R. Kelly vs. Yolanda Adams | Head 2 Head

On the 13th edition of Head 2 Head, R. Kelly and Yolanda Adams (with Gerald Levert) duke it over their takes on “I Believe I Can Fly.”

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians singing the same song together, comparing and contrasting 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.  For our 13^th head-to-head, the source material is the R. Kelly classic, “I Believe I Can Fly”. The two artists going head-to-head are Kelly and Yolanda Adams, assisted by Gerald Levert. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. R. Kelly, “I Believe I Can Fly”

R. • Zomba • 1998

“If I can see it, then I can do it / If I just believe it, there’s nothing to it!” R. Kelly is as controversial and embattled as they come.  Honestly, it’s incredibly difficult to buy what the three-time Grammy winner is selling given his issues with SEX.  Even as Kelly is ‘muted’ given his countless sins, there’s one particular record that remains timeless and unforgettable: “I Believe I Can Fly.”

The least problematic hit in his discography, R. Kelly can thank the uplifting gospel-tinged R&B number for his Grammys.  Also, if there’s any way the musician can save some face, it’s through this unifying anthem. The lyrics feel incredibly authentic and sincere, coupled with his buttery smooth vocals and eventually, his dizzying runs.  In addition to the aforementioned pre-chorus, the chorus is simply perfect, giving you chills each and every time it’s performed:

“I believe I can fly
I believe I can touch the sky
I think about it every night and day
Spread my wings and fly away
I believe I can soar
I see me running through that open door
I believe I can fly.”

Of course, the spirit really hits with the backing choral vocals during the “I can fly” part, with Kells riffing.  Again, most of his career, Robert has embraced full-on salacious mode, but back in ’96 (prior to the release of R.), he delivered a sincere, ‘once in a lifetime’ gem.  Honestly, can anybody top the original?

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2. Yolanda Adams with Gerald Levert, “I Believe I Can Fly”

Voices • Elektra • 2005

A number of covers of “I Believe I Can Fly” have been released, including worthwhile efforts by James Ingram and Ronan Keating.  In the hands of Grammy-winning gospel singer Yolanda Adams, assisted by the late, great R&B Grammy winner, Gerald Levert, “I Believe I Can Fly” took on more of a gospel identity.  Sure, the original is a gospel R&B/pop record, but Adams and Levert transform the tune into a full-fledged church song.  Why can they fly? Clearly, with the help of GOD ! Notably, this rendition appears on Levert’s 2005 duets compilation, Voices.

“I Believe I Can Fly” was already a lengthy record, running north of five minutes in the hands of Kells.  Adams and Levert draw things out even longer, just missing the six-minute mark.  Regardless, it’s a total musical blessing.  It starts with the soulful pipes of Gerald Levert, who kills it on the first verse.  The late, great singer always ‘brought the house down,’ and the work he puts in here is no different with that God-given tone. With a key change signaling a change of pace, Yolanda Adams gets to work on the second verse, tweaking the melody though showing poise for the most part up until the pre-chorus.  By then, we get more color, expressiveness, and firepower.  Of course, where the duo truly ramps things up is the final pre-chorus, showing undeniable chemistry and awesome ad-libs and riffing.  Adding to the excellence is the support of the choir, urging the two leads to give their best, clearly, praising G-O-D.  One of the cool wrinkles Yolanda and Gerald add is an outro that’s definitely idiomatic of the call and response of black gospel.  The results are definitely heavenly .

The Verdict

R. Kelly or Yolanda Adams/Gerald Levert? Honestly, both performances are superb – utterly sublime. Adams and Levert definitely bring more grit to their ‘churched-up’ version than Kelly does on his original.  Still, we stick with the original by Kelly as it remains a staple in pop music, period.  Sadly, Mr. Kelly’s deplorable behavior and sexual misconduct have caused one of the most memorable hits of all time to be muted, sigh.  Furthermore, his Gayle King interview will forever live in infamy … “Robert, Robert!”

R. Kelly vs. Yolanda Adams: Head 2 Head No. 13 [: Brent Faulkner, Elektra, The Musical Hype, Valentin Tikhonovfrom Pixabay, Zomba]