Nine Days vs. JORDY | Head 2 Head

In the 20^th edition of Head 2 Head (2025), Nine Days and JORDY contend for the best rendition of “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” / “Story of a Boy.”

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 20^th edition of Head 2 Head (2025), Nine Days and JORDY contend for the best rendition of “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” / “Story of a Boy”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Nine Days, “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)”

“This is the story of a girl / Who cried a river and drowned the whole world,” frontman John Hampson sings in the beloved, memorable chorus of “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)”. He continues, “And while she looks so sad in photographs / I absolutely love her / When she smiles.” Nine Days earned a once-in-a-lifetime hit with “Absolutely (Story of a Girl),” the second track from Nine Days’ gold-certified album, The Madding Crowd. “Story of a Girl” peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the band’s only top 40 hit. Hampson wrote “Story of a Girl.” Nick DiDia produced it.  

“Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” exemplifies the 2000s pop/rock sound. John Hampson sings expressively, imparting an intriguing, autobiographical tale.  In the first verse, he sings, “She woke up with hope, but she only found tears / And I can be so insincere / Making her promises never for real.” Hampson is clear about his shortcomings, having made unfulfilled promises to this girl, who ultimately became his wife.  He offers further insight. “How many lovers would stay,” he asks in the second verse, continuing, “Just to put up with this shit day after day.” No explanation necessary.  Who wants to put up with shit, particularly when shit, in this context, is NOT positive.  That’s some foul poo 💩! Some of the best, cleverest, and most poetic lyrics from the song occur at the end of the second verse.  “As long as we stand here waiting / Wearing the clothes or the soles [souls] that we choose,” he sings, “How do we get there today / When we’re walking too far for the price of our shoes?” Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant writing!  It is completely understandable why “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” became a surefire hit. Great singing, tuneful melodies, quintessential pop/rock sound, and clever songwriting. “Absolutely” may be a one-hit wonder, but it is an unforgettable, particularly accomplished one!

2. JORDY, “Story of a Boy” 

“This is the story of a boy / I’d adore him if I had a choice,” JORDY (Jordy Shulman) asserts on “Story of a Boy”. In 2023, the gay pop singer/songwriter recorded a transformative cover of the 2000 Nine Days classic, “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” on his album, BOY. According to MTV, the JORDY is the first person to be granted permission to cover the song!  With the blessing of Nine Days frontman and songwriter John Hampson, JORDY transforms the “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” to fit who he is: “He doesn’t know my name / But I could give much more.” In addition to Hampson’s writing credit, “Story of a Boy” adds credits from Shulman, Jonny Shorr, and Riley Beiderer. Shorr and Keith Varon produced it.

“Story of a Boy” is another awesome addition to the ever-expanding queer music catalog.  In his hands, the record is both reflective and longing. “Moved here from a small town / Fell in with the wrong crowd,” JORDY sings in the first verse, adding, “I don’t blame him ‘cause most people suck / And leave you crushed.”  In the second, he frets about Hollywood and says of this guy, “And I watch him on the internet / Trying to be happy / He wouldn’t have to if he knew that he could have me.” JORDY keeps it queer, and who would have it any other way (“And he looks so good / Walking through that door / Oh, I wish I could / Be the ending that he’s looking for”)? It’s incredibly cool how he took a ‘00s hit and reintroduced it to a new generation from a gay perspective. What more can you say but quite a story!

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️ 

So, who gave us the best story? Was it the original, one-hit wonder “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” by John Hampson and Nine Days, or does the gay pop transformative “Story of a Boy” by JORDY take the cake?  First and foremost, both “Story of a Girl” and “Story of a Boy” are excellent.  For JORDY, it is one of the best songs of his career. He sings it terrifically, and his twist on the story is incredibly compelling.  That said, it is always a gargantuan, herculean task to best the original. Nine Days cracked the top 10 with “Absolutely” for good reason – it is an instant classic.  Sweetening the deal, Hampson eventually locked it in with his girl – she’s his wife, and they have children! To reiterate, both songs are excellent, but the edge goes to the OG by Nine Days in this competitive head-to-head battle!