound like an original. Given his prodigious vocal skills, it is unsurprising that he can transform a song originally sung by the opposite sex and make it work perfectly for him.  Of course, given the fact that he is openly gay 🌈, it also works seamlessly that his love interest is male (“It’s gonna take a Superman to sweep me off my feet”). As intriguing as the verses are, it is the anthemic chorus where Adam shines his brightest. Besides the singing, the production (🎛 Andrew Wells and Charley Bagnall) successfully reintroduces “Holding Out for a Hero” for the 21^st century.  The synths sizzles, while the beat hits hard. 🎵 “Holding Out for a Hero” does not sound like an anachronism in 2023.

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Appears in 🔻:

• Adam Lambert, “Holding Out for a Hero”: Covers No. 6 (2023)
• 15 Songs That Require You to HOLD On (2023)
• 13 Totally Heroic Hero Songs (2023)

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️ 

🎙 Bonnie Tyler or 🎙 Adam Lambert? Woo, what a formidable matchup! Honestly, it’s matter of personal preference.  Tyler had SOME success on the pop charts with “Holding Out For a Hero,” but it didn’t match the performance of her most beloved hit, “Total Eclipse Of The Heart”, which hit no. 1.  As for Lambert, he didn’t hit the Hot 100 with his cover.  All told, as a big fan of both renditions, I give the slightest edge to Lambert, who himself possesses a truly prodigious, underrated voice.

via GIPHY

Bonnie Tyler vs. Adam Lambert: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 11 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; More is More, LLC / BMG Rights Management (US) LLC, Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited; Antoni Shkraba via Pexels, andresilva5, talha khalil, Valentin Tikhonov via Pixabay; Nick Wang on Unsplash]