Elvis Presley vs. Perfume Genius | Head 2 Head 🗣️

In the 41^st edition of Head 🗣️ 2 Head 🗣️ (2023), Elvis Presley and Perfume Genius contend for the best rendition of “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”  

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 41^st edition of head 🗣️2 head 🗣️ (2023), 🎙 Elvis Presley and 🎙 Perfume Genius contend for the best rendition of 🎵 “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Elvis Presley, “Can’t Help Falling in Love”

💿 Blue Hawaii • 🏷 Sony Music Entertainment • 📅 1961

“Wise men say / ‘Only fools rush in’ / But I can’t help / Falling in love with you.” One of the best of the best  by ‘The King,’ 🎙 Elvis Presley, is 🎵 “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” “Can’t Help Falling in Love” appears as the fifth track on 💿 Blue Hawaii, which serves as a soundtrack to the film of the same name. It’s safe to say that “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is far more than a soundtrack cut.  This magical, timeless classic was written by 🎼 ✍ David George Weiss, Hugo Perretti, and Luigi Creatore.

Everything about “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is awesome… LITERALLY.  The arrangement and production are relatively simple but sufficient.  The drum groove is uncomplicated yet perfect.  A background encompassing guitar, piano, upright bass, and background vocals perfectly fuels the fire of Elvis.  Of course, Elvis didn’t need fueling – he was automatic.  His vocals are commanding, refined, and tender, simultaneously. His tone is ‘once in a lifetime’ – buttery smooth.  He sings hopeless romantic, love-driven lyrics with the utmost authenticity.  Listening makes you appreciate the love you have or wish to attain the love of which he speaks.  A 60-plus-year-old song, in Presley’s hands, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” never feels or sounds old.

Appears in 🔻:

• Elvis Presley vs. Haley Reinhart: Head 🗣️ 2 Head 🗣️ 38 (2022)

2. Perfume Genius, “Can’t Help Falling in Love”

🎵 “Can’t Help Falling in Love” • 🏷 Perfume Genius / Matador • 🗓 2016

On his cover of 🎵 “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, 🎙 Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas) makes the beloved 🎙 Elvis Presley classic his own. Released in 2016, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” in Hadreas’ hands runs under two-and-a-half minutes (shorter than the original). Despite the brevity, there are plenty of selling points that make the cover special.

Hadreas surprises early on.  Rather than the expected, smooth, legato backdrop, the lister is given a distinct, rhythmic, minimalist synth.  The minimal vibes, which are consistent throughout “Can’t Help Falling in Love” provide contrast to the original. Hadreas delivers enigmatic vocals which are cool, calm, and collected. His performance is incredibly sophisticated. He never perspires, yet despite being even-keel, he’s potent. Also, it’s worth noting that “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is set in G major, as opposed to D major, the original key. Something else that makes this cover unique is how it simultaneously sounds classic and contemporary. Sure, those driving synths are far removed from the piano 🎹 arpeggiations of the 60s, but other elements of this subdued production still hearkens back to the past (the rich guitar 🎸), reminding us of the vintage nature of the song. 🎵 “Can’t Help Falling in Love” gets a fresh interpretation in the hands of Perfume Genius, who is an incredible talent.

Appears in 🔻:

• Perfume Genius, Can’t Help Falling in Love: Covers No. 39 (2023)

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️ 

🎙 Elvis Presley or 🎙 Perfume Genius? Well, folks, we’ve been here before with this particular song. Previously, 🎙 Haley Reinhart did a fine job covering this beloved classic.  Still, Elvis’ original remained definitive.  Similarly, Mike Hadreas brings the heat on his cover, distinguishing it from various covers.  Even taking some liberties, 🎵 “Can’t Help Falling in Love” still belongs to the one and only Elvis. The King remains the King, PERIOD.

Elvis Presley vs. Perfume Genius: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 41 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Perfume Genius / Matador, Sony Music Entertainment; Hernán Toro, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]