Deniece Williams vs. Seal | Head 2 Head 🗣️

In the 36^th edition of Head 🗣️ 2 Head 🗣️ (2022), Deniece Williams and Seal contend for the best rendition of “Free.” 

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 36^th edition of head 🗣️2 head 🗣️ (2022), 🎙 Deniece Williams and 🎙 Seal contend for the best rendition of 🎵 “Free”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Deniece Williams, “Free”

💿 This is Niecy • 🏷 Columbia • 📅 1976

“But I want to be free, free, free / And I just got to be me, yeah, me, me.” On her 1976 debut album, 💿 This Is Niecy, 🏆 Grammy-winning R&B/soul/gospel musician 🎙 Deniece Williams desired freedom on 🎵 “Free”. “Free” ranks among Williams’ biggest hits, earning success on the pop charts (no. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100). “Free” was written by Williams, 🎼 ✍ Susaye Greene, 🎼 ✍ Hank Redd, and 🎼 ✍ Nathan Watts.

Something that stands out about this soul classic is how chill it is. Williams sings with incredible ease, never breaking a sweat.  Her upper register is especially potent – angelic! Likewise, the groovy backdrop is lush and relaxed – a surefire vibe.  Why exactly does Williams seek freedom?  She wants to be true to herself (“And I just got to be me”), and perhaps most of all, not controlled or tied down by anybody, including a man she clearly enjoys.  Early on, she asserts, “Whispering in his ear / My magic potion / Telling him I’m sincere / And that there’s nothing too good for us.” Still, she goes on to tout being free despite telling him what he wants to hear. There’s no doubt that “Free” is the ultimate women’s empowerment anthem.  Of course, as Williams has attested, its message can mean different things for numerous folks, men included.  All told, “Free” is one of the elite classics of the 1970s.

Appears in 🔻:

• Deniece Williams, “Free”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 85 (2022)

 2. Seal, “Free”

💿 Soul • 🏷 Warner • 📅 2008 

Covering a soul classic is an arduous task. 🎙 Deniece Williams did an epic job recording 🎵 “Free”.  Even so, 🏆 Grammy-winning British standout 🎙 Seal has an incredible voice.  His distinct tone has made both his originals and covers shine.  His 2008 album, 💿 Soul, is enjoyable and incredibly well-rounded.  His renditions of the soul book are worthwhile including his take on “Free.”

In Seal’s hands, he still conveys the ‘freeing’ message of “Free,” even if it comes from the male perspective.  No, he’s not empowering women like Williams does on the original but Seal still speaks to being true to self, not being tied down, and ‘doing you, boo!’ Early on in “Free,” he sings in chill fashion, exhibiting ample poise and not getting too high.  As the record progresses, he provides more bite – additional oomph.  Arguably, Seal sounds a bit grittier in his cover compared to the more refined, smoother pipes of Williams.  All told, he delivers a fantastic version of his own that’s definitely worth checking out.

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️ 

🎙 Deniece Williams or 🎙 Seal?  While Seal holds his own on his rendition of 🎵 “Free”, it should come as no surprise that this head-to-head matchup belongs to Deniece Williams.  Williams sings “Free” so freely, barely breaking a sweat.  Her cool approach, as well as the women’s freedom and empowerment messaging, make this one of the essential cuts of the 1970s as well as all time.  Nice job Seal, but Williams is the champion, hands down.

Deniece Williams vs. Seal: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 36 (2022) [📷: Brent Faulkner, Columbia, Kool Shooters, Layers, Mario Aranda, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, RODNAE Productions, Valentin Tikhonov, Warner]