Sylvester vs. Adam Lambert | Head 2 Head

In the 26^th edition of Head 2 Head (2023), Sylvester and Adam Lambert contend for the best rendition of “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real).”

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 26^th edition of head 2 head (2023), Sylvester and Adam Lambert contend for the best rendition of “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Sylvester, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”

Step II • Concord Music Group • 1978

“And I’m still real hot / Then you kiss me there …” Those sensual lyrics hail from the seminal disco classic, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” by the late, great R&B artist, Sylvester (Sylvester James, Jr., 1947-1988).  Sylvester was known for his androgynous style, overall flamboyance, and of course, being an openly gay musician. Sadly, this talented man would die at the young age of 41 from AIDS.  That said, his legacy speaks for itself, specifically on “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real),” a top 40 pop hit .

“When we’re out there dancin’ on the floor, darlin’

And I feel like I need some more

And I feel your body close to mine

And I know my love, it’s about that time…”

“You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” embraces the door being ajar as opposed to closed if you catch my drift.  Perhaps it is how open that Sylvester was regarding sexuality itself, or the quick tempo coupled with a magnificent beat and otherworldly synths. Sylvester penned “Mighty Real” alongside James Warrick. He produced this dance gem with Harvey Fuqua. This iconic gay anthem feels like a ‘coming out’ party if there ever were one.  From the dancing in the first verse, to the sex that’s suggested in the second, it feels like a true embrace of being true to self romantically and sexually.   

Appears in :  

• 19 Songs That Reference Coming Out (2019) 
• A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs (2020) 
• 15 Gay Anthems That Exude Joy (Vo1. 1) (2021) 
• Sylvester, You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real): Dance Gemz 10 (2023)

2. Adam Lambert x Sigala, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”

“You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” • More is More, LLC / BMG Rights Management (US) LLC • 2023

“Make me feel (mighty real) / Make me feel (mighty feel) / Make me feel (mighty feel).” WOO! Adam Lambert is the king of covers – crown him ! With a powerful voice and big personality, Lambert is able to transform classics into his own.  Adam has a tall task on his hands, covering a disco classic by the beloved gay icon and vocal powerhouse, Sylvester,  renowned for “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”.  If anyone can do a Sylvester classic justice, it’s King Adam, who collaborates with Sigala on his contemporary take on “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”.  Sigala produces alongside Twin Lee, adding fresh synths and a more modern, danceable groove.  Lambert and Sigala have us ready to hit the club, discotheque, or merely get down in da crib alone or with our partner/significant other!

As always, Adam Lambert slaughters in the vocal department.  His performance captures the energy of the dance floor, love, and of course, S meets E and then they X . As sexy as the performance is, Lambert never forces things, showing the appropriate poise and rising to the occasion when it feels right, particularly that epic chorus!  Furthermore, alongside Sigala, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” escapes being a carbon copy.  If you’d never happened to heard the original, you could swear this was Adam further expanding his catalog of bops.  Yes, Mr. Lambert had tough shoes to fill – Sylvester was one of a kind – but he does “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” justice, PERIOD!

via GIPHY 

Appears in :

• Adam Lambert, “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”: Covers No. 26 (2023)

The Verdict

Sylvester or Adam Lambert? Adam Lambert is AMAZING – the king of covers .  However, I have a feeling even Mr. Lambert would bow down to Sylvester in this case. The definitive version of “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)”  will ALWAYS belong to the one and only Sylvester James, Jr., PERIOD!

via GIPHY

Sylvester vs. Adam Lambert: Head 2 Head No. 26 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; More is More, LLC / BMG Rights Management (US) LLC; Antoni Shkraba via Pexels, andresilva5, talha khalil, Valentin Tikhonov via Pixabay; Nick Wang on Unsplash]