Elton John vs. Gold Fang | Head 2 Head

In the 15^th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Elton John and Gold Fang contend for the best rendition of “I’m Still Standing.” 

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 15^th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Elton John and Gold Fang contend for the best rendition of “I’m Still Standing”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Elton John, “I’m Still Standing”

Too Low For Zero // Mercury // 1983

“And did you think this fool could never win? / Well look at me, I’m a-comin’ back again.” “I’m Still Standing” is a quintessential 1980s classic. Furthermore, it’s one of the best songs from the Elton John collection. John was well in his 30s when this catchy gem materialized. Somehow, this standout from 💿 Too Low For Zero (1983) wasn’t even a top-10 hit – it peaked at no. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Sacrilege! Blasphemy!  

“I’m Still Standing” features a quick tempo, which bodes well in its favor.  Furthermore, it’s a groovy and infectious record from the onset. John serves up enthusiastic vocals.  The melody is rhythmic and  quick.  Furthermore, musically, John concocts some nice harmonic moments, playing between major and parallel minor keys. Of course, it’s those exceptional lyrics by Bernie Taupin that Elton masterfully brings to life.  “I’m Still Standing” features one of the catchiest, most recognizable choruses of all time:  

“Don’t you know I’m still standin’ better than I ever did? 

Lookin’ like a true survivor, feelin’ like a little kid 

And I’m still standin’ after all this time 

Pickin’ up the pieces of my life without you on my mind.” 

Also, it’s worth shouting out the brief but ear-catching electric guitar solo.  Another also – the music video is a treat itself! 

 Appears in 🔻:  

• Elton John, I’m Still Standing: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 98 (2022)
• 11 Marvelous Songs That Stand Tall (2022) 
• 12 Utterly Stupendous STILL Songs (2022) 
• 15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 6 (2023)
• Incredible Songs: 1980s, Vol. 2 (2023)

 2. Gold Fang, “I’m Still Standing”

“I’m Still Standing” // 2024

Covering a classic, top-20 pop hit can be intimidating, particularly when said hit hails from a musical icon, Elton John. In 2024, Trinidadian born, Sydney, Australian, multifaceted musician Gold Fang covered “I’m Still Standing” on the triple j segment, ‘Like a Version.’ The results of this unlikely cover are impressive, giving “I’m Still Standing” a dancehall/reggae makeover. Dancehall/reggae seems far removed from the version of the song music enthusiasts know and love.  It shouldn’t work. But guess what? It does!

How does “I’m Still Standing” work? Well, with the tight, talented band, locked-in to the signature reggae groove and idiomatic music cues, the reggae rendition not only works, but it’s also SWEET! Marvelous alto saxophone riffs, keys, and the backing vocals all give Gold Fang a lift.  Gold Fang, the main attraction, nails his role.  His voice is sweet, embracing his Trinidadian roots with the patois.  Adding to the excellence of the pitch and his distinct execution of the lyrics is his personality – you buy what he’s selling.  Yes, dancehall and reggae are part of Gold Fang’s musical arsenal, but they can be tough to pull off authentically, particularly on a cover song.  With his inspired take on “I’m Still Standing”, he #KILLS IT.

Appears in 🔻:

• Gold Fang, I’m Still Standing: Covers No. 12 (2024)

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️

So, who performed the best rendition of “I’m Still Standing”? Was it the original, 1980s pop/rock smash by Elton John that just missed the top-10 of the pop charts, or the unique, dancehall/reggae transformed cover by Gold Fang? Give Gold Fang credit for delivering a version of the song I never, ever expected to happen, let alone work.  His creativity – his vision – deserves mad respect.  That said, when it comes to “I’m Still Standing,” it only belongs to one man – Elton John.

Elton John vs. Gold Fang: Head 2 Head No. 15 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Gold Fang, triple j, Mercury; Hernán Toro, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]