Sade vs. Stemin | Head 2 Head

In the 15th edition of Head 2 Head (2025), Sade and Stemin contend for the best rendition of “By Your Side.”

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians performing the same song and compare their performances.  After deliberation, we decide which performance is the best or moves us more subjectively.  In the 15^th edition of Head 2 Head (2025), Sade and Stemin contend for the best rendition of “By Your Side”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Sade, “By Your Side”

Lovers Rock // Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited // 2000

“You think I’d leave your side, baby / You know me better than that.” The dedication is legit on “By Your Side”, the lead single and opening track from Lovers Rock. Lovers Rock marked the fifth studio album by Grammy-winning, British R&B band Sade, led by vocalist extraordinaire Sade Adu (1959 – ). “By Your Side,” which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, was a modest hit on the pop charts (number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100). It performed better on the R&B charts, just missing the top 40. Regardless of the chart numbers, “By Your Side” is easily one of Sade’s better/most notable songs. Adu and fellow band members, Paul Spencer Denman, Stuart Matthewman, and Andrew Hale, wrote “By Your Side.” Sade and Mike Pela produced it.

“By Your Side” is groovy from the get-go. The band is locked in on this buttery smooth, mid-tempo ballad. Following the tone-setting instrumental intro, Sade shows off her expressive, nuanced vocals. Never getting too high and maintaining a cool energy, Adu brings the tuneful melodies to life. Beyond exceptional lead vocals, there are radiant, selectively harmonized vocal moments that up the ante, accentuate the vibe. The chorus shines as Sade asserts, “Oh, when you’re cold, I’ll be there / Hold you tight to me / Oh, when you’re low / I’ll be there by your side, baby.” Equally, if not more epic, the bridge expands the instrumentation and brings some of the most memorable melodies and lyrics: “And if you want to cry / I am here to dry your eyes / And in no time, you’ll be fine.” Sweet, sweet, sweet! “By Your Side” deserved to be a bigger hit.  Sade lovers know it is the bomb dot com.  Notably, Amsterdam-based queer R&B artist Stemin covered this 2000s gem.

2. Stemin, “By Your Side”

By Your Side // Stemin Music // 2025

“You think I’d leave you down when you’re down on your knees / I wouldn’t do that.” Covering a Sade hit is an elephantine task.  “By Your Side” is one of the British R&B band/singer’s better/most notable songs. Beyond compelling us with a “Gay, Gay, Holiday”, queer, Amsterdam-based R&B artist Stemin impresses with a cover of this Sade gem.  Our handsome (understatement ) and talented fella works magic to make “By Your Side” sound like an original.

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A post shared by Stemin (@steminmusic)

The piano balladry of “By Your Side” is perfect for Stemin.  It contrasts with the accompaniment of the original, which features guitar, bass, keys, and percussion. Also, the Stemin rendition slackens the tempo. He delivers gorgeous vocals, showcasing his pure tone. He sings authentically and expressively, making it easy to buy what he is selling.  The chorus is one of his best moments: “Oh, when you’re cold, I’ll be there / Hold you tight to me.” As awesome as he sounds on the song’s centerpiece, he kills it during the bridge, showing off the power of his pipes: “And if you want to cry / I am here to dry your eyes / And in no time, you’ll be fine.” Stemin concludes exceptionally as he promises, faithfully, “I’ll be there by your side, baby.” Baby, baby, baby, say that! Notably, he omits the third verse. Ultimately, “By Your Side” gets a fabulous rendition from Stemin who #Slays!

Appears in :

• Stemin, By Your Side: Covers No. 13 (2025)

The Verdict  

So, whose dedication was the most dedicated on “By Your Side”? Was it the original, chill, rhythmic take by Sade or the stripped, slower rendition by Stemin? Both versions of the song are superb; they deserve spins on the listening rotation.  Stemin puts his foot into a 25-year-old song and makes it sound fresh.  His voice is marvelous.  Honestly, he gives Sade a run for her/their money.  But, Sade is still Sade.  The band won the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album for Lovers Rock, while “By Your Side” was nominated for Best Female Solo Pop Vocal Performance. Also, “By Your Side” impacted the pop charts, albeit modestly.  What I’m saying is, while Stemin put up a valiant fight, Sade wins this dedicated Head 2 Head!

Sade vs. Stemin: Head 2 Head No. 15 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited, Stemin Music; Israel Torres, KoolShooters, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]