The Stylistics vs. Joe Simon | Head 2 Head

In the 24^th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), The Stylistics and Joe Simon contend for the best rendition of “You Are Everything.”

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians performing the same song, comparing their respective 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 24^th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), The Stylistics and Joe Simon contend for the best rendition of “You Are Everything”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. The Stylistics, “You are Everything”

The Stylistics – The Original Debut Album // Amherst // 1971 

“Today I saw somebody / Who looked just like you / She walked like you do / I thought it was you.” Those famous lyrics hail from the classic, “You are Everything” by the iconic, soul collective,  The Stylistics. The top-10 Billboard Hot 100 hit (no. 9) graces the Philly soul collective’s critically acclaimed, 1971 album, The Stylistics.  The gold-certified “You Are Everything” was written by Renowned songwriters Thom Bell and Linda Creed.  Singing lead and background vocals on this lush ballad is Russell Thompkins Jr.

“You are Everything” is the perfect soul record, even if only one Stylistic is utilized! The harmonized vocals are stunning, especially against that Philly soul backdrop.  Thematically, it encompasses expired love – one you can’t forget about.  Thompkins asserts, “I just can’t go on / Living life as I do / Comparing each girl with you / Knowing they just won’t do / They’re not you.”  Why are they not you? Well, that’s where the tuneful chorus comes into play: “You are everything / And everything is you.” Woo! All told, The Stylistics’ “You are Everything” ranks among the elites when it comes to soul classics.    

Appears in 🔻:   

• The Stylistics, You are Everything: Throwback Vibez No. 69 (2022)   
• 11 Epic Songs That Are Everything! (2022)  
• 15 Must-Hear, Throwback Vibez, Vol. 5 (2022) 
• The Stylistics: 3 to 5 BOPS No. 63 (2023)

2. Joe Simon, You Are Everything”

Drowning in the Sea of Love // Ace // 1972 

“Because you’re my everything / My everything is you / You’re my everything / Oh, my everything is you…”  The Stylistics put their foot into their top-10 soul classic,  “You are Everything”. Southern soul singer Joe Simon didn’t chart with his cover of “You Are Everything” (it wasn’t released as a single), but it marks one of many awesome moments from his 1972 album, Drowning in the Sea of Love.  The first cover of the soul classic, Simon’s interpretation, produced by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, is a dramatic one that separates itself from the original.

In Simon’s “You Are Everything” the tempo is slower. Even so, it doesn’t drag or sound lethargic. With his compelling vocals, soaked in southern soul, Simon sells this unique take. He delivers playful moments in the final phrase of the verses – a stellar touch. Furthermore, his ad-libs are awesome. Simon’s baritone benefits from its deep, masculine sound.  Beyond Joe’s skills, the arrangement and production make “You Are Everything,” well, EVERYTHING! There are some adventurous harmonic moments, changes of keys, and more risks compared to the original. Authentic and ear-catching, Joe Simon also ‘puts his foot’ into “You Are Everything”.

Appears in 🔻:

• Joe Simon, You Are Everything: Covers No. 22 (2024)

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️ 

Ah – the moment of truth! Rather, the moment of judgment! Who did “You Are Everything” da best? Was it the stunning original by The Stylistics or the dramatic, distinct cover by Joe Simon?  The good news is that both renditions come from one of music’s best eras – the 1970s were the stuff! But, only one of these takes was a top-10 hit, ranked among the best work by the musician, and is considered the crème de la crème of soul. The Stylistics, hence, get the dub.

The Stylistics vs. Joe Simon: Head 2 Head No. 24 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Ace, Amherst; Hernán Toro, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]