Sly & The Family Stone vs. Barry White | Head 2 Head 🗣️

On the 31^st Head 🗣️ 2 Head 🗣️ (2022), Sly & The Family Stone and Barry White contend for the best rendition of “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again).” 

Welcome 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 31^st edition of head 🗣️2 head 🗣️ (2022), 🎙 Sly & The Family Stone and 🎙 Barry White contend for the best rendition of 🎵 “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Sly and the Family Stone, “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”

💿 Greatest Hits • 🏷 Epic • 🗓 1970

“I want to thank you falettinme / Be mice elf agin.” 🎵 “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” is one of the most memorable lyrics and song titles of all time. The iconic soul/funk collective 🎙 Sly and the Family Stone had a surefire hit on their hands – a no. 1 hit to be precise!  Musically, one of the biggest innovations cited when mentioning this song is the bass technique by 🎙 Larry Graham, which would go on to influence numerous musicians in various genres. Beyond that, the vocals by 🎙 Sly Stone are nothing short of awesome, infused with ample personality and oozing with soul.

Beyond the famed lyrics of the chorus (aforementioned), the lyrics of the verses are quite colorful.

“Lookin’ at the devil

Grinnin’ at his gun

Fingers start shakin’

I begin to run…”

Per a song fact from Songfacts, “Sly Stone wrote…the [song because he] as upset that people were not listening to the messages in his songs… They were an integrated band and tried to spread the message of racial harmony, but Stone thought that message was getting lost. The lyrics are scathing and mostly directed at Sly himself…” Interesting.  One part of song that listeners can’t miss  are the references made to other Sly and the Family Stone hits: “Dance to the music / All nite long / Everyday people / Sing a simple song.” “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” is awesome, period.

Appears in 🔻:

• Thankful Songs 🙏🎶 15
• Thankful 🙏🎶 3: 5ive Songs No. 62
• Gratitude: 20 Gracious, Thankful Songs

2. Barry White, “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again)”

💿 Staying Power • 🏷 Unlimited Gold • 📅 1999

It’s no secret that 🎙 Sly & The Family Stone did a bang-up job with 🎵 “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again)” – it’s a funk classic.  Furthermore, it’s a no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.  That said, soul icon 🎙 Barry White delivers a contemporary, funky reinterpretation –  🎵 “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again)” – on his 1999 album, 💿 Staying Power. It’s worth noting, Staying Power would be the final studio album by White, who died four years later in 2003.

What makes the Barry White cover of “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Again)” intriguing? Well, it all starts with that signature baritone, which is one-of-a-kind.  It’s a stark difference compared to the original in that regard alone.  Beyond White’s distinct pipes, the contemporary R&B makeover is incredibly cool.  Even with some modern production tricks ala the 1990s, the backdrop manages to preserve the sanctity of soul with its infectious groove and of course, the clavinet! Another difference that gives away the fact that this is a 90s version of the record is the rap verse. Hip-hop was big during the 90s, so a rap collaboration is idiomatic of the times.  This laid-back, Barry cover works, all told!

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️

🎙 Sly & The Family Stone or 🎙 Barry White?  Barry does a fine job covering 🎵 “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)”.  Even so, it’s a no-brainer, folks.  Sly & The Family Stone gets the edge, period.  They own the original and definitive version of a no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. No further explanation is needed!

Sly & The Family Stone vs. Barry White: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 31 (2022) [📷: Brent Faulkner, Epic, Kool Shooters, Layers, Mario Aranda, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay, RODNAE Productions, Unlimited Gold, Valentin Tikhonov]