The Weeknd vs. Jamie Cullum | Head 2 Head

In the 10^th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), The Weeknd and Jamie Cullum contend for the best rendition of “Can’t Feel My Face.” 

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 10^th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), The Weeknd and Jamie Cullum contend for the best rendition of “Can’t Feel My Face”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”

Beauty Behind the Madness // Republic // 2015  

“I can’t feel my face when I’m with you / But I love it, but I love it.”  There was little controversy behind “Can’t Feel My Face” a former no. 1 hit by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye). Perhaps, there should’ve been more given the fact that the Grammy-winner is referencing a different a relationship where the significant other is drugs. Beauty Behind the Madness, where “Can’t Feel My Face” hails from, dabbles in drugs multiple times.  Furthermore, The Weeknd has been singing about drugs throughout his career –part of what made him so distinct, in addition to those sublime pipes. How was it that “Can’t Feel My Face” became incredibly beloved despite its addiction?     

“And I know she’ll be the death of me  

At least we’ll both be numb  

And she’ll always get the best of me  

The worst is yet to come.”    

The Weeknd was surprised himself by the success sans controversy regarding, addresses it on a later song,  “Reminder” (Starboy, 2016): “I just won a new award for a kids show / Talking ‘bout a face numbing off a bag a blow / I’m like, goddamn bitch, I am not a Teen choice  / Goddamn bitch, I am not a bleach boy.” Basically, he asks himself, how did he become a pop star from a drug-infused record? Ultimately, The Weeknd got a pass.  I guess it’s those sick Michael Jackson vibes!  Who contributed to the lyrical and instrumental success of “Can’t Feel My Face”? Tesfaye penned this gem alongside Max Martin, Savan Kotecha, Ali Payami, and Peter Svensson. Martin and Payami produced it – marvelous, I might add!

Appears in 🔻:  

• 13 Songs that Focus on the Face (2019)  
• Emotional Songs Where It’s All About the Feel, Vol. 1 (2019) 
• 15 C Songs Selected with No Rhyme or Reason (2020) 
• The Weeknd, Can’t Feel My Face: Controversial Tunes 😈🎶 9 (2021) 
• 13 Unapologetic, Controversial Tunes (2021)
• Incredible Songs: 2010s, Vol. 2 (2023)

2. Jamie Cullum, “Can’t Feel My Face”

The Song Society Playlist // Island // 2018

Jazz/pop musician Jamie Cullum is one talented fella.  He showcases his talents superbly on his 2018 covers album, The Song Society Playlist.  On this project, he tackles pop, including one of the best and most popular pop songs of the 2010s, “Can’t Feel My Face”. “Can’t Feel My Face” was a no. 1 hit for Grammy-winning Canadian R&B superstar, The Weeknd back in 2015.  On paper, it’s tough to envision Cullum, despite top-notch musicianship, covering this one.  However, Jamie ‘leans in’ and ‘puts his foot’ into this rendition, PERIOD!

“Can’t Feel My Face” as a jazz-pop song is legit.  The goodness commences at the onset, with a sick groove established by the drums.  The instrumentation is simple – a jazz trio.  Rather than electric bass, there’s a string bassist, which gives the sound a different flavor.  Of course, Jamie Cullum is locked-in on the keys – piano keys that is! The lightness of this pop hit in Cullum’s hands is one of its selling points. Separating itself from the electronic-infused original, Cullum manages to build his own catchy, infectious take, a testament to his artistry. He transposes the key to fit his voice, which is lower than The Weeknd’s. He sings expressively, flaunting his own terrific tone.  Wanna shock the world with a cover? Be like Jamie Cullum with his epic, unexpected take on “Can’t Feel My Face”. #LIT 🔥!!!

Appears in 🔻:

• Jamie Cullum, Can’t Feel My Face: Covers No. 7 (2024)

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️

So, here’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for! Who delivered the best version of “Can’t Feel My Face”? Do the definitive honors go to the original by The Weeknd, or an outstanding, jazzy pop cover by Jamie Cullum? Admittedly, the excellence of the Cullum cover is impressive – starkly different from the original.  Still, all said and done, “Can’t Feel My Face” is one of the biggest hits of The Weeknd’s career, topping the pop charts, being certified diamond, and earning two Grammy nominations. Hence, this Head 2 Head is a comfortable win for the original artist.

The Weeknd vs. Jamie Cullum: Head 2 Head No. 10 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Island, Republic; Hernán Toro, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]