Neither.....Gary Morris blows BOTH out of the water. What is the "yodel/holler" crud that Colm does at the ends of his phrases (10th ann. ed)????? Gary Morris....smooth like butter....makes me cry EVERY TIME!!
@mdhumway Colm Wilkinson puts passion and emotion into his voice... He sings like an angel. And you can thank him that the role of Jean Valjean is even for a tenor. It was going to be for a baritone until the writers heard Colm's voice. Schonberg went straight home and wrote "Bring Him Home" just for Colm to sing. So there.
Johnny boy's no where near as good - slash that - 'Great ' As the super silky velvet passionate vocals of Mr.Wilkinson. How very dare you compare this crap singer to Colm!!! It's an insult!! I know that's a bit strong - said with tongue firmly in cheek ;P
It's tough to compare these two. Wilkinson is the original Valjean, so when he performed, there was nothing to compare him to. Jones I think has a stronger voice but Wilkinson brings emotion. If I absolutely had to choose between them, I would take Jones because of his crescendo abilities.
They both are amazing. For me, Colm brings a gentle and emotional touch to the song that no other Valjean has matched, but I saw John Owen Jones play Valjean in Cardiff and he was epic as well.
joj has a very good and strong voice but for me there's no comparison. the passion colm transmits through his voice is unbeleivable. he's got an unmistakeable and amazing voice.
Wilkinson's version will always sound best to me - the timbre of his voice seems to capture the weight of Jean Valjean's long struggle. You can tell "Bring Him Home" was written for Colm to sing. This song belongs to him, literally and figuratively.
When I hear John Owen-Jones or Alfie Boe, I can't help but hope some composer will tailor a song for them one day; each of those voices are exemplary as well.
For me, Colm is the winner - but it's a photo finish for sure.
From a technical viewpoint, JOJ is the better singer - his voice sounds near effortless and SO rich, you could listen to him all day. However, Colm was the original and this song was written for him so it will be VERY hard for anyone to touch him on this particular song.
This video is fine to compare vocals but you can't compare acting on either side because neither of them are actually on stage playing the role. Granted, they are both in concert and must give a little bit of character, but they aren't actually PERFORMING the role, so it's tough to say. Good video though. Cool idea. ;-)
It's hard to appreciate this with recorded versions, but the purity of Colm Wilkinson's voice is astonishing. I saw them perform together on stage in London in 2006 and although JOJ was excellent, Colm blew him off the stage. The song was written for Colm and he still owns it. Check out his version of The Tennessee Waltz. Awesome.
I saw John live on Broadway as Jean Valjean. I was amazed and it was quite possibly the best theatrical experience I've ever had and ever will, but I still think that Colm Wilkinson is better. He just fits the character amazingly well and his voice is incredibly unique.
With that being said, that's nothing against John. He was fantastic and his talent is undeniable. I just prefer Colm.
Sooooooooo JOJ - saw him 3 times recently as JVj and he was perfect. Colm tends to slide off notes and I think that JOJ gets the passion and anguish across much better - what you have to remember about these two particular comparisons is that JOJ is singing in a concert style whereas Colm is made up as the part which obviously adds to the character of JVj. But trust me if you have seen JOJ as JVj - you so feel the pain he is going through (especially if you have kids yourself) .For me- JOJ wins
Sooooooooo JOJ - saw him 3 times recently as JVj and he was perfect. Colm tends to slide off notes and I think that JOJ gets the passion and anguish across much better - what you have to remember about these two particular comparisons is that JOJ is singing in a concert style whereas Colm is made up as the part which obviously adds to the character of JVj. But trust me if you have seen JOJ as JVj - you so feel the pain he is going through (especially if you have kids yourself)
colms voice is all about his power theres ZERO emotion in his voice were as JOJ you can feel his emotion for what he's singing about and COLM has to try really hard but watching JOJ hes just singing it out not pushing it like colm does.
I suppose it depends on what type of voice you prefer: trained or untrained, stylish or classical. Colm started off in bands and taught himself how to sing and developed his own unique sound and sense of style. Whereas, JOJ is very much a classicaly trained singer who has very little sense of style, but a fabulous sound to his voice. For me, it will always be Colm, simply because i prefer to hear unique voices rather than voices that have been stripped of any uniqness by a singing teacher.
I suppose it depends on what type of voice you prefer: trained or untrained, stylish or classical. Colm started off in bands and taught himself how to sing and developed his own unique sound and sense of style. Whereas, JOJ is very much a classicaly trained singer who has very little sense of style, but a fabulous sound to his voice. For me, it will always be Colm, simply because i prefer to hear unique voices rather than voices that have been stripped of any uniqness by a singing teacher.
Both guys are fantastic, let's face it. However, if I have to choose one I would take JOJ because of the power. I agree with Sshelly34213: possibly the greatest voice ever.
Well this video is a little unintentionally biased first off. Give the last note, the most important note, to only one of them? Anyway, John has a phenomenal voice and I would love to see him live, but his version compared to Colm's is just inferior. Colm infuses the song with an ephemeral, wistful, tragic quality that John just doesn't quite achieve. It's like he actually put too much oomph in to some bits, whereas this song is meant to be very soft but powerful, just as Colm does it.
seen john owen jones in les mis at the edinburgh playhouse, absolutely amazing, and i dont agree that colm is the best at jean valjean character wise either, i found JOJ a warmer player.
I saw colm the first time I saw Les Mis years ago and JOJ for the first time last night. They are both utterly phenomenal, Colm has more characterisation in his voice but JOJ has the better voice and better control. Because of that they are difficult to compare. However the JOJ I saw last night sang this song more perfectly than I have ever heard it or anything sung in my life and it will stay with me always. It was 100 times more amazing than any recording on youtube.
both fantastic but colm just edges it because he feels it more and i cried when i heard him the first time and i'm always on the edge every time. truly amazing, mesmerising performance that'll never be topped. love it...............loz, bham. b29.
John Owen-Jones is a better singer, though. He has much more control in his upper register than Colm Wilkinson. However...
Colm Wilkinson is better for the character. There is more emotion in his voice, and, his age is more appropriate. You can hear the age in his voice coloring the words. There is nothing better than it. (You should watch him doing "Who Am I", he has so much emotion in that song... make me want to cry.)
I love them both. Colm Wilkinson is like Michael Crawford in Phantom, and John Owen Jones is like Ramin Karimloo who I saw as the Phantom live in London.
Colm and Michael have a very distinct voice, and most people will remember these songs the way they sang them.
John Owen Jones is like the recent Phantoms on stage in the sense that he is so powerful. If I could choose a Valjean from the past to play the role in a possible film of Les Mis, it'd be John Owen Jones.
Personally I prefer Colm. when I last saw JOJ at the Queens theatre he was really good but I find his voice a little bit youthful for the ideal valjean. I find Colm is a more convincing Valjean.
I think there are two reasons someone might pick Colm: loyalty (which is legit) or range / classical training (which is somewhat less legit). In the realm of musical theater, range and technical prowess is not nearly as important or impressive. This show is about emotion and finess, which JOJ captures epically. His voice has a simple beauty to it that is heart warming and more "authentic" than overly trained voices. Props to CW for originating, but JOJ is the master
Jean Valjean does become the mayor and in the musical this is years after he has broken his parole so he would sound quite aristocfratic. And the fact is colm wilkinson is the original valjean this song is made for his voice it flows better with him :)
And why should anything taking place in the french revolution sound effortless, I think the clean and sort of pretty sound of JOJ's voice doesn't make sense as the voice of an ex-con.
I feel Colms has a much more aged voice and has a certain complexity to his timbre (though you may not be able to tell from this recording). I've heared plenty of people who sound like JOJ in general as a music student, not as many that sound like wilkinson. I also feel that the maturity of Colms' voice (even when he was younger) lends itself to the role of Valjean, it makes more sense in context of the story.
JOJ makes the song seem effortless. You can't say this for CW, though I like his version as well. I just find his rather plummy enunciation irritating sometimes - I mean, JVJ had been in prison and he comes out talking like an arisocrat!!!
Ok. Colm has a much better classical styled voice, with more control over the lower register. JOJ has much less control in the lower register, and too much pop styling, including a few embellishments that cause his pitch to waver. I would say without question that Colm has the upper hand. And whoever said JOJ possibly has the greatest male voice of all time... You are mistaken.
I grew up listening to Colm's version of Phantom (Toronto cast); I love his voice, and I would say while both of these singers have amazing voices, Colm's acting and passion seems more real. And Colm has the fatherly voice. A different sound than JOJ. I guess I'm a fan-girl of Colm.
Although both men have superb voices, I would have to come down in favor of Wilkinson. His voice simply fits the character better. JOJ's voice is too young in it's tone and quality to convincingly be taken as a man of Valjean's age. Perhaps his voice is better suited to a character like Judas from Jesus Christ Superstar...a younger character.
If this was the first time you had heard either, then I would go for JOJ. Colm seems light weight to JOJ, which is a feat in itself. Colm shoots but JOJ scores.
I personally prefer JOJ. Colm is an amazing singer, but to me, his voice is better suited to shows like Jesus Christ Superstar (which I know he was in). JOJ is Valjean to me. I would listen to that man sing the phone book!
personally, i like colm wilkinson better, because he sounds like the original guy who is on the soundtrack for les miserables, idk, just my personal preferance, he's got that fatherly tone to his voice, idk i like him better, ho offense to joj fans
@Nerris121 I would beg to differ. Listen to his 'Hallelujah' on his website johnowenjonesDOTcom/sounds.html
And compare it to Colm's on youtube (which is a far less recording quality).
And from that same website, listen JOJ's 'Bring Him Home', and compare it to Colm's 'Bring Him Home (TAC)' link on the side here which is a better quality then the vid posted by you.
And finally, listen to Colm's 'Danny Boy'.
JOJ is awesome no doubt, esp when he sings loud, but not the greatest voice
Wow the only people that could consider Colm's version better are fanboys...sorry but this Owen guy has the most stunning voice to ever grace the stage.
@Nerris121 Took the words right out of my mouth, actually, haha. Colm Wilkinson is my Jean Valjean, hands down. While I think JOJ's Valjean is beautiful, I actually prefer him as Phantom.
i think Colm's version is better, but im not a fanboy tbh my favourite singer in stage musicals is Michael Crawford although i do really like JOJ's Phantom
Indeed, but JOJ is a very powerful tenor, MC is very light.
Baritones can be deep and powerful, but some are actually quite light. My dad for example is a very light baritone, you'd almost think he was a tenor, but he isn't.
It's more about the vocal weight.
However I don't dislike voices like MC, I enjoy that "johnny mathis effect" it's just more intriguing for me to hear a very rich, deep voice.
yeah i get oyu, Michael has more of an angellic voice where as Colm and JOJ have more regal voices. I think if you like baritones you'd like Rhydian Roberts, I'm 15 and I have a relatively light tenor voice but when i try i can burst into a baritone note
@Sshelly34213 i am not a fan but i liked Colms version better. And all people have a opinion. Because you think the other one is better does not mean only fans of colm like colms is better. Your not the points of the rating of a prefomance. You can only say i like the one of JOJ better.
@Jermainesmit21 Exactly, I acknowledged the fact that the people who enjoyed his version were fanboys.
I'm not really a fanboy, I live in the US and rarely are we exposed to your Broadway stars. I actually just happened to stumble upon this version one day, I proceeded to listen to Colm's version since it was right next to it.
Sorry, but in terms of vocals, this guy just uses his voice better than Colm does.
Liking another version better is different form it actually being better.
@Sshelly34213 Again that does not state the whole world or all the people's opinion. It is just saying a small part. IT does not say because of that it is treu all around the world that that would be the case of the person being right away a fan boy. It means my opinion is different then does who sad JOJ was better.
And again your line: 'sorry but in terms of vocals this guys uses his voice better' is still a opinion. I like the more heavy voice and that does not mean your line is true then
All I meant by my original comment was that John Owen Jones is clearly a better singer than Colm Wilkinson in terms of technique.
It's not really an opinion, John Owen Jones breaths much more properly than Colm, he doesn't force vibrato, he has better control over the volume and tone of his voice. These are all technical things that are taught to singers.
@Sshelly34213 Well i dont care about yours either. I am just saying it does not state a fact. And also The song is comming out just fine rether breath or not you can really tell because only he knows hown mutch he has left and if he is forcing it. It is a felling for you that he does but only he knows if he is doing it or not.
On this level its just about which one you like the most, they cant compete with another, its just personal flavor. I love Colm Wilkinson's passion, and his voice is not "to much" as other's can get sometimes. JOJ sounds a bit annoying at times to me.
I dunno, listen to some of their songs 'Hallejuhah' and compare. Also Colm's 'Danny Boy'. I find the subtly and real 'range' of Colm superior.
JOJ of course is awesome but after listening to more subtle songs, I realize that JOJ overcomes some of the vulnerability required for certain songs with too much force and smoothness.
In this song colm has it but i dont like the way he pronounces words in other songs and the way he squeaks at the end of songs. JOJ has a far nicer tone and i think is a better tenor than colm, there is more to his top notes
Colm's voice just carries so much pain and it's heartwrenching to hear. JOJ is a lovely singer but can't convey at all what Colm is able to do with this song.
I don't think anyone can beat the original. Colm all the way!!! :D haha Though, I do think that my school's version is better.... heehee XD And it was sung by an 18-yr-old! Oh dear. Oooh, and I was the hair lady :3 lol I got to be all nasty and mean. It was fun! ^_^ But yeah. I think Colm's better. (And Aaron is the best.) haha
John Owen Jones by far. Better Valjean...better Phantom too. The way he pronounces his words, his phrasing, his musicality....just way better than Colm. I like Colm, don't get me wrong, but he can't hold a torch to JOJ in my opinion.
gotta say i just saw the play today for the first time and i thought that the actor they brought in for the part was amazing but both colm and joj are just a step above him , though the renditions that they did are amazing i do think that the live play i watched, the actor really did get this song it sounded beautiful out of these two id give it to JOJ because the tone of his voice just makes it seem much more like a prayer to god, meanwhile i enjoy my broadway actors rendition today:)
Sorry all you JoJ fans but have to say that for me there is no one better than Colm. Smooth rounded voice full of emotion. This is not to suggest that JOJ is not a good singer, give him a few years and his voice will mature.
Colm by a mile. The song is around the 1;45 mark as I type this, and you can clearly hear the emotion radiating through Colm's voice. JOJ seems to just be singing. It's less... Epic, I suppose. They're both wonderful singers, but Colm conveys so much more than mere notes with his voice. He turns the song into almost a challenge to God, or whoever else may be out there listening.
The entire musical was re-scored after Colm Wilkinson was cast. Without Colm Wilkinson you would have never heard JOJ as Valjean. This was written for Colm. That should end it.
Why is it always JOJ vs. Colm Wilkinson? Why not John Owen Jones and Colm Wilkinson join forces and kick the worlds ass with their brilliant combination of looks, acting, and FRICKIN AMAAAZING vocal skills. No one could escape that combination. NO ONE.
In all fairness, I will not decide. JOJ has always been my favorite vocalist of anyone, but Colm...I mean he's Colm. Enough said. <3
These two like dominate my heart...you just can't pick . I'm biased though, I have an insane crush on JOJ
JOJ is a better....i saw him in NYC last winter and he was unreal....Colm is wonderful as well but JOJ is a much better vocalist....he has better control of the highs and lows....he also has better diction....it's close but not really
In my opinion, and I'm not saying it's right, I think that Colm's version of BHH on the 10th anniversary is the best piece of theatrical music I have ever heard, some would argue its rough and tainted, but isn't that why we all love ValJean? He's not perfect, but he has an enourmous heart, and I really think colm puts that over in this version, both are fantastic, but for me, no one will ever be able to top Colm's 10th aniversary performance.
i prefer joj cos i personally like 'sound' better...
joj sounds aLOT more crisp and it's just very nice to listen to... this video when they sing the line before "one by one" ... you should have had JOJ sing that it's so nice
Right on. You said it exactly. My mom agreed on it also, and up until now, she thought Colm was the best thing that ever happened. his voice makes her cry. But she( and me too) still thinks the song and both voices are absututly beautiful
I've never actually heard JOJ before, but he's got an amazing voice. How am I supposed to decide who's better? You gave all my favorite lines to Colm. I'm going to have to go find another video that has JOJ singing the entire song and not just chunks of it. Maybe then I'll be able to decide.
Nice video! Very great job! And goodness, they are both too incredible! But I am going to have to go with JOJ for vocals, and Colm for appearance fitting to the part.
What do you think of Alfie Boe? He did a great job in the 25th anniversary concert.
partsat99 3 months ago
They did whatever it took, to get the JOJ.
Artonelicofanatic2 3 months ago
JOJ and Colm are cool people, but I prefer HoH SiS, because I'd like to do it all over again.
Tal7765 4 months ago
yes and again since Colm was the original everyone after him was just trying to mimic him. so there is no comparison.
scorchup 6 months ago
JOJ is my slang for an african american person that some may find offensive.
Wigevil 7 months ago
Neither.....Gary Morris blows BOTH out of the water. What is the "yodel/holler" crud that Colm does at the ends of his phrases (10th ann. ed)????? Gary Morris....smooth like butter....makes me cry EVERY TIME!!
mdhumway 10 months ago
@mdhumway Colm Wilkinson puts passion and emotion into his voice... He sings like an angel. And you can thank him that the role of Jean Valjean is even for a tenor. It was going to be for a baritone until the writers heard Colm's voice. Schonberg went straight home and wrote "Bring Him Home" just for Colm to sing. So there.
LesFleurrouge 7 months ago
Alfie Boe dose come close though!
mojokola 11 months ago
JOJ is the best performer, his voice, his acting and his stage presence is the best.
CW is Valjean though. He is the character.
PhanPhanPhanPhanPhan 11 months ago
Actually, between the four of them (on the 25th anniversary), I thought these two guys sounded the most similar, style-wise.
tsefcik 11 months ago
they are both wonderful if u ask me, different tones i saw colm he was marvelous no one can compare he shows such emotion when he sings
but I just watched the 25th aniversary of les miz and mr john's voice was wonderful but my fav is mr colm
suicideblonde3 11 months ago
CRIKEY! That's amazing! Not as good as Boe but still incredible!
AlexBurkeNo1Fan 1 year ago
go go go collm
MsBoggins 1 year ago
Johnny boy's no where near as good - slash that - 'Great ' As the super silky velvet passionate vocals of Mr.Wilkinson. How very dare you compare this crap singer to Colm!!! It's an insult!! I know that's a bit strong - said with tongue firmly in cheek ;P
katiekoolmiss 1 year ago
Anyone that thinks there's a better Valjean than Colm is straight up crazy! No one has yet or ever will outsing and act that character.
scorchup 1 year ago 8
@scorchup Well said!...(Phantom too).
katiekoolmiss 1 year ago
It's tough to compare these two. Wilkinson is the original Valjean, so when he performed, there was nothing to compare him to. Jones I think has a stronger voice but Wilkinson brings emotion. If I absolutely had to choose between them, I would take Jones because of his crescendo abilities.
LSTennisMan 1 year ago
JOJ is great...but Colm IS JVJ
chris51173 1 year ago 2
Colm the king, joj still the apprentice!! COLM IS SO FULL OF PASSION WHEREAS JOJ SEEMS REMOVED.
macthehac123 1 year ago 2
They both are amazing. For me, Colm brings a gentle and emotional touch to the song that no other Valjean has matched, but I saw John Owen Jones play Valjean in Cardiff and he was epic as well.
tomdaviesathome24 1 year ago
Colm no question about it
philfletch54 1 year ago 2
joj has a very good and strong voice but for me there's no comparison. the passion colm transmits through his voice is unbeleivable. he's got an unmistakeable and amazing voice.
21637078 1 year ago
Wilkinson's version will always sound best to me - the timbre of his voice seems to capture the weight of Jean Valjean's long struggle. You can tell "Bring Him Home" was written for Colm to sing. This song belongs to him, literally and figuratively.
When I hear John Owen-Jones or Alfie Boe, I can't help but hope some composer will tailor a song for them one day; each of those voices are exemplary as well.
For me, Colm is the winner - but it's a photo finish for sure.
nightswimmer99 1 year ago
I slightly prefer John Owen-Jones for his more trained-sounding voice but Colm is peerless in tone. Colm is the best!
JudiTheWitch 1 year ago
From a technical viewpoint, JOJ is the better singer - his voice sounds near effortless and SO rich, you could listen to him all day. However, Colm was the original and this song was written for him so it will be VERY hard for anyone to touch him on this particular song.
Grethrey123 1 year ago
@Grethrey123 I concur that this song was written for him and his voice, I heard him say so in concert.
JudiTheWitch 1 year ago
good job editting! I'm sure that took forever! much appreciated! love those two voices!
ClassicsWEREandARE 1 year ago
Colm.
nickvikes 1 year ago
Check out Bring him home 1987 version , A younger Colm , for you to consider in this comparison !
bisleybob3 1 year ago
This video is fine to compare vocals but you can't compare acting on either side because neither of them are actually on stage playing the role. Granted, they are both in concert and must give a little bit of character, but they aren't actually PERFORMING the role, so it's tough to say. Good video though. Cool idea. ;-)
MrActor123456789 1 year ago
It's hard to appreciate this with recorded versions, but the purity of Colm Wilkinson's voice is astonishing. I saw them perform together on stage in London in 2006 and although JOJ was excellent, Colm blew him off the stage. The song was written for Colm and he still owns it. Check out his version of The Tennessee Waltz. Awesome.
allthemerrymen 1 year ago
For me it is Colm Wilkinson by a mile - its the emotion Colm brings to this that does it for me I just don't get that with JOJ's version
iamisaid61 1 year ago
I saw John live on Broadway as Jean Valjean. I was amazed and it was quite possibly the best theatrical experience I've ever had and ever will, but I still think that Colm Wilkinson is better. He just fits the character amazingly well and his voice is incredibly unique.
With that being said, that's nothing against John. He was fantastic and his talent is undeniable. I just prefer Colm.
crawlfan 1 year ago
If I had to scale the two on how good they are period, on a scale of 1000000,
Colm Wilkinson: 1000000
JOJ: 999999.9999999999999999999999999999
You get the idea.
Its only my opinion because i honestly admire Wilkinson more......NO I'M NOT A FANBOY! I've just heard Colm Wilkinson a LOT more.
24234avatarluver 1 year ago
Oh, gosh. I love both of these versions - JOJ has a fabulous voice, no doubt about it. And Colm is awesome too.
I can't pick.
lolkittehs34 1 year ago
colm has a GREAT voice. The win goes to him if you asked me
Jermainesmit21 1 year ago
Sooooooooo JOJ - saw him 3 times recently as JVj and he was perfect. Colm tends to slide off notes and I think that JOJ gets the passion and anguish across much better - what you have to remember about these two particular comparisons is that JOJ is singing in a concert style whereas Colm is made up as the part which obviously adds to the character of JVj. But trust me if you have seen JOJ as JVj - you so feel the pain he is going through (especially if you have kids yourself) .For me- JOJ wins
chalkywalker 1 year ago
Sooooooooo JOJ - saw him 3 times recently as JVj and he was perfect. Colm tends to slide off notes and I think that JOJ gets the passion and anguish across much better - what you have to remember about these two particular comparisons is that JOJ is singing in a concert style whereas Colm is made up as the part which obviously adds to the character of JVj. But trust me if you have seen JOJ as JVj - you so feel the pain he is going through (especially if you have kids yourself)
chalkywalker 1 year ago
The original Valjean will stay that way! COLM FTW!
TheSilverfish2 1 year ago
colms voice is all about his power theres ZERO emotion in his voice were as JOJ you can feel his emotion for what he's singing about and COLM has to try really hard but watching JOJ hes just singing it out not pushing it like colm does.
Fiyero06 1 year ago
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I suppose it depends on what type of voice you prefer: trained or untrained, stylish or classical. Colm started off in bands and taught himself how to sing and developed his own unique sound and sense of style. Whereas, JOJ is very much a classicaly trained singer who has very little sense of style, but a fabulous sound to his voice. For me, it will always be Colm, simply because i prefer to hear unique voices rather than voices that have been stripped of any uniqness by a singing teacher.
TommieHart1 1 year ago
I suppose it depends on what type of voice you prefer: trained or untrained, stylish or classical. Colm started off in bands and taught himself how to sing and developed his own unique sound and sense of style. Whereas, JOJ is very much a classicaly trained singer who has very little sense of style, but a fabulous sound to his voice. For me, it will always be Colm, simply because i prefer to hear unique voices rather than voices that have been stripped of any uniqness by a singing teacher.
TommieHart1 1 year ago
Both guys are fantastic, let's face it. However, if I have to choose one I would take JOJ because of the power. I agree with Sshelly34213: possibly the greatest voice ever.
two1065 1 year ago
Well this video is a little unintentionally biased first off. Give the last note, the most important note, to only one of them? Anyway, John has a phenomenal voice and I would love to see him live, but his version compared to Colm's is just inferior. Colm infuses the song with an ephemeral, wistful, tragic quality that John just doesn't quite achieve. It's like he actually put too much oomph in to some bits, whereas this song is meant to be very soft but powerful, just as Colm does it.
Joomington 1 year ago
seen john owen jones in les mis at the edinburgh playhouse, absolutely amazing, and i dont agree that colm is the best at jean valjean character wise either, i found JOJ a warmer player.
MrJm74 1 year ago
I don't care for Mr. Jones' vocal pops he does, just personal preference. But...they are both magnificent tenors who deserve much praise...
thatduffgirl 1 year ago
colm is a legend, but joj just has this quality to his voice that melts hearts and brings tears to eyes, mine especially.
broadwayangel25 1 year ago
colm by far.......
berradacasa 1 year ago
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sallycain 1 year ago
I saw colm the first time I saw Les Mis years ago and JOJ for the first time last night. They are both utterly phenomenal, Colm has more characterisation in his voice but JOJ has the better voice and better control. Because of that they are difficult to compare. However the JOJ I saw last night sang this song more perfectly than I have ever heard it or anything sung in my life and it will stay with me always. It was 100 times more amazing than any recording on youtube.
sallycain 1 year ago
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sallycain 1 year ago
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sallycain 1 year ago
John Owen-Jones, no question
phantomphan004 2 years ago
Colm is the best who plays Valjean. He put all of his feelings in the song. Viva Les Miz!
audiophileshopvn 2 years ago
John Owen-Jones fantastic, saw the show again this Christmas and he was awsome
welshgirl68 2 years ago
Colm beats both JOJ in Les Miz, and Crawford in Phantom..not many can surpass his feeling for music.
pwtdriver 2 years ago
I have to agree.
WWEfano31 2 years ago
both fantastic but colm just edges it because he feels it more and i cried when i heard him the first time and i'm always on the edge every time. truly amazing, mesmerising performance that'll never be topped. love it...............loz, bham. b29.
jack230394 2 years ago
JOJ very good but no one to match Colm
kb77100 2 years ago
Better control of his upper register? I didn't realize Colm had anything BUT an upper register.
ehydehj7 2 years ago 2
I think they both do a phenomenal job.
John Owen-Jones is a better singer, though. He has much more control in his upper register than Colm Wilkinson. However...
Colm Wilkinson is better for the character. There is more emotion in his voice, and, his age is more appropriate. You can hear the age in his voice coloring the words. There is nothing better than it. (You should watch him doing "Who Am I", he has so much emotion in that song... make me want to cry.)
rfkrockdavie 2 years ago
Obviously Colm!
Hfirimain1274 2 years ago
Colm♥ no questions !!!!!!
judysweetfunny 2 years ago
John Owen-Jones all the way
phantomphan003 2 years ago
COLM!!
peteguy107 2 years ago
I love them both. Colm Wilkinson is like Michael Crawford in Phantom, and John Owen Jones is like Ramin Karimloo who I saw as the Phantom live in London.
Colm and Michael have a very distinct voice, and most people will remember these songs the way they sang them.
John Owen Jones is like the recent Phantoms on stage in the sense that he is so powerful. If I could choose a Valjean from the past to play the role in a possible film of Les Mis, it'd be John Owen Jones.
DarthxErik 2 years ago
I think colm has a more masculine, powerful voice.
eatfreshplease 2 years ago
Yeah I do think so. They're not in the same category. Colm all the way.
Eskaforlife 2 years ago
jamie pugh all the way baby!!
algernonfrenchhorn 2 years ago
They are both great singers, but this song really was created for Colm and I think he does it beautifully.
Divofanatic 2 years ago
i think you would have to hear them both on the same sound system to get a fair and accurate comparrison,on these performances i prefer colm.
plonker00765 2 years ago
Personally I prefer Colm. when I last saw JOJ at the Queens theatre he was really good but I find his voice a little bit youthful for the ideal valjean. I find Colm is a more convincing Valjean.
del5571 2 years ago
JOJ is good, but Colm is the best !!!!!!!
rickfarah 2 years ago
I think there are two reasons someone might pick Colm: loyalty (which is legit) or range / classical training (which is somewhat less legit). In the realm of musical theater, range and technical prowess is not nearly as important or impressive. This show is about emotion and finess, which JOJ captures epically. His voice has a simple beauty to it that is heart warming and more "authentic" than overly trained voices. Props to CW for originating, but JOJ is the master
justliveit05 2 years ago
Jean Valjean does become the mayor and in the musical this is years after he has broken his parole so he would sound quite aristocfratic. And the fact is colm wilkinson is the original valjean this song is made for his voice it flows better with him :)
Dayrile123 2 years ago
And why should anything taking place in the french revolution sound effortless, I think the clean and sort of pretty sound of JOJ's voice doesn't make sense as the voice of an ex-con.
espnmarshall 2 years ago
I feel Colms has a much more aged voice and has a certain complexity to his timbre (though you may not be able to tell from this recording). I've heared plenty of people who sound like JOJ in general as a music student, not as many that sound like wilkinson. I also feel that the maturity of Colms' voice (even when he was younger) lends itself to the role of Valjean, it makes more sense in context of the story.
espnmarshall 2 years ago
JOJ makes the song seem effortless. You can't say this for CW, though I like his version as well. I just find his rather plummy enunciation irritating sometimes - I mean, JVJ had been in prison and he comes out talking like an arisocrat!!!
MagicGirl57 2 years ago 2
Ok. Colm has a much better classical styled voice, with more control over the lower register. JOJ has much less control in the lower register, and too much pop styling, including a few embellishments that cause his pitch to waver. I would say without question that Colm has the upper hand. And whoever said JOJ possibly has the greatest male voice of all time... You are mistaken.
Brenbren1 2 years ago
I grew up listening to Colm's version of Phantom (Toronto cast); I love his voice, and I would say while both of these singers have amazing voices, Colm's acting and passion seems more real. And Colm has the fatherly voice. A different sound than JOJ. I guess I'm a fan-girl of Colm.
UkrainianCat 2 years ago
both good in different ways
i think JOJs "if i die let me die" is better than wilkinsons tho
cpjc08 2 years ago
Wilkinson by a mile, his vocals are better. JOJ, is good, but Colm is epic.
vans1744 2 years ago 22
Im new to this but oh god yes iv been listening to owens versions over and over simply beautiful.
captaintightpant 2 years ago
@vans1744 Nah JOJ is epic! He wins hands down
koolapplecottesmore 1 year ago
@koolapplecottesmore though colm is good, very good
koolapplecottesmore 1 year ago
Although both men have superb voices, I would have to come down in favor of Wilkinson. His voice simply fits the character better. JOJ's voice is too young in it's tone and quality to convincingly be taken as a man of Valjean's age. Perhaps his voice is better suited to a character like Judas from Jesus Christ Superstar...a younger character.
cdblatch1 2 years ago
If this was the first time you had heard either, then I would go for JOJ. Colm seems light weight to JOJ, which is a feat in itself. Colm shoots but JOJ scores.
LordnevetsHotblack 2 years ago
Colm has the far nicer head voice at the start, personally im a colm fan, although when JOJ gets into his full voice he is pretty amazing
AndrewXavierD 2 years ago
I personally prefer JOJ. Colm is an amazing singer, but to me, his voice is better suited to shows like Jesus Christ Superstar (which I know he was in). JOJ is Valjean to me. I would listen to that man sing the phone book!
superchubbles 2 years ago
personally, i like colm wilkinson better, because he sounds like the original guy who is on the soundtrack for les miserables, idk, just my personal preferance, he's got that fatherly tone to his voice, idk i like him better, ho offense to joj fans
Fanpire16 2 years ago
So yes, character-wise, Colm is the best at Valjean... but let's face it... JOJ has possible the greatest voice of a male singer ever in general
Nerris121 2 years ago 2
@Nerris121 I would beg to differ. Listen to his 'Hallelujah' on his website johnowenjonesDOTcom/sounds.html
And compare it to Colm's on youtube (which is a far less recording quality).
And from that same website, listen JOJ's 'Bring Him Home', and compare it to Colm's 'Bring Him Home (TAC)' link on the side here which is a better quality then the vid posted by you.
And finally, listen to Colm's 'Danny Boy'.
JOJ is awesome no doubt, esp when he sings loud, but not the greatest voice
at1212b 1 year ago
Wow the only people that could consider Colm's version better are fanboys...sorry but this Owen guy has the most stunning voice to ever grace the stage.
Sshelly34213 2 years ago
Of course, we could also be largely knowledgeable of the musical and know that Colm is ultimately the greatest Valjean, with JOJ a very close second.
:-)
Nerris121 2 years ago 7
Why?
Because he's a well known and well respected stage actor, does that mean Owen's voice isn't as good? phht no.
Owen simply has a better tonal quality, I'd very reluctantly listen to Colm sing anything whereas I'd listen to the other guy sing almost anything.
I'm not knowledgeable on either candidate and I think an outside opinion should speak more than a biased fan's opinion.
Why make the video if you're not up for a debate?
Sshelly34213 2 years ago
@Nerris121 Took the words right out of my mouth, actually, haha. Colm Wilkinson is my Jean Valjean, hands down. While I think JOJ's Valjean is beautiful, I actually prefer him as Phantom.
Cdaae663 1 year ago
i think Colm's version is better, but im not a fanboy tbh my favourite singer in stage musicals is Michael Crawford although i do really like JOJ's Phantom
FilmRangers 2 years ago
Wow...really?
Huh I guess you like tenors like that then.
I can't say I do, I love a deep, powerful voice.
Sshelly34213 2 years ago
JOJ is a tenor. I do prefer baritone and tenor singers to bass, Rhydian Roberts is a very good baritone singer
FilmRangers 2 years ago
Indeed, but JOJ is a very powerful tenor, MC is very light.
Baritones can be deep and powerful, but some are actually quite light. My dad for example is a very light baritone, you'd almost think he was a tenor, but he isn't.
It's more about the vocal weight.
However I don't dislike voices like MC, I enjoy that "johnny mathis effect" it's just more intriguing for me to hear a very rich, deep voice.
Sshelly34213 2 years ago
yeah i get oyu, Michael has more of an angellic voice where as Colm and JOJ have more regal voices. I think if you like baritones you'd like Rhydian Roberts, I'm 15 and I have a relatively light tenor voice but when i try i can burst into a baritone note
FilmRangers 2 years ago
Pretty kool, I'll check him out.
I enjoy Bass Baritones especially, there's just something chilling about the richness of their voices.
I'm a contralto btw, not a very good one though lol.
Sshelly34213 2 years ago
@Sshelly34213 i am not a fan but i liked Colms version better. And all people have a opinion. Because you think the other one is better does not mean only fans of colm like colms is better. Your not the points of the rating of a prefomance. You can only say i like the one of JOJ better.
Jermainesmit21 1 year ago
@Jermainesmit21 Exactly, I acknowledged the fact that the people who enjoyed his version were fanboys.
I'm not really a fanboy, I live in the US and rarely are we exposed to your Broadway stars. I actually just happened to stumble upon this version one day, I proceeded to listen to Colm's version since it was right next to it.
Sorry, but in terms of vocals, this guy just uses his voice better than Colm does.
Liking another version better is different form it actually being better.
Sshelly34213 1 year ago
@Sshelly34213 Again that does not state the whole world or all the people's opinion. It is just saying a small part. IT does not say because of that it is treu all around the world that that would be the case of the person being right away a fan boy. It means my opinion is different then does who sad JOJ was better.
And again your line: 'sorry but in terms of vocals this guys uses his voice better' is still a opinion. I like the more heavy voice and that does not mean your line is true then
Jermainesmit21 1 year ago
@Jermainesmit21 Frankly I don't care about your opinion.
All I meant by my original comment was that John Owen Jones is clearly a better singer than Colm Wilkinson in terms of technique.
It's not really an opinion, John Owen Jones breaths much more properly than Colm, he doesn't force vibrato, he has better control over the volume and tone of his voice. These are all technical things that are taught to singers.
Sshelly34213 1 year ago
@Sshelly34213 Well i dont care about yours either. I am just saying it does not state a fact. And also The song is comming out just fine rether breath or not you can really tell because only he knows hown mutch he has left and if he is forcing it. It is a felling for you that he does but only he knows if he is doing it or not.
Jermainesmit21 1 year ago
@Jermainesmit21 It's not an opinion...
I'm sorry I really have no idea what you just wrote, can you write clearer?
Sshelly34213 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@Sshelly34213 It is pretty clear...
Jermainesmit21 1 year ago
Colm by a mile. Or a kilometer if you prefer.. Colm just has an unmatched passion
Knightmare44 2 years ago
On this level its just about which one you like the most, they cant compete with another, its just personal flavor. I love Colm Wilkinson's passion, and his voice is not "to much" as other's can get sometimes. JOJ sounds a bit annoying at times to me.
EaTaesse 2 years ago
as Jean Valjean I prefer Colm Wilkinson
but, yes, John Owen Jones is a better singer in general.
TheBestOfBroadway 2 years ago
I dunno, listen to some of their songs 'Hallejuhah' and compare. Also Colm's 'Danny Boy'. I find the subtly and real 'range' of Colm superior.
JOJ of course is awesome but after listening to more subtle songs, I realize that JOJ overcomes some of the vulnerability required for certain songs with too much force and smoothness.
at1212b 2 years ago
i really think that joj is a better singer in general, but colm's passion adds a lot to the song. i really like joj's purity when he holds notes.
theanonymousblogger1 2 years ago
In this song colm has it but i dont like the way he pronounces words in other songs and the way he squeaks at the end of songs. JOJ has a far nicer tone and i think is a better tenor than colm, there is more to his top notes
Williamworthing 2 years ago
i love his squeaks! XP
Jiraiya1313 2 years ago
Colm's voice just carries so much pain and it's heartwrenching to hear. JOJ is a lovely singer but can't convey at all what Colm is able to do with this song.
ravendaine 2 years ago 2
I don't think anyone can beat the original. Colm all the way!!! :D haha Though, I do think that my school's version is better.... heehee XD And it was sung by an 18-yr-old! Oh dear. Oooh, and I was the hair lady :3 lol I got to be all nasty and mean. It was fun! ^_^ But yeah. I think Colm's better. (And Aaron is the best.) haha
grobanluvr9109 2 years ago
John Owen Jones by far. Better Valjean...better Phantom too. The way he pronounces his words, his phrasing, his musicality....just way better than Colm. I like Colm, don't get me wrong, but he can't hold a torch to JOJ in my opinion.
dwils82 2 years ago
Colm can hold a torch high then JOJ
quote : sashrestoration "JOJ is a distance second " <-- right!
Jiraiya1313 2 years ago
No Doubt Colm's the man.
JOJ is a distance second
sashrestoration 2 years ago
No doubt colm is the one, this video just confirm it
sevy60 2 years ago
They are both amazing I CANT DECIDE!!! they both bring such qualities to the song :D
wonderboy2426 2 years ago
gotta say i just saw the play today for the first time and i thought that the actor they brought in for the part was amazing but both colm and joj are just a step above him , though the renditions that they did are amazing i do think that the live play i watched, the actor really did get this song it sounded beautiful out of these two id give it to JOJ because the tone of his voice just makes it seem much more like a prayer to god, meanwhile i enjoy my broadway actors rendition today:)
cosmictrex33 2 years ago
Colms voice is richer but JOJ has a nice bright tone that can add a different edge.
i'd sooner see Colm because he looks the part more. And his age adds a tone that JOJ will likely get in twenty years.
mondark1 2 years ago
Colm Wilkinson :) his version of this song is more touching and emotional
syliczek 2 years ago 3
Colin by a long shot
ljvj 2 years ago
I give it to John Owen Jones
MrTBreezey 2 years ago
Sorry all you JoJ fans but have to say that for me there is no one better than Colm. Smooth rounded voice full of emotion. This is not to suggest that JOJ is not a good singer, give him a few years and his voice will mature.
mikebear0 2 years ago
John Owen Jones Is better he brings a tear to my eye whereas colm mehh
Kderrick1 2 years ago
Both phenomenally talented but for the power to move the listener and bring exaltation I voted Colm by quite a margin
tarkineWild 2 years ago
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN OWEN JONES! I LOVE YOU....and Colm whenever your birthday is happy frickin birthday to you too. ! <3
EriksLovingSlaave 2 years ago
It's really hard to tell who's better. They are both amazing!
prelevich 2 years ago
JOJ is probably the technically superior singer. Colm, however, is undoubtedly the superior actor. (For ex. compare 1:14 to 2:54)
nardis90019 2 years ago
colm :) shame the video is such a poor quality and quite poorly done.
buggabollox 2 years ago
colin without a shadow of of a doubt
1969Debs 2 years ago
Colm IS Valjean, JOJ just does a great job singing the part. Plus JOJ is too young. I love his voice though.
reynola68 2 years ago
I was lucky enough to see Colm Wilkinson as Jean Valjean, so I unfairly pick him. Although JOJ is AMAZING as well.
slashophile 2 years ago
Colm by a mile. The song is around the 1;45 mark as I type this, and you can clearly hear the emotion radiating through Colm's voice. JOJ seems to just be singing. It's less... Epic, I suppose. They're both wonderful singers, but Colm conveys so much more than mere notes with his voice. He turns the song into almost a challenge to God, or whoever else may be out there listening.
Spectacular.
Phyre112 2 years ago 3
The entire musical was re-scored after Colm Wilkinson was cast. Without Colm Wilkinson you would have never heard JOJ as Valjean. This was written for Colm. That should end it.
utuck00 2 years ago
Why is it always JOJ vs. Colm Wilkinson? Why not John Owen Jones and Colm Wilkinson join forces and kick the worlds ass with their brilliant combination of looks, acting, and FRICKIN AMAAAZING vocal skills. No one could escape that combination. NO ONE.
In all fairness, I will not decide. JOJ has always been my favorite vocalist of anyone, but Colm...I mean he's Colm. Enough said. <3
These two like dominate my heart...you just can't pick . I'm biased though, I have an insane crush on JOJ
EriksLovingSlaave 2 years ago
JOJ is a better....i saw him in NYC last winter and he was unreal....Colm is wonderful as well but JOJ is a much better vocalist....he has better control of the highs and lows....he also has better diction....it's close but not really
jwb63095 2 years ago
Colm hands down. No questions asked. No comparrison. If you close your eyes you can hear the passion and pain in colm's voice more vividly than JOJ.
nina052696 2 years ago
Colm Wilkinson just owns this version, I think.
I do, however, think JOJ is a phenomenal singer and actor--but he's not acting here, just singing.
descendingorpheus 2 years ago
they are different and you decide which you prefer and thats it.
avrilhog 2 years ago
they're equally amazing singers. cannot be compared to each other.
erciasico 2 years ago
In my opinion, and I'm not saying it's right, I think that Colm's version of BHH on the 10th anniversary is the best piece of theatrical music I have ever heard, some would argue its rough and tainted, but isn't that why we all love ValJean? He's not perfect, but he has an enourmous heart, and I really think colm puts that over in this version, both are fantastic, but for me, no one will ever be able to top Colm's 10th aniversary performance.
uknowwho889 2 years ago 2
same, i think its amazing and it never fails to send shivers down my spine even thoughive wache it like 100 times lol x
JoeGrantPortsmouth 2 years ago
Why do people always want to compare these two great voices?
Kiefer89 3 years ago
Also, the song was written for Colm. For him to sing. Because he is freaking amazing.
BlakeRPeters 3 years ago
JOJ sounds more polished, youthful, skillful and like a pristine soundtrack.
Colm sounds more hardened, heartened, wiser and as if he's actually in the warfield.
at1212b 3 years ago 2
i prefer joj cos i personally like 'sound' better...
joj sounds aLOT more crisp and it's just very nice to listen to... this video when they sing the line before "one by one" ... you should have had JOJ sing that it's so nice
WYBari 3 years ago
Why compare? they're just different
markve21 3 years ago
Both are excellent!!!! It is no use comparing them.
enfava 3 years ago
JOJ's the better singer, Colm acts it better
pianoman423 3 years ago
Right on. You said it exactly. My mom agreed on it also, and up until now, she thought Colm was the best thing that ever happened. his voice makes her cry. But she( and me too) still thinks the song and both voices are absututly beautiful
soccergrrl123 3 years ago
joj great vocals but u cant beat colm hes the best
ritchies1 3 years ago
I've never actually heard JOJ before, but he's got an amazing voice. How am I supposed to decide who's better? You gave all my favorite lines to Colm. I'm going to have to go find another video that has JOJ singing the entire song and not just chunks of it. Maybe then I'll be able to decide.
Janiqua 3 years ago
Colm! He inspires and brings you into the real essence of the character. Although JOJ may be the better technician, Colm does it for me.
Ahrlera 3 years ago
I agree totally! Colm makes me feel something, whereas JOJ just sounds like a great singer.
pharmgirl77 3 years ago
Vocally, I find JOJ to be one of the best to ever come on stage in any production.
However, I find Colm to be the very best actor for Valjean.
Nerris121 3 years ago
Nice video! Very great job! And goodness, they are both too incredible! But I am going to have to go with JOJ for vocals, and Colm for appearance fitting to the part.
lomax1717 3 years ago
i kinda prefer JOJ
but colm is still gr8
smam567 3 years ago
JOJ is superior but both are great.
MetalObsession 3 years ago
Very nice it sounded as if he could of been singing it together for real. Great job. But I do think both singers are great.
ebachelder 3 years ago
JOJ his voice is much more...how do i say it...nicer 2 listen 2!
BasvanKlompenburg 3 years ago
JOJ! They're both great but I love JOJ's voice. He's amazing.
cRaZyBtCh423 3 years ago
Love them both.
Shilara 3 years ago
Colm Wilkinson
Yours is a boring high school production
there is no feeling in the words at all
shcababblechippies 3 years ago
Shcababblechippies the high school thing is harsh. But i agree Colm just sings as JoJ acutally makes it emotional to listen to.
Fiyero06 3 years ago
well whyis he just standing there? why dot use the stage a little bit???