Who Did It Better - The Temptations vs. Otis Redding (1965/1966)

As always, please listen to both renditions then share your thoughts in the comments section.
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"It's Growing" is a 1965 hit single by The Temptations for the Gordy (Motown) label. Written by Miracles members Smokey Robinson and Pete Moore and produced by Robinson, the song was a top 20 pop single on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, on which it peaked at number 18. On Billboard's R&B singles chart, "It's Growing" peaked at number 3.

This single was the follow-up to "My Girl", which was the first to feature David Ruffin as the Temptations new lead singer. Ruffin, as the song's narrator, tells his lover that his love for her keeps on growing each and every day, giving several comparations to illustrate how much it grows. The song starts with a toy piano playing before the drums kick start the song, going into mid-tempo dance number. Motown had hoped to repeat the success of the previous single by giving "It's Growing" a somewhat similar sound but with a bigger orchestration and adding The Andantes for additional backing vocals.

This single, the second from The Temptations Sing Smokey, would be backed by the Eddie Kendricks-led cover of The Miracles' "What Love Has Joined Together." While not as successful as the previous single, it still made the Top 20 in the Pop charts, continuing Robinson's reign as the group's main producer. Cash Box described it as "a slow-shufflin’, pop-r&b rhythmic romancer about a twosome who seem aptly suited to each other."

Otis Redding would cover this song in 1966. -- Wikipedia
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Posted for historical purposes. I do not own the rights.

[patriciabraswell]

I love them both. It's hard to make a choice.

[ChrisWilburn-bushey]

One great song, two great interpretations. Music is a banquet: why choose just one? Praise the Lord.

[globalpurpose]

It’s the Temps and you can cha-cha to it. 💃👠👠

[mushydmt]

Each as unique as the other, and both stand the test of time ⏲️

[jeanninestruck]

Love the vocals on the Temptations version. They win it for me. 🎉

[irmabirmingham]

Totally Even, both hit the target, no comparison love both

[rosajohnson]

It's a tie. The Temptations are so smooth!

[yattamook]

I love them both but Mr Redding gets me every time!!

[nightlygrind]

Otis is my fav. Lots of funk and creative note changes. I like the depth abs tone if his vocals as well. Thanks for this comparative song . The Temps are amazing too.

[waskyhenry]

Otis Magic Redding ✨ got this down packed. Real funky and with a lot of 1960's soul. More danceable than Temptation's version.

[Cheryl-ok]

This is the temptations song with Ruffins voice it can't be beat

[brendaparris]

Great artists, but, that voice and melody of Ottis, give it to me all day every day. It's Ottis for me.

[Southerngirl]

I have to go with the Temptations on this one. ❤😊

[awakeningtovacuity]

Both. I couldn't pick one over the other.

[Itsonlylue]

The temps but Otis Redding voice is amazing Temps because they had The Funk Brothers behind them ❤❤❤❤❤

[elcavalletti]

❤ 100 percent The Temptations they got this you know it! Don't play with the Temptations

[paulkendrick]

The Temptations got this it’s their song and they are the originators.

[claudiazeno]

The one and only Tempations. Don 't mess with perfection

[christalbaylor]

Love me some Otis but Temptation takes the stage

[DavidLandis-pv]

Both were very good I liked both of them