Comparison | Austin Brown and David Phelps | Bring Him Home | Jerod M Reaction

[@YolandaHoversten]

You’re the first reactor who did this and I so appreciate it. They’re both wonderful tenors and they did this challenging song justice. David’s is professionally produced, with an orchestra, backup singers supporting him, and performed in a concert hall. Austin was singing in his living room with Sebastien Douyon as his only accompaniment. Even with David Phelp’s production advantage, I feel that Austin’s performance is more heartfelt and beautiful. Thank you!

[@debbiehall9091]

Austin makes this song so emotional. His voice is amazing.💗💗

[@beverlieburkinshaw7084]

Such a brilliant piece of music. When Austin sings it, I am again sitting in the audience, watching Les Miserables. Jean Valjean leans over the body of perhaps the mortally injured body of Marius and pleads with God to save his life. Austin is always an incredible singer, but here he brings me exactly into the message and the emotion of that moment. David voice is beautiful, but to me he is just performing this amazing song.

[@andeegisby]

I am not a great musician or vocalist however I can feel the emotion from Austin. I listen over and over.

[@christineterry2381]

I felt such emotion when Austin when he sang, I watch it over and over and get teary.

[@naomipickett285]

Great reaction video. They are both amazing singers. Like you state, "It's not a competition." They both bring different dynamics to the table. Just wanted to say, I have heard many different video reactors say "Austin Brown has the right voice dynamics to become the next David Phelps." I don't agree with that completely, as each singer puts their own spin or take on a song. Austin Brown has stated that, "David has been an inspiration for him, and it shows in his singing."

[@ronfuqua2117]

Austin brought it from his soul David performed a song for me Austin all the way both are well done but I felt it with Austin

[@karenhenderson3889]

Thanks for introducing me to both of these amazing vocalists. Austin gave me chills and tears. David was fantastic but I wish I could have heard more of his organic sound without the back up singers. But you rock as always! Thank you so very much.

[@jenniferdnoseworthy2348]

First time I saw Austin sing this song, it made me cry. I can tell you it takes a lot for me to do that. Made me very emotional. I totally enjoy David Phelps as well but for me, Austin Brown.

[@craigbrown6437]

I personally think that David Phelps had more variety in his performance of this song. Sometimes it is the subtle, small changes that make a huge difference in a performance. Apart from his emotional connection to this song there were a few subtle and interesting variations in David's performance of this song that made the performance more impactful and effective. Even though Austin Brown was also excellent in his day delivery of this song he was mainly focused on connecting with the song and trying to bring across the message of the song and hitting all the right notes.That being said , with Austin even though the ending of the song was a bit different i needed to see more variety in his overall performance. David Phelps delivered a more complete performance. His performance had everything.

[@eccentricpiggymom]

Like an orchestra and backup choir? Austin didn't need any of that.

[@terrichristenson432]

Hi Jerod, where have you been? Missed your reactions to Home Free. Austin happens to be my favorite singer so I guess I'm a little prejudiced, not saying David Phelps is not Amazing also. I enjoyed listenening to both of them. Austin was a musical theater major in college and when he met the Home Free guys later his career took a different path and then Covid hit and the guys had extra time on their hands and have been doing solo work. Please react to Austin singing "Unchained Melody". It is very good and has over 8 million views. Home Free is also doing some tremendous releases of songs and videos. "Amazed" is a very good one !!!

[@b.rittenhouse2188]

There are people that are saying it's hard to compare since one had just a piano and the other Orchestra. That is not the point. Listen to the tone quality of their voice. That is what vocal judges do.

[@JerodM]

Yes, and I am impressed by both singers and their interpretations of the song.

[@jackiestone3468]

Austin is my absolute favorite. I felt all his emotions!!

[@belinda9696]

YES! More Home Free, please! Unchained Melody is their newest video, check it out.

[@kevinboothe9991]

David's version was very nice but Austin's version always brings me to tears, I feel there was more connection and emotion in Austin's performance! Great job

[@patbyrne7669]

I have been listening to Austin for a while now and he never fails to enthral me with anything he sings. Just been listening to him singing ‘ I’m not to suppose to love you any more’ and it gives me goose bumps every time. I was fortunate enough to see on stage Colm Wilkinson sing Bring him home and always thought nobody would better that but I think Austin is a very close second.

[@craigbrown6437]

Thanks so much for finally reacting to my requests.I enjoyed how you broke down the two performances to show the different techniques used by both singers sang and also how you highlighted the similarities and differences in their styles of singing. Keep up the good word. Great video.

[@sharonmortimer3843]

So nice to see you back with at least part of Home Free. Austin went to college for Musical Theater. He has actually sang this song way back in 2014-2016 with Home Free. It would be great to see you back with Home Free reactions. David did a great job with this song too. Truly enjoyed watching your reaction to this song.

[@debra-annmcbride5329]

I liked them both. I have been a big fan of David Phelps for a long time. I am a huge fan of Home Free, David and Austin both knocked that one out of the park.

[@ginnyedmister3717]

Thanks for doing this! I’ve loved David Phelps for more than twenty years. He has such a great tone and he always hits the high notes with such ease. I love Home Free and Austin too. Austin did a great job.

[@susyqmom]

Austin also did this live during one of his home free concert’s

[@MyLorissa]

I have loved David Phelps for any a year. I have only known Austin for a year or less but I have to say I felt more emotion from Austin in his version! They both were great but David's was more of a production with all the instruments.

[@susanhorn4325]

You’ve said what I was thinking. I felt more emotional connection in Austin’s performance and it was a little more raw which suits the context of the song. David’s performance was beautiful. However I didn’t really like what he did with the tempo or the timing or something. It’s like he tried to make it more modern and it came across to me as too upbeat for the song.

[@yvonnesimpson2228]

I go with David. He also was sitting the whole time. From being in performance arts that is very difficult. Loved both but David was the best.

[@douglasdunn8544]

Loved your reaction/comparison. Also love your "Come And See" hat. My bride and I are both dedicated "Chosen" fans. Thank you so much for this video!

[@susanlowell4759]

It was educational to see how each singer styled the song, getting that "connection". I swoon as they access the most beautiful parts of their voices. Masterful performances. Thank you for your commentary, also educational.

[@davidscroggins7728]

Not hard to compare. David Plelps 24-7, 365. No comparison. The tone and quality to David's voice, is one of a kind.......

[@SchoeneTante]

This clip comes from David's "Classic" concert video. That video has some B-roll interview footage with David. He talks about how he thought about his oldest daughter when she first learned to drive. He prayed "bring her home." So yes, he thinks about his children and his family when he sings this song. He's been singing it since he was in college almost 25 years ago, and he absolutely loves this song.

[@lindag.7836]

They were both good, but to me, Austin’s singing is more raspy, while David’s voice is more clear and sweet sounding!

[@msmith5121]

David... no contest. No disrespect to Austin but David is in a class by himself.

[@ElizabethRoss-uj8rl]

I'm late to this party, but need to speak. It's so difficult to compare apples and oranges -- a full orchestra with concert stage sound equipment versus a living room with one piano and a microphone. Both of these performances are A+, top of the mark. Both voices are close to perfection, no comparison here. If I were forced to make any comparison at all, I would say that Austin brought me to tears and David brought me back to school.

[@JerodM]

That's the precise point of the comparisons that I do. It's to simply see how someone chooses to approach and perform the same song. The qualities of each voice are unique to their own styles and that's what I love about them both. I can enjoy hearing the same song twice in a row because they are different. Not that one is better or worse than the other, but I may have a preference at the end of viewing it.

[@Rosannasfriend]

I personally feel more emotion from David’s performance. I’ve noticed the Austin fans of getting very defensive and seem to practically blame David for having an orchestra… That is odd… We all know David is talented enough to do this a cappella! Both did a great job, so let’s be more grown-up and stop bashing the other singer.

[@brendagrothier967]

Kind of hard to compare with a whole orchestra behind David and Austin with just the piano.

[@lindacrossno9529]

David has such a beautiful voice and sings with such emotion and compassion. I like the home free guy....but I am a lifetime David Phelps fan. I have been to his concerts and every time I come out feeling uplifted. He has such a connection to to his audiences. David is always perfection.❤

[@Graniepanies]

@@lindacrossno9529 no he isn’t

[@eccentricpiggymom]

Exactly! Austin has proven that he doesn't need any instruments with Home Free. He doesn't need all the bells and whistle. Just him and a piano. And I've noticed that all the David fans have seen him live.

[@sjenny5891]

When Austin sings it; I can see him on his knees crying, just begging his prayer. The rasp the sobs. It's the comment about how you can sing something perfectly but it doesn't have the same feel. I get the emotion and the connection more from the string instruments in David's performance.

[@donnasmith4426]

I enjoyed this comparison. Both were great but I do believe Austin won this one.

[@yeshuabride-sherry3025]

I loved both. My favorite version from David of this song is the one on the Legacy of Love DVD. It's full own band and orchestra and makes you FEEL Les' Mis! Thank you for doing this.

[@francesburns7539]

BTW, wouldn't it be interesting for them to do a duet?

[@hdenisewooten2428]

Seems like David is so technically pure and effortless, so lovely, and then Austin emotes throughout the song so well. I love both!!!

[@whirlybird5244]

David's voice is full bodied and rich. Austin's voice was lighter. Both are fabulous singers. I am a huge Phelps fan so I am somewhat biased. But I also love Home Free. Their harmony is superb.

[@rebeccalitchfield6698]

David Phelps my favorite. Austin looked up to David Phelps

[@SantaWessels]

Always interesting to hear the different versions of a song by different artists .. in this case .. very good artists. To me, it is not who is better than the other, but rather, how each one present the song in their own special way. Both really did so well. 🙌🏻💕

[@heidicook2739]

Love both versions by two of my favorite vocalists.

[@michelehood479]

Personally I thought David gave a more meaningful performance. I could hear Austin breathing. Both are good singers but David is much better with the higher notes!

[@qinisomabena9562]

David Phelps is unique, I hear Austin and he's a very good singer,but there's quite a few more that sound like him, yet there's none that sounds like David, when he goes higher ,his voice never goes faint , he maintains the same boldness and power . He's just unique

[@gladysbehrens8519]

I enjoy Austin's singing. But there is none better than David Phelps.

[@dianegb1383]

Austin is good, but does not have the strength, volume, range, or DEPTH that David has. Love them both. Think David is EXCELLENT!

[@williamboyd5990]

Thanks for your reaction to these two great vocalists. I believe you now should check out Austin Brown with Rob Lundquist, singing opera, Nessun Dorma. Both are from Home Free and title of video is Two Country Boys, "try" to sing opera. You will really enjoy this.

[@ASyler]

Austin has said that he's a big fan of David Phelps. You can see how David has influenced Austin for sure... he made many of the same choices, kudos for a great performance. David, of course, is in a world on his own... one of the greatest performers EVER, so there's that. It's been a while since you've done a David reaction (probably because you've been down the rabbit hole of watching them all, so hard to not just watch David's performances all day), have you done any of his new ones "A Song for Sinners" or "Hello Beautiful"?

[@francesburns7539]

I love this presentation. I agree that it isn't a competition. If it was, it would have to be a tie! i think they both brought their own strengths and personalities to the performances. It is also a little harder to judge because Austin's performance was very basic and pure with just the piano. David's performance had the added dimension of the orchestra. I have been listening to both of these men for a long time. I get a blessing from both of them when they share their gift with the world.

[@susanodell4538]

Someone might have already told you, but David Phelps has also performed this song live on his Legacy of Love DVD. That one had videos of the Civil war. Very powerful. Austin did good too.

[@butchkerley]

Wow - AMAZING - comparisons are pointless - Both of these were off the charts great and should be enjoyed as such

[@JerodM]

They aren’t pointless when you are interested in see two artists perform something side by side to appreciate the different takes. I think it’s easy to confuse comparison as meaning competition. It’s not a competition.

[@nicolehickey155]

Well, I find that it’s pretty hard to sing it better than David, he always show so much emotion, but Austin is also very good.

[@joanpoates4620]

Alfie Boe for me is my very favorite singing this song. He makes it sound like a prayer. Of these two, Austin has the theatre background. What I found interesting about Austin, he lost his country accent singing this song. David is just pure joy. I have loved his singing for years. But again, listen to Alfie Boe singing Bring Him Home.

[@lauramata4244]

When Austin was invited to sing with HF, he was told... You've spent 20 years training the twang from your voice... Now we need it back.

[@lisabeebe1863]

I have have to go with Austin on this one. Hands down!

[@dekkadoll]

Two very different styles. Gotta love David!!!

[@kmwwrench]

The contrast in presentation is striking. I found the orchestra and choral backing a little too much for my taste. If you haven't watched Josh Groban's version, I would recommend it. It's where I first heard the song and the presentaion is very similar to Austin's - solo singer with piano. It's interesting to compare them singing this very emotional song, since one was formally trained in musical theater and the other in opera. Both highly enjoyable. Love the comparison videos. Usually I have not seen the "original" version before.

[@dixiemyers8450]

You got to listen to David Phelps do the song Hello Beautiful. It's from David's stories and songs volume one. It's such a moving song and it's a true song of what happens to a man or a woman in their life. Both my parents had this horrible thing and broke my heart watch them slip away

[@oneplay]

I’d never heard David Phelps version before so I enjoyed the comparison.

[@pamelameyer4277]

Tears streaming Austin

[@craigbrown6437]

Could you please do a part 2 comparison video between David Phelps singing Bring him home at the legacy of love concert vs Austin Brown also singing Bring him home for a third time? However, this time could you please do a more in depth analysis of the two performances by going in more detail in your explanation. I have heard many people say that David Phelps singing Bring him home at the legacy of love concert was his best version of this song. However, in addition to making the comparison between the two again, i would love to hear your opinion as to whether you agree that this was David Phelp's best version of the song and why or why not.

[@АлександраБакульманова-у8п]

Austin's version continues the line of musical theater. It is closer to the original and makes it possible to feel the power and meaning of each word. With David, for all the beauty of the performance, the song learned taken out of context. Just an ordinary beautiful concert performance.

[@momD612]

Nothing against David, hes got awesome talent! but I Just personally prefer Austin. It just feels more emotional.

[@wolf_rainbow2732]

Another performer I like who did this song is Denis DeYoung. Lead singer of Styx. I do prefer Austin's version over Phelps. Austin's simpler version, no background vocals, or extra instruments, made it seem more personal. Phelps did sound nice though.

[@carinalindberg7377]

So here's my take on this. When Austin sang it he was singing with his heart and soul BEING the meaning of the song. When David sang it it was a song he performed where he occasionally infused some emotions, he wasn't the meaning, he just performed a song. Skillfully and beautifully so, but his performance was about the performance while Austin's was about the meaning of the song. When I first heard this rendition by Austin I had to force myself to keep listening because I felt it so strongly I became overwhelmed. In fact, I had to watch it/listen to it broken up in pieces to find my balance in it before I could listen to it on its entirety. When David sang it I wanted to turn it off for a different reason, I did not like it because I didn't feel it at all. We are different, of course, and we will react differently simply because of that, and that's ok. What makes Austin my favourite singer, and Home Free my favourite band, is that they always tap into the meaning and the soul of the song and then he/they perform it from his/their hearts and souls. That to me is the difference between these performances. Thanks for the reaction! 🥰🙏

[@200yente]

I agree totally, Carina.

[@jolenegeffre3281]

I also agree one hundred percent. Austin is at a different level with his singing and feeling the songs. Just like all the Home Free guys. No one is better than Home Free

[@quiltie1774]

You took the words out of my mouth! Even with the the increase in instrumentation didn’t evoke the emotion that Austin had.

[@minneyruth]

Very well said 👏 I agree 💯💯💯

[@colteberlemusic5668]

Way different style we all now how powerful david is and his insane Range so hearing him stay in head voice alot more was cool also austin learned to sing by trying to hit david phelps notes on the voice album

[@lindasammon174]

This was my first time listening to David Phelps. I discovered Austin Brown and Homefree about 6 months ago. I was looking forward to discovering a new artist. I was a little disappointed as I felt the orchestra distracted from his voice and sometimes seemed to override his performance. Austin had you totally immersed in his voice and waiting for that next note. I preferred Austin’s performance but will seek out other videos of David Phelps to make a fair judgement.

[@lauriecook3015]

Yes! I almost wanted the orchestration to back off a bit so I could focus on the vocal. But still …. Oh my.

[@minneyruth]

They both sound great, different styles. Austin seems to have a little more power? Just my opinion. Great reaction ❤

[@rebeccalitchfield6698]

That makes me laugh. Where does he. Not

[@minneyruth]

@@rebeccalitchfield6698 🤷‍♀️😄

[@Rosannasfriend]

… You clearly need to listen to these two again. It’s actually the opposite.

[@alicekennedy4500]

Soothing tenor voice

[@isaiahbangura4421]

Austin has a degree in Vocal Performance. He used to be a Disney singer before he joined Home Free, here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHWlZZ6MZt5_m7M Where Home Free first heard of Austin Brown on a Disney cruise, singing Cole Porter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJfQmHiBbdeaftk You should listen to Home Free live when they sang Bring Him Home: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKWqdq2wd5elgJY

[@craigbrown6437]

I noticed that you stated that both David Phelps and Austin Brown had different ways of interpreting and connecting with this song. However, i really wanted you to explain this some more. Therefore, could you please explain in more detail how they were both different in interpreting and connecting with this song by giving examples to support your point of view?I await your reply.

[@craigbrown6437]

Could you please do a comparison video between David Phelps singing his cover version of O Holy Night (Live) with Bill & Gloria Gaither vs Home free also singing their cover of O Holy night? I know this will be epic.

[@Tribblepuppy]

I wonder if David had been standing during his performance. He sounded a bit disconnected, maybe from singing this one song. He still has a great voice. Doobie Brothers versus Home Free with the song Listen To The Music. Have fun!

[@georgefisher1995]

I think the minim of background instrumentation, coupled with personal emotion of the song/prayer was better interpreted by Austin. In the play, Puccini shows this as a very personal, private moment. That is what Austin gives you.

[@jeffreyjacobs390]

I have listened to David Phelps for years .... listened in amazement to a high tenor voice extraordinaire ...... surely both do the song justice - David is not in the same key, does not sing it full voice, on pace, lyric without personal touches .... Austin does in deed replicate the show piece as intended and it may be more or less one's preference .... I am slightly more inclined to the Less Production and faithful vocal version of Austin. Both are great.

[@stanleytanzini7044]

it was very close, but Austin is now the man on this song .. unless your going with the man you were hoping for because of allegiants ..

[@butchkerley]

You might also compare Alfie Bowie and Gary Morris singing this song - both are Superstar performances that are on the level with anyone

[@lowellmorton1708]

Matt Shaw just released his cover of Bring Him Home. I was pleasantly surprised. Check him out.

[@bettygossell3408]

Love your Come and See ball cap. #bingejesus

[@morgansanders214]

Try this Comparison: David phelps nessum dorma and Austin Brown's version with rob lunquist

[@gingerjohnson1095]

Just wanted to request that you react to Avi Kaplan's new release from 3 days ago, All Is Well feat. Joy Williams from The Civil Wars. And his new album is due May 20, 2022.

[@robertalvey2284]

Austin felt more heart felt. Both were beautiful

[@teresacartwright5406]

With the deceptively simple piano back-up, there's nowhere to hide vocally. Although David Phelps' performance was good, it was like someone singing a 'phone book - he vocally depicted some emotion but (as you put it) there wasn't really a connection. I felt that Phelps could/would have injected just as much into Mary Had A Little Lamb.

[@maryhumphrey3002]

I feel that Austin's performance was the better o the too. He had more heart and soul in his singing. It was suppose to be a prayer to GOD for a boys life. I think Austin's version was a masterpiece. This is just my opinion.

[@debbiehall9091]

David Phelps was good. But I like the way Austin performs this song.

[@rachelhurst3224]

The biggest difference I hear is their mix. Austin mixes from chest (chest prominent). David mixes from head (primarily bringing his head voice lower.) I love Austin, but I didn't like some of his deliberate phrasings as much. Austin did more pauses and breaks. David's was more lyrical. However, Austin's emotes so much better. David's is more of just a performance piece and lacked the connection. Both were gorgeous.

[@julilebierlein1364]

David all the way.

[@libbyrn8974]

David has a lovely voice. But AUSTIN. Dear Lord. He sang from his heart and gut. He WAS Val Jean. Pure and clean. David was full on theatrical, not bad but it’s Austin 💯.

[@Gracie-SavedByGrace]

David all day long. :)

[@janreason1518]

Both incredible singers. I prefer Austin's rendition because of the simplicity of it. I think David's version is over produced. He does that a lot to showcase his technique.

[@charleneclaassen]

Austin sings the 'father' for me.

[@quiltie1774]

Did you notice that he dropped his accent? He saidthat he worked very hard to learn how to do this.

[@Indigo_moon]

David Phelps voice is amazing but his version was a little too light & uplifting for me. It sounded more like church song. It's a very heavy & emotional song & I didn't feel that from David's version. It clashed for me. But it's all subjective. They are both amazing singers, just different. Thanks for the video!

[@vinnieblair8576]

Hi Jerod! Long, long time no see. I notice your channel cane up as unsubscrubed, which shouldn't be the case even if I haven't seen anything by you lately. I love to listen to both David and Austin but Austin is my favourite tenor, or very close. Excellent perfornances by both but Austin's was more vulnerable and naked with less instrumentation. Thank you.

[@rebeccabartsch]

I had a much deeper emotional connection to Austin Brown's version than David Phelps. Austin Brown's voice was much more pleasing and resonant. David Phelp's was more nasal. I thought Austin did a far better job!

[@Trishapurpleprincess]

Subbing in hopes of more Home Free!

[@cheryljohnson733]

I prefer the simple beauty of Austin's performance compared to the professional backing et al of David.

[@eccentricpiggymom]

I knew from the very beginning that you were going to have a biased opinion in favor of David Phelps. Don't get me wrong, David is amazing! But if we are comparing these two videos, Austin is the obvious choice. It was just him and the piano. And just because you think he hasn't been singing for very long, you are sorely mistaken. Home Free was performing for decades before entering The Sing Off. I'm sorry if I offend you but I knew from the very beginning that you preferred David over Austin even before hearing them.

[@susyqmom]

Well they were both good, but Austin brown would make you cry, he connected to the song. David seemed very bland with no emotion. Hey but both voices are great

[@georgefisher1995]

The staccato tempo, and background makes it seem more a “karaoke” version, completely lacking in emotion. David has a beautiful voice, however, the arrangement is almost “POP” and the performance is flat, no feeling. An old saying, “sometimes less is more”. I prefer feeling the heart of a song. You are right, there is no comparison.

[@jenniferdnoseworthy2348]

David P’s was beautiful but not true to the song, it didn’t catch my emotions. They were equally beautiful but Austin’s was just better for me.

[@johntucker4296]

High note at the end plus crescendo = Austin wins by a nose .

[@JerodM]

No competition between the two. Both are excellent singers and artists

[@johntucker4296]

@@JerodM simply stating My preference. If they're trying to get folks to like their version best, then they're competing. Whether it's a prior version or from whomever. Even if they're trying to improve on a previous version of their own.

[@vickiadkins9844]

Austin Brown!! Ofcourse!! Why haven't u been watching home free?!

[@pathutchison8634]

Phelps is trained in opera. Austin is country . Not right to compare with each other in my opinion.

[@JerodM]

It’s not a comparison of who did it better.