Nat King Cole vs. Andrea Bocelli | Head 2 Head

In the 9^th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Nat King Cole and Andrea Bocelli contend for the best rendition of “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás.”

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 9^th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Nat King Cole and Andrea Bocelli contend for the best rendition of “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Nat King Cole, “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás (Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps)”

             💿 Cole Espanol • 🏷 Capitol • 🗓 1958 

“Quizás, Quizás, Quizás (Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps)” is a classic, penned by Cuban songwriter, Osvaldo Farrés, back in 1947.  This thrice-titled, romantic number has been covered by numerous artists.  Among the most famous covers arrives courtesy of the late, great, jazz singer and pianist Nat King Cole (1919 – 1965). The Cole rendition arrived as the third track on his 1958 album, Cole Espanol.  As the title suggests, all of the musical selections are Spanish songs, which is super cool. Lee Gillette produced this chill, easygoing take on “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás,” where most of the time, it sounds as if Cole barely breaks a sweat.

“So, if you really love me, say yes

But if you don’t dear, confess

And please don’t tell me

‘Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.” – English translation

What makes “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás (Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps)” alluring? Cole’s voice is timeless – a once in a lifetime vocalist and musician. His tone is utterly sublime – refined to the nth degree.  He doesn’t exaggerate the Spanish lyrics, taking a natural approach that’s true to self. The arrangement/orchestration is marvelous, incorporating Latin music cues within the rhythm section (percussion and piano especially), big band, and orchestra, conducted by Armando Romeau Jr..  The strings are dramatic, while the horns bite.  All the while, Cole is calm, cool, and collected – refined in his approach.  All told, “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás (Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps)”, in the hands of the late, great Nat King Cole, is sweet.

Appears in 🔻:

• Nat King Cole, Quizás, Quizás, Quizás (Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps): Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 30 (2024)

2. Andrea Bocelli & Jennifer Lopez, “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás”

💿 Passione • 🏷 Sugar Srl / Universal International Music B.V. • 📅 2013

“Siempre que te pregunto / Que cuándo, cómo y dónde / Tu siempre me respondes / Quizás, quizás, quizás.” Um, yes, now what’s the translation? “Every time I ask you / That when, how and where / You always answer me / Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.” Ask yourself this question: did you ever expect Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, and pop superstar, Jennifer Lopez to collaborate? The likely answer to the question is a resounding NO. However, in 2013, Bocelli and Lopez duetted on “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás” (“Perhaps, Perhaps Perhaps”) the fifth track from his passionate album, Passione.

To reiterate, “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás” is a classic, penned by Cuban songwriter, Osvaldo Farrés, back in 1947.  Covered by numerous artists, the Bocelli and Lopez rendition is marvelous. With distinctly different voices, Lopez’s lighter, higher vocal contrasts Bocelli’s more robust tenor sensationally.  The playful nature of this duet is a big reason for its success, which seems to capture the intent of the songwriter.  In addition to a strong vocal performance, and elite songwriting, the production (Kuk Harrell and David Foster) and orchestration (Nathan Kelly) deserve shout outs.  This pleasant duet speaks for itself… perhaps, perhaps, perhaps it’s worth spinning over and over again!

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️

So, who performed the Osvaldo Farrés classic, “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás (Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps)” the best? Was it the 1958 take by Nat King Cole, or the 2013 duet by Andrea Bocelli / Jennifer Lopez?  Both covers deserve plenty of praise – the vocal performances are top-notch.  The chemistry between Bocelli and Lopez is surprising – better than anticipated.  That said, Nat King Cole was a once in a generation musician. Even going outside of his comfort zone on “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás”, he enchants with his buttery smooth tone.  Ultimately, it’s a draw.

Nat King Cole vs. Andrea Bocelli: Head 2 Head No. 9 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Capitol, Sugar Srl / Universal International Music B.V.; Hernán Toro, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]