![Tom Odell vs. Jamal Roberts: Head 2 Head No. 17 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 19 Recordings, Inc., BMG Rights Management (US) LLC, Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited; Israel Torres, KoolShooters, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/tom-odell-vs-jamal-roberts-head-2-head-17-2025.jpg?resize=400%2C400&ssl=1 "Tom Odell vs. Jamal Roberts: Head 2 Head No. 17 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 19 Recordings, Inc., BMG Rights Management (US) LLC, Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited; Israel Torres, KoolShooters, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]")
In the 17th edition of Head 2 Head (2025), Tom Odell and Jamal Roberts contend for the best rendition of “Heal.”
Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians performing the same song and compare their performances. After deliberation, we decide which performance is the best or moves us more subjectively. In the 17th edition of Head 2 Head (2025), Tom Odell and Jamal Roberts contend for the best rendition of “Heal”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!
1. Tom Odell, “Heal”
Long Way Down // Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited// 2013
![Tom Odell, Long Way Down [📷: Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/tom-odell-long-way-down.jpg?resize=400%2C400&ssl=1 "Tom Odell, Long Way Down [📷: Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited]")
“Take my mind and take my pain / Like an empty bottle takes the rain / And heal, heal, heal, heal.” English singer/songwriter Tom Odell composed a chilling, haunting song with “Heal.” “Heal” is the 13th and final track from his 2013 debut album, Long Way Down. Although it is a non-single with no chart traction, this piano ballad is popular. If you check out the plays on Spotify, for example, you’ll see the gem has received ample mileage.
![Man wearing boxing gloves standing in the corner of the ring [📷: RDNE Stock project from pexels.com]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/boxer-ring-head-2-head.png?resize=450%2C300&ssl=1 "Man wearing boxing gloves standing in the corner of the ring [📷: RDNE Stock project from pexels.com]")
“Heal” begins with gorgeous piano playing, which sets a tender tone. Odell sings with an ultra-refined tone. He sounds incredibly authentic and sincere as he sings. Adding to the charm of his performance is his British accent. Odell sings two consecutive verses, with the moving first verse excerpted. In the second, he asserts, “Take my past and take my sins,” landing upon the titular lyric at the end. The chorus follows, in all of its glory: “And tell me some things last.” The third and fourth verses are bigger and more dynamic. “Take my heart and take my mind,” he sings in the third, adding, “Like an ocean takes the dirty sand.” And like the other three, in the fourth verse, there is more ‘taking,’ this time, mind and pain. Odell brings it even more on the final chorus, with four iterations of the memorable lyric. In this powerful song, Tom reflects on love, even when it’s not explicit. The songwriting is personal, poetic, and incredibly thoughtful. “Heal” is simply beautiful.
2. Jamal Roberts, “Heal”
“Heal” // 19 Recordings, Inc. / BMG Rights Management (US) LLC // 2025
![Jamal Roberts, Heal [📷: 19 Recordings, Inc. / BMG Rights Management (US) LLC]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/jamal-roberts-heal.jpeg?resize=400%2C400&ssl=1 "Jamal Roberts, Heal [📷: 19 Recordings, Inc. / BMG Rights Management (US) LLC]")
“And take my past and take my sins / Like an empty sail takes the wind / And heal, heal, heal, heal, heal,” American Idol winner Jamal Roberts sings on his debut single, “Heal”. If those lyrics sound familiar, it is because “Heal” is a cover. It was written and originally recorded by English singer/songwriter Tom Odell in 2013 (Long Way Down). However, this cover is not a straightforward one, with some new lyrics and a different perspective compared to Odell’s original. Roberts sings with a rich, smooth tone. His voice sounds ‘simply beautiful.’ With every lyric and note he sings, you believe every word he says. While this song was originally an alternative/indie record, Roberts successfully transforms it into a moving, soulful R&B/gospel record.
![A man with boxing gloves [📷: Thomas Ronveaux from pexels.com]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/a-man-with-boxing-gloves.png?resize=281%2C350&ssl=1 "A man with boxing gloves [📷: Thomas Ronveaux from pexels.com]")
When Roberts soars, showing off his impressive upper register and power, it gives chills. Adding to the radiance of this cut is the production. Initially subtle, “Heal” evolves into something much grander than the original – a truly spiritual experience. The third and final verse is a distinct modification from the original. Odell’s version features four briefer verses, with an extended chorus following the fourth. Roberts sings only three, two true to Odell, with the final verse fully embracing God’s healing. His ad-libs are spot-on.
“Oh, you’re the only one, the only that can heal
So please, heal from depression, Jesus, from suicidal thoughts, please heal
You’re the only one that can do it, from sickness, oh
Restoration right now.”
Amen 🙏! Hallelujah 🙌! Jamal Roberts does a superb job with “Heal”, making it his own.
The Verdict 👨🏿⚖️
![Head 2 Head Verdict [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project from pexels.com]](https://i0.wp.com/themusicalhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/head-2-head-verdict.png?resize=293%2C400&ssl=1 "Head 2 Head Verdict [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project from pexels.com]")
So, who experienced the more substantial “Heal”? Was it the chilling, original piano ballad by Tom Odell, or did the incredibly skilled and soulful Jamal Roberts take it? This one is tough because both artists had completely different visions and executed them masterfully. For Odell, this song is about relationships. For Roberts, it is about being healed by God, petitioning for healing from depression, suicidal thoughts, and seeking “restoration right now.” Yes, both songs are the same, yet starkly different. Because I adore the artistry by Tom Odell, and the spirit exhibited by Jamal Roberts, this head-to-head is officially a tie. There is more than enough room for two awesome versions of “Heal.”
Tom Odell vs. Jamal Roberts: Head 2 Head No. 17 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 19 Recordings, Inc., BMG Rights Management (US) LLC, Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited; Israel Torres, KoolShooters, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]
long way down,2024,2025,alternative,american idol,american idol 2025,england,english musicians,gospel,head 2 head,head to head,head-to-head,heal,heal songs,healing,healing song,indie,inspirational,jamal roberts,r&b,singer/songwriter,spiritual,tom odell
