Who Did It Better? - The Originals vs. After 7 (1969/1992)

As always, please listen to both renditions then share your thoughts in the comments section.

"Baby, I'm for Real" is a soul ballad written by Marvin Gaye and Anna Gordy Gaye, produced by Marvin and recorded and released by American Motown vocal group The Originals for the Soul label issued in 1969.
In 1992, R&B group After 7 sought to revive this song while recording their Takin' My Time album. Issued as the first release off that album, they also covered parts of Bloodstone's "Natural High". The song returned to the upper reaches of the R&B charts some twenty-three years after it was first recorded, eventually peaking at number five. - Wikipedia
----
Please support this channel by donating or purchasing merchandise
Cash App $Reelblack
Make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter @Reelblack
#####
Posted for historical purposes. I do not own the rights.

[GIJOE]

Definitely the Originals. Classic Slow Dance Music.

[diamondpearlgem]

I like both but the Originals are my favorite. But I love how After 7 blended "Natural High" to the end of their version.

[marvinclick]

Man, without a doubt the Originals did it best. After7 did what most artists do when they try and remake something great. They do too much and it takes the art down a notch.

[sunshinesunflowerz]

I love both versions. I prefer to hear Melvin sing lead sometimes.

[headiero]

I appreciate both. Vocals on each are incredible. Background on original can not get better though.

[thekey]

Hats off to After 7 for their creativity, however, the Originals had that slow and deliberate harmonic grove that caused unchecked emotions to flounder.

[BornSavior]

Both did a great job for their era... if any modern R&B group did it now it would not fit into today's style of music... 😱Wow... there is no R&B groups today!

[SantinoWilliams]

I'm Sorry but the very first time i heard the Originals recording of Baby Im for real i fell in love with that song because it not only said all the things i felt in my heart as far as love was concerned but it lifted and stirred my soul as with all really good love songs do and it became and still remains one of my all time favorite expressions of love, in.regatds to After 7 they sound just as soulful and smooth with their rendition of the original, in all honesty i love them both, i suppose its the hopeless romantic in me as well as my appreciation for not only good music but the heart passion and emotion that is felt in the delivery of the song and both are very good at that here, if therei is anything different that i love more its the musical arrangement of the original now that's got me swept.

[IceyIcey]

Excellent comparison but my Mommy would play the original and that’s where it’s at!

[j.parrish]

Baby I'm for real, yes I remember this ...
Played at the sock hops in the school gym.... why I remember??? because today is my Birthday and I was in high school, back then😆 🤣 😂 😆

[darlenewashington]

After Seven was ok, but the original by the Originals was🎯👌

[NTakaNiggatron]

The Originals. 1969 seemed like such a good year for Motown…that whole decade really but this year in particular. So many classics came out that one year.

[MissJB]

I love both version of the song! But I really love After Seven the Most! I love the way they harmonize!

[phillykat]

I appreciate both, but I have to admit that parts of After7’s version moved me in a way that no parts of the original did.

[grego]

For me, it's the Originals, when they dropped that jam, I was in Four Corners Okinawa. I was really missing L.A. 😎

[Riogi]

I love both versions. I must admit that I like that special something that After 7 has added.

[EclecticTEA]

"The Originals."
🎶baby Baby BA-BY🎶

[catronc]

Great Remake!!!! The Originals rendition is very hard to surpass!! I Applaud Both Versions!!

[garyjohnson]

I'll most definately give the edge to the Originals but After7 made it their own, if you going to remake a song that is how you do it.

[xman]

99% of the time the original (no pun intended) is better than the remake. That holds true in this case. Still love After 7 though.