Josh Groban vs. Jacob Collier | Head 2 Head

In the 13^th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Josh Groban and Jacob Collier contend for the best rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”  

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 13^th  edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Josh Groban and Jacob Collier contend for the best rendition of “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Josh Groban, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” 

Bridges // Reprise // 2018 

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” is a once in a lifetime, big-time song. It has been covered hundreds of times. Penned by the legendary Paul Simon, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” was a six-week, no. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit for Simon & Garfunkel that won multiple Grammys including Record and Song of the Year.  Josh Groban, classical crossover’s it boy – ‘Mr. Popera’ –  covered “Bridge Over Troubled Water” on eighth studio album, Bridges, released in 2018.

It goes without saying that the beloved classic never gets old, despite being covered by everybody and his/her brother/sister.  Groban does this Grammy-winning record justice.  It all starts with his voice, which is pure, true – simply beautiful. When Josh sings, it’s the truth – you believe every single word. Accentuating his performance is a backing choir, Major Tones Music, London, directed by Becky Thomas. Furthermore, Mr. Popera gets awesome accompaniment by The London Studio Orchestra, conducted by Gavin Greenaway. Sigh, you gotta love strings! The arrangement is marvelous, arranged by Bernie Herms, who also produces track, co-orchestrating alongside David Hamilton. Much of Groban’s version is tried-and-true, but there is a vamping section that separates it from the landmark original.

Appears in 🔻:  

• 11 Songs Where the Trouble is, Well, Troubling (2020)
• 13 Wet Songs About Water, Water, Water! (2020)
• Bridge 🌉: 5ive Songs No. 35 (2022)

2. Jacob Collier, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (Ft. John Legend & Tori Kelly)

Djesse Vol. 4 // Hajanga / Interscope / Decca // 2024

Long before Josh Groban covered “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, some legendary musicians also took on the classic.  Some of those big names include the likes of Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley. With so many covers, making “Bridge Over Troubled Water” sound ‘brand-new’ or unique is a tall task.  For the gifted,  Grammy-winning musical genius, Jacob Collier, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” gets an epic makeover on his 2024 album, Djesse Vol. 4.  Collier enlists fellow Grammy winners John Legend (also, an Academy Award winner) and Tori Kelly for the assist.  The results are stunning.

A cappella – that’s the name of the game on “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Also, there is another vocalist in the mix who appears first: Yebba (Abbey Smith). Where Legend and Kelly contribute new vocals, Yebba’s are sampled.  Her sampled vocals are warm, soulful, and gospel infused. The runs are spot-on. The surrounding vocals (layered vocals courtesy of Collier) – the vocal arrangement – is stunning.  The modulating harmonies are gorgeous.  John Legend takes over the lead at about the one-and-a-half minute mark accompanied by those haunting choral vocals. Legend’s baritone begins poised – calm, cool, and collected – before he shows of his grit, as well as his falsetto. Post-Legend, I love the clever, jazzy music cues by the Collier. Tori Kelly enters the mix at the three-and-a-half minute mark with the second verse. Her vocals begin poised, similarly to Legend’s. She takes some liberties with the melody, which is ear-catching. Notably, the key modulates within her verse – incredibly cool. Kelly ascends, growing dynamic and allowing her gospel-infused pipes to shine in all their glory. The meandering nature of this cover of  “Bridge Over Troubled Water” is part of the charm. The ending is grand with the jazzy wall of choral Collier vocals, coupled with Kelly’s expressive lead. There have been many covers of this Paul Simon classic, but none sound quite like this one via Jacob Collier.

Appears in 🔻:

• Jacob Collier, Bridge Over Troubled Water: Covers No. 10 (2024)

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️ 

So, who covers the Simon & Garfunkel classic the best? Is it the ‘popera’ it boy, Josh Groban or the musical genius, Jacob Collier?  Both covers are elite. Groban takes a more straightforward approach with both instruments and choir.  Collier opts for choral accompaniment, performed by himself, accompanying lead vocals by Yebba, John Legend, and Tori Kelly.  As strong as both renditions are, Collier’s is more innovative, particularly from a harmonic perspective.  With a song covered so many times like “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” hearing something different that still protects the sanctity of the original, is awesome, hence why Collier wins this Head 2 Head.

Josh Groban vs. Jacob Collier: Head 2 Head No. 13 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Decca, Hajanga, Interscope Reprise; Hernán Toro, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]