Donald Lawrence vs. Korean Soul | Head 2 Head

In the 45^th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers and Korean Soul contend for the best rendition of “Encourage Yourself.”

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians performing the same song and compare their performances.  After deliberation, we decide which performance is the best or moves us more subjectively.  In the 45^th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers and Korean Soul contend for the best rendition of “Encourage Yourself”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers, “Encourage Yourself”

Grand Finale // EMI Gospel // 2007

“Sometimes you have to encourage yourself / Sometimes you have to speak victory during the test.” Life can be arduous and imperfect. Everybody faces tests – trials and tribulations – at some point.  But, when the going gets tough, the tough get going! Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers provide sound advice and supreme encouragement on the song,  “Encourage Yourself”.  “And no matter how you feel speak the word and you will be healed / Speak over yourself encourage yourself in the Lord.” Not only should you encourage yourself, but you should do so in the Lord.

“Sometimes you have to speak a word over yourself

Depression is all around, but God is a present help

Well, the enemy created walls but remember giants they do fall

Speak over yourself encourage yourself in the lord.”

“Encourage Yourself” is the second track from Grand Finale, the 2007 album by Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers. Composed by Lawrence, The Tri-City Singers have spiritual text and tuneful melodies to bring to life. The lead vocals (Sheri Jones-Moffett) are electrifying – authentic, commanding, and dynamic.  It’s not all lead, however. There are brilliant choral vocals that bring the encouragement out full throttle.  Also contributing to the spiritually rich record is a celestial musical accompaniment.  The band is tight: keys, warm organ, guitar licks, robust bass line, sound groove carried by drums, and articulated horns.  Every facet of “Encourage Yourself” is encouraging! Speak it into existence and believe, “I’m encouraged, I’m encouraged, I’m encouraged, I’m encouraged!” 🙌 Amen 🙏!

Appears in 🔻:

• Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers, Encourage Yourself: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 42 (2024)

2. Korean Soul, “Encourage Yourself”

 “Encourage Yourself” // 2019

“Encourage Yourself” is a contemporary gospel gem written by Donald Lawrence.  The ‘encouraging’ song was performed marvelously by The Tri-City Singers with Sheri Jones-Moffett singing lead. Covered by various singers, Sooyong of Korean Soul covered “Encourage Yourself” from his tiny room in 2019.  Even in the intimate setting, Sooyong ‘tears it up.’

Sooyong has big shoes to fill as Sheri Jones-Moffett ‘killed it’ singing lead. Guess who else kills it? Sooyong! His vocals are top-notch: dynamic, expressive, and nuanced.  His tone is beautiful and perfectly tailored for gospel music. His runs are silky smooth and soulful. His ad-libs sound authentic and never forced.  Sooyong sings with conviction as he touts encouragement in the Lord.

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, yeah

(I’m encouraged)

All of my help, all of my help comes from the Lord, yeah

(I’m encouraged)

I believe I believe everything he said about me

Oh, yes I am

(I’m encouraged)

Oh, yes I am

(I’m encouraged)

Oh, yes I am

(I’m encouraged).”

You can tell that he believes every word he sings, and that his faith is important.  Furthermore, as Sooyong blesses, he gets a lift from the background choral vocals.  “Encourage Yourself” in the hands of Korean Soul is super encouraging!

Appears in 🔻:

• Korean Soul, Encourage Yourself: Covers No. 46 (2024)

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️ 

Who ‘encouraged’ us the most? Was it the original version of “Encourage Yourself” by Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers or the cover courtesy of  Sooyong of Korean Soul?  The good news is that both performances were highly encouraging, speaking of the goodness of God.  Both songs ‘make a joyful noise unto the Lord’ without a doubt.  In both cases, the lead vocalists, Sheri Jones-Moffett and Sooyong give their all, uplifting the spirit mightily.  Ultimately, Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers get the edge – their rendition is a classic.  Still, Sooyong’s soulful cover deserves ample credit – that boy can S-A-N-G!

Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers vs. Korean Soul: Head 2 Head No. 45 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; EMI Gospel, Korean Soul; ; Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]