Shelby Lynne vs. Natalie Cole | Head 2 Head

On the 12^th edition of Head 2 Head, Shelby Lynne and Natalie Cole duke it over their respective takes on “Leavin’”.

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 12^th head-to-head, the source material arrives courtesy of Shelby Lynne, specifically the song, “Leavin’”. The two artists going head-to-head are Lynne and the iconic Natalie Cole. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Shelby Lynne, “Leavin’”

I Am Shelby Lynne • Concord Music Group • 2000

Grammy-winner Shelby Lynne definitely dropped a surefire gem with “Leavin’,” which appears as the second track on her 2000 studio album, I Am Shelby Lynne.  Honestly, there are so many things to rave about this record! Where does one begin, sigh! First and foremost, Lynne gives an amazing vocal performance, serving up a blend of spoken word poetry, singing, and soaring, soulful, cutting vocals.  Far too seldom do singer/songwriters these days embrace spoken word.  Lynne is masterful at it, further adding to the distinctive nature of “Leavin’.”

In addition to her lead vocals, Lynne got some sensational backing vocals that only up the ante.  How about another addition?  Besides a stellar, nuanced vocal performance, Shelby wrote the song, which features awesome lyrics and equally (if not more) impressive music.  What shines about the music is the harmonic progression, which goes beyond your standard I-IV-V.  I mean, as a music theory nerd (and recipient of a master’s degree in music theory & composition), I appreciated the V/IV (major VII, which resolves to IV) if you want to get technical.

I know, I know, I KNOW – geeky! The point is, there are quite a few musical ideas that are absolutely brilliant. That doesn’t even tackle the production ( Bill Bottrell), including accompaniment from standard instrumentation such as guitar, but also lush, warm strings. Again, throw in those harmonized backing vocals and the sounds are even more ear catching.  This is a truly perfect record.

2. Natalie Cole, “Leavin’”

Leavin’ • The Verve Music Group • 2006

How does one even hope to top Shelby Lynne?  That is the question, Shakespeare! I have a good idea how, believe it or not. It comes in two iconic words – names actually: Natalie Cole.  Cole (1950 – 2015) was one of the most gifted musicians ever.  The daughter of a legend ( Nat King Cole), she’s a legend herself.  She passed away in 2015 right before the new year at a relatively young 65. Despite exiting life, she left a rich catalog of music, including her cover of “Leavin’” on her 2006 album, also titled, Leavin’.

Clearly, Shelby Lynne provided the foundation for the iconic, Grammy winner.  That said, Natalie truly made “Leavin’” her own.  If you weren’t aware this awesome classic was written and originally performed by Lynne, well, you might assume this was a brilliant, new song by Cole.  What makes the Cole version contrast the Lynne version is kicking the soulful aesthetic to the next level.  The vocals – lead and background – pack a bit more punch thanks to the sheer power of Natalie, period.  But beyond the vocals, the backdrop (Cole and Dallas Austin) trades the strings of the original in favor or organ.  That sound, at least, is more reminiscent of gospel-tinged soul.  Honestly, there’s just so much to praise about this performance, with the majority of it being about the skilled artist who’s singing it.

The Verdict  

Shelby Lynne or Natalie Cole?  OMG… this truly is a heavyweight battle by two incredible musicians! Honestly, I’m totally on the fence with this one. Give Lynne ample credit for writing a truly incredible record, as well as singing the hell out of it.  At the same time, there’s very few folks that could ever outperform the late, great Natalie Cole.  Cole transforms this soulful Lynne classic into an even more soulful, R&B version.  I’m calling it a draw.

Shelby Lynne vs. Natalie Cole: Head 2 Head No. 12 [: Brent Faulkner, Concord Music Group, The Musical Hype, Valentin Tikhonov from Pixabay, The Verve Music Group]