Try It Baby

‘Try It Baby‘, a captivating soul ballad by the legendary Marvin Gaye, epitomizes the rich musical era of the 1960s. Released in 1964 under the Tamla label, this slow blues ballad, both written and produced by Motown’s Berry Gordy, showcased Gaye’s emotive vocal prowess.

The song’s narrative revolves around a woman advancing in life and leaving her partner behind, a theme accentuated by the melodious backup vocals of The Temptations. This collaboration added a unique layer to the track’s rhythm and mood. ‘Try It Baby’ not only exhibits Gaye’s vocal range but also reflects the evolving R&B genre of the time, marking a significant moment in his illustrious career.

1. Marvin’s Version

Marvin Gaye’s rendition of ‘Try It Baby’ stands as a testament to his artistry and the vibrant soul music scene of the 1960s. Recorded over two days in January 1964, the track showcases Gaye’s ability to convey deep emotion through his voice. The song, with its duration of 2:30 minutes, intertwines the soulful elements of R&B with a bluesy undertone, creating a sound that resonates with listeners even today.

The lyrics, set against the backdrop of relationship dynamics and personal growth, explore themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. Upon its release, ‘Try It Baby’ achieved significant success, reaching number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number six on the R&B singles chart. This achievement highlighted not only the song’s widespread appeal but also Gaye’s growing influence in the music industry.The commercial success of ‘Try It Baby’ contributed to Gaye’s evolving image as a prominent soul singer, further cementing his legacy in the realm of R&B music.

2. Other Versions of ‘Try It Baby’

In 1968, the song ‘Try It Baby’ was given a new dimension through a cover by Diana Ross & the Supremes and The Temptations. This version, featuring vocal leads by Melvin Franklin, Diana Ross, and Paul Williams, was included in the album ‘Diana Ross & the Supremes Join the Temptations‘.

This collaboration marked the first of four joint albums between these iconic groups, offering a fresh perspective on the classic track. The reinterpretation by these renowned artists not only paid homage to Marvin Gaye’s original work but also introduced the song to a broader audience, bridging generational gaps in musical tastes.

This cover version, with its unique blend of voices and styles, showcased the versatility of ‘Try It Baby’ and its adaptability to different musical interpretations. The collaboration of such prominent figures in the music industry served to further enhance the song’s legacy, demonstrating the enduring nature of its appeal and its significance in the history of soul and R&B music.

3. Lyrics

Now you’re moving on up, pretty baby
You’re leaving me behind
Everybody seems to love you
Oh, you’re doing just fine, fine, fine

But take away your good looks
And all your fancy clothes
Why don’t you just
Try it baby
Try it baby
Try it baby
Try it baby

You’ll see
Nobody loves you but me

Now you tell me that you so busy, pretty baby
You ain’t got much time
Oh, how will I remember
When all your time was mine, mine, mine

Well move on back cross the track, baby
Where you came from
Why don’t you just
Try it baby
Try it baby
Try it baby
Try it baby

You’ll see
That nobody loves you but me
Nobody loves you but me

I really want to hold you, pretty baby
In my arms again
But I can’t get close to you
For all your loving friend, friend, friend
But take your name from the bright lights baby
And tell me that you are all through
Come on and
Try it honey
Try it baby
Try it sweetheart
Try it honey
You’ll see, nobody loves you but me

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