Simone Hines vs. Tamyra Gray | Head 2 Head 🗣️

In the 27^th edition of Head 🗣️ 2 Head 🗣️ (2022), Simone Hines and Tamyra Gray contend for the best rendition of “God Bless The Dreamer.” 

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elcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 🗣️ 2 Head 🗣️, we pit at least two musicians singing the same song together, comparing 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.  In the 27^th  edition of head 🗣️ 2 head 🗣️ (2022), 🎙 Simone Hines and 🎙 Tamyra Gray contend for the best rendition of 🎵 “God Bless The Dreamer”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

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1. Simone Hines, “God Bless The Dreamer”

💿 The Soul Train Christmas Starfest Album • 🏷 Epic • 📅 1997

“So many problems that you felt in your life / And it cuts like a knife / But remember to look for tomorrow / It’s not long now.” 🎙 Simone Hines probably isn’t a name that rings a bell for many. Admittedly, I wasn’t aware of her music until I was perusing YouTube and happened to find 🎵 “God Bless The Dreamer.”  The first time I personally heard this gospel-infused R&B song was courtesy of American Idol alum, 🎙 Tamyra Gray.  I was mind blown to discover that Hines sang the song originally, seven years prior to Gray! The thing is, it’s hard to get your hands on 💿 The Soul Train Christmas Starfest Album where Hines’ rendition appears.  The compilation isn’t available for digital purchase or streaming, leaving ordering a physical copy being the only way to attain it.  That’s a bummer because the original is utterly sublime.

“God Bless The Dreamer” was written by 🎼 ✍ Louis Biancaniello, 🎼 ✍ Sam Watters, 🎼 ✍ Mark Calderon, 🎼 ✍ Bryan Abrams, 🎼 ✍ Kevin Thornton, and 🎼 ✍ H Lee. Hines takes their moving music and thoughtful lyrics and brings the heat.  She sings with a gorgeous, nuanced tone, tailor-made for this inspiring record.  Furthermore, she’s supported by electrifying choral vocals – always a winning formula. Even as Hines shows off her vocal skills, she never over-sings or forces things – she gives just the right amount.  Had this ‘obscure’ joint never been recorded by anyone else, the original by Hines would be sufficient.  Of course, another talented musician also released a ‘better-known’ take.

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2. Tamyra Gray, “God Bless The Dreamer”

💿 The Dreamer • 🏷 19 Recordings • 📅 2004

American Idol season one alum 🎙 Tamyra Gray sought to inspire and uplift on 🎵 “God Bless the Dreamer”, a 🎙 Simone Hines cover from 💿 The Soul Train Christmas Starfest Album. “God Bless the Dreamer” serves as the closing cut on Gray’s 2004 only studio album, 💿 The Dreamer. This gospel-infused R&B closer marked one of gems from the album, which flopped commercially.

In “God Bless the Dreamer,” Tamyra Gray is our cheerleader, informing us there are brighter days ahead. “Put some love in your heart, put some heart in your love / And don’t let the doubt steer you wrong,” she sings optimistically, adding, “There’ll be something, out of nothing / When love comes along.” Gray’s presentation is flawless with a mix of controlled, poised vocals and more dynamic, commanding ones.  The biggest moments, much like the Hines original, are the choruses (“God bless the dreamer / God bless the child /… There’ll be freedom, sweet freedom / When love comes along”) and the bridge. The bridge and beyond allows Gray to truly show off the pipes that made her the perceived frontrunner on American Idol.  Worth noting, that she has similar ad-libs to Hines towards the end, though she does opt for a higher note.  Furthermore, the length of the song is extended with additional ad-libbing, further separating the remake from the original.

Appears in 🔻:

• Tamyra Gray, “God Bless the Dreamer”: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 3 (2022)

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The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️ 

Simone Hines or Tamyra Gray? This duel is really, really close to be honest.  Both these ladies sing  “God Bless The Dreamer” marvelously.  You could argue this one is a draw – a tie between two brilliant singers that deserve much wider recognition than they have.  But I’m going to give the edge to… Tamyra Gray, by a nose. There’s little difference, but I noticed a few subtle tweaks with the ad-libs I enjoyed from Gray, not to mention the extension of the song with even more ad-libs which further heightens the spirit.  Either is a fine addition to your inspirational playlist!

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Simone Hines vs. Tamyra Gray: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 27 (2022) [📷: Brent Faulkner, Kool Shooters, Layers, Mario Aranda, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, RODNAE Productions, Valentin Tikhonov]

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