Mitty Collier vs. The Rance Allen Group

In the 37^th edition of Head 2 Head (2025), Mitty Collier and The Rance Allen Group contend for the best rendition of “That Will Be Good Enough For Me.”

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 37^th edition of Head 2 Head (2025), Mitty Collier and The Rance Allen Group contend for the best rendition of “That Will Be Good Enough For Me”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Mitty Collier, “That’ll Be Good Enough For Me”

“I’ve never been to Paris / In the spring or the fall,”

Mitty Collier (b. 1941) sings in the first verse of the 1960s soul classic, “That’ll Be Good Enough For Me”.  Mitty, now Pastor Mitty, adds in the first verse, “I’ve never been to India / To see the Taj Mahal.” Those lyrics sound familiar, hmm 🤔.  Notably, this highlight from her compilation, Talking With Her Man: The Chess Singles 1961-1968, was written by James Cleveland, specifically, Rev. James Cleveland (“That Will Be Good Enough For Me”). In the case of “That’ll Be Good Enough For Me,” Collier transformed a gospel gem into a secular song.  Many of the lyrics remain the same, but the subject of the song is changed.  Cleveland was referencing God.  Collier, a man.

“But if I can make you love me / That will be good enough for me,” Collier sings, and continues, “Because in your arms, daddy / Is where I long to be.” “That’ll Be Good Enough For Me” is set in compound-duple meter with the drums marking the six-eight time. From the beginning, the accompanying instrumental is dramatic.  What makes the instrumental striking is its bluesy, gospel-tinged piano, intact with right-hand runs, an organ straight from the church, a robust bass, and souped-up, rich horns.  Though it is secularized, “That’ll Be Good Enough For Me” sounds like a traditional, black gospel record, with horns added.  Also linking this record to the church are the husky lead vocals by Collier. She sings authentically, expressively, and sincerely.  She brings the tuneful melodies and memorable lyrics to life with flair.  Amplifying her sickening lead vocals are electrifying background vocals, which are vibrato-heavy and reminiscent of descant lines. Mitty Collier proves that desire and love can get you as fired up about The Most High… at least given the background of what this song originally was.

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2. The Rance Allen Group, “That Will Be Good Enough For Me”

“If I can only make it to Heaven / That will be good enough for me,”

Bishop Rance Allen (1948 – 2020) sings on “That Will Be Good Enough For Me”.  He continues, “Because Heaven is a place / Where I want to be.” Amen 🙏! The late COGIC bishop and gospel singer was the leader of the influential The Rance Allen Group. “That Will Be Good Enough For Me,” a James Cleveland (1931 – 1991) cover, is the second track from the collective’s album, Truth Is Where It’s At, released in 1972.

In the song, Rance Allen names all of the places he hasn’t been and the things he hasn’t seen. “I’ve never been to Switzerland, no, no / See the winter games played,” he sings, and adds, “But, ooh, I’ve never been to New Orleans on / Carnival or Mardi Gras day, yeah.”  Regardless, his goal is to reach Heaven when his time is up.  With his clear, high-flying, and prodigious vocals, showing off a soaring falsetto and impressive grit, he paints Heaven gloriously:

“Heaven, where the streets are made of gold

Heaven, where a saint can soothe his weary soul

Heaven, I sit down in the crystal seat.”

Rance also makes the experience of reaching heaven a personal experience.  “‘Rance, I’ve seen you struggle a long, long time / But I see here by your record, you’ve been doing just fine’,” he sings, speaking from the Lord’s perspective.  He adds, “‘I see where you fought the devil on the ivory hill’ / Said, ‘Listen here, man, you’re what I call a good Christian man’.” Listening to “That Will Be Good Enough For Me” after Rance’s passing, it hits differently for sure. Allen sings dynamically and expressively with ample sincerity. You buy what he’s selling. Beyond the thoughtful songwriting and epic vocals, the record features a great arrangement with piano, organ, bass, and drums. I love some of the jazzier moments, specifically towards the end. In the hands of The Rance Allen Group, “That Will Be Good Enough For Me” is a special, truly anointed listening experience.

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The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️

So, who tackled this James Cleveland classic the best? Was it the secularized take by the fabulous Mitty Collier, or the sacred juggernaut by The Rance Allen Group?  Either way, “That Will Be Good Enough For Me” is in good, talented hands.  Mitty Collier and Rance Allen are both stellar vocalists. Even though Mitty sings about daddy on her ‘60s rendition, it sounds like a traditional black gospel record.  Church is written all over it.  Meanwhile, the late Bishop literally takes us to church with a truly enthralling performance that showcases his versatility as a musician and his sincerity as a man of faith.  So, all said and done, give the edge to The Rance Allen Group for a truly moving and unforgettable gospel performance that makes the soul happy.

🏅 Winner: The Rance Allen Group

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