John Denver vs. Lana Del Rey | Head 2 Head

In the 7^th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), John Denver and Lana Del Rey contend for the best rendition of “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

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 7^th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), John Denver and Lana Del Rey contend for the best rendition of “Take Me Home, Country Roads”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. John Denver, “Take Me Home, Country Roads”

💿 Poems, Prayers and Promises • 🏷 RCA • 🗓 1971 

“Almost heaven, West Virginia / Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River.” The late, great John Denver, who has four number one hits to his name, is best known for one particular song: “Take Me Home, Country Roads”.  He continues singing, memorably in the first verse, “Life is old there, older than the trees / Younger than the mountains, growing like a breeze.” “Take Me Home, Country Roads” appears as the seventh track on the country/folk singer/songwriter’s 1971, platinum album, Poems, Prayers and Promises.  Lucky number seven indeed! His most popular song, however, failed to reach no. 1, settling for no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 🤯.

Denver penned this beloved gem alongside Bill Danoff and Taffy Nivert. The music and lyrics are perfect, period. A portrait of those country roads and the memories of home are perfectly captured. “Dark and dusty, painted on the sky,” Denver sings in the second verse, continuing, “Misty taste of moonshine, teardrop in my eye.” Stunning.  Of course, the crème de la crème is the glorious, singalong chorus: “Country roads, take me home / To the place I belong / West Virginia , mountain mama / Take me home, country roads.” This once in a lifetime song, sung with great authenticity and expression by Denver, was certified platinum by the RIAA, and added to The National Recording Registry of The Library of Congress. The instrumental – heavy on guitar – is rhythmic and lively, fueling the spiritedness of the track. All told, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” = one of the greatest songs of all time.

Appears in 🔻:

• John Denver, Take Me Home, Country Roads: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 22 (2024)

2. Lana Del Rey, “Take Me Home, Country Roads”

🎵 “Take Me Home, Country Roads” • 🏷 Polydor / Interscope • 🗓 2023

“Driving down the road, I get a feeling that I / Should have been home yesterday, yesterday.” Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey tackles a beloved John Denver classic with “Take Me Home, Country Roads”. In Del Rey’s hands, this country standard gets a simple, warm backdrop, with piano serving as the primary accompaniment for much of the song.  However, the bridge adds more instrumentation, including organ.  The biggest addition, however, are the backing vocals appearing toward the end, which sound utterly celestial. That said, the focal point of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is the lead vocalist extraordinaire, Lana Del Rey.

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” was tailor made for Del Rey.  Her signature, robust, smoky vocals sound superb.  Showing off her lower register, it is, nothing short of, a vibe.  The richness of her instrument is to be in awe of and envied. Given the distinctiveness and strength of her voice, she doesn’t need to do anything extra to the melody. Her pureness, coupled with the sanctity of the melody is enough. No, she doesn’t break new ground, but she delivers a respectable, well-rounded cover, without question.

Appears in 🔻:

• Awesome Songs: December 2023
• 15 Songs Focused Only on ME (2024)

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️

So, who did “Take Me Home, Country Roads” the best? Is the original by the late, great John Denver the best, or did Lana Del Rey take over the reins? While Lana put her own stamp on the 1970s song, there is only one, classic version, and that easily belongs to Denver.  When the Library of Congress adds a recording to The National Recording Registry, it’s DEFINITELY a big deal.  But, guess what? Even if they hadn’t Denver’s ace in the hole speaks for itself! R.I.P. Mr. Denver!

John Denver vs. Lana Del Rey: Head 2 Head No. 7 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Interscope, Polydor, RCA; Hernán Toro, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]