Can’t get next to you

I can’t get next to you was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, and recorded by the Temptations in 1969. It was the number one song on the Billboard pop chart over the two week period from October 11^th to October 25^th. It also topped the R&B single chart, but for 5 weeks, October 4^th to November 1^st. It’s the second of the group’s four number-ones, and one of their best-selling singles.

Al Green covered the song on his 1971 album Al Green Gets Next to You. It was released as a single. It didn’t fare as well on the charts as the Temptations version, only reaching number 60 on the Top 100 and number 11 on the R&B chart.

Temptations:

Al Green:

This is the Temptations second appearance on my blog. The first time was when I featured the song My Girl and put their version up against Otis Redding’s cover. This is Al Green’s first appearance.

This one is pretty close (I might say that all the time).

The Temptations’ version is a bit faster and features 5 voices. Each member of the group singing verses. I also really like all the shouting at the beginning of their version. It has a really solid opening.

Al Green’s version is modified greatly. The pace is noticeably slower. Wikipedia describes it as a slow-burning plea for love. I think that is an accurate illustration of this version.

Now I’m not going to lie to you guys, I slept most of today. So when I say I’m not making this one a tie because I’m not being lazy, you know I’m still being pretty lazy. But this one is pretty tough, and I’ve listened to each version about 4 or 5 times now. This one could have probably even been a tie. But I won’t do it. I’m going to give it to Al Green.