Freddie Jackson vs. Kim Waters | Head 2 Head 🗣️

In the 13th edition of Head 2 Head (2022), Freddie Jackson and Kim Waters contend for the best rendition of “You Are My Lady.” 

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.  On the 13^th edition of head-to-head (2022), 🎙 Freddie Jackson and 🎙 Kim Waters contend for the best rendition of 🎵 “You Are My Lady”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Freddie Jackson, “You Are My Lady”

💿 Rock Me Tonight • 🏷 Capitol • 🗓 1985

“There’s nothing that I’d rather do / Than spend every moment with you / I guess you should know, I love you so.” Cutting straight to the chase, 🎵 “You Are My Lady” is one of the best R&B songs of the 1980s as well as ALL TIME.  🎙 Freddie Jackson truly ‘put in work’ on this 1985 💿 Rock Me Tonight gem which peaked at no. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 (that’s a hit!).  The fourth track, written and produced by 🎼✍ 🎛 Barry Eastmond is truly special – timeless.

So, what makes “You Are My Lady” so epic? First and foremost, it’s the refined, buttery smooth vocals by Freddie Jackson.  Jackson sings with incredible ease, never forcing things, executing flawlessly.  His tone is heaven-sent, tailor-made for a dedicated love song like the one at hand.  In the chorus, he sounds incredibly authentic on the simple but meaningful lyrics:

“You are my lady

You’re everything I need and more

You are my lady

You’re all I’m living for.”

Also, worth noting, Jackson’s ad-libs are superb – highly effective yet non troppo. Adding to the surefire excellence is that silky smooth, 80s adult contemporary R&B production – Barry! I can’t emphasize how much “You Are My Lady” is an R&B classic.  Even as the song approaches 40 years of age, it remains sweet to the n^th degree.  Can anyone give Freddie a run for his money covering this one?

Appears in 🔽:

• Freddie Jackson, “You Are My Lady”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 26 (2022)

2. Kim Waters, “You Are My Lady”

💿 You Are My Lady • 🏷 Shanachie • 📅 2005

Anyone tackling the 🎙 Freddie Jackson classic, 🎵 “You Are My Lady” must bring it.  In my honest opinion, the song, performed by Jackson is one of the best R&B songs of the 1980s.  Thankfully, brilliant smooth jazz saxophonist 🎙 Kim Waters comes prepared to challenge the smooth-voiced, grown folks-R&B singer.  In his hands, Waters ‘puts in work’ on this mostly instrumental take.

First and foremost, with Kim channeling Freddie through his horn, he’s utterly sublime.  His tone matches the buttery smooth vocals of the originals.  Honestly, Waters’ playing is mesmerizing – it’s celestial! While Waters stays true to the melody often, he also tweaks it, adding some colorful notes and impressive runs.  He also gets respectable backing, with production that rivals the ’85 version, including the sweet, sexy background vocals (sung by the ladies).  Even with a strong background, it is Kim who is always the star, ensuring that his saxophone skills NEVER make us miss those lyrics by 🎼✍ Barry Eastmond.

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️

🎙 Freddie Jackson or 🎙 Kim Waters?  Kudos to Kim Walker who emulates Freddie Jackson like a champ, adding some extra spice along the way.  One of the smoothest sax players in the game! THAT SAID, this is and always will be Freddie’s song – his ace-in-the-hole by my estimations.  Not even one of the smoothest brothers on the saxophone could supplant the original!

Freddie Jackson vs. Kim Waters: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 13 (2022) [📷: Brent Faulkner, Capitol, Layers, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, RODNAE Productions, Shanachie, Valentin Tikhonov]