Doing it to Death (Part 5)

1971 continues

“Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me),” the Temptations (3/6/71)
A beautiful, classic ballad that at the same time feels overly polished; the strings, especially, make it a bit too glossy. My preferred version is Prince’s scorching live take on the 1988 Small Club bootleg. B

“What’s Going On,” Marvin Gaye (3/27/71)
Gaye had a hugely successful ‘71, with all three singles from What’s Going On topping the R&B chart and going top 10 pop. His impassioned vocal, along with the Funk Brothers’ playing, really makes the record — and this is a fine example of just how to use strings (in this case, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra). The lyrics are a little trite, but it doesn’t matter. A-

“Never Can Say Goodbye,” the Jackson 5 (5/1/71)
The first J5 single on which Michael starts sounding less like a little kid and more mature, which works greatly to its advantage. The arrangement here is a little treacly for my taste, but doesn’t tip the balance. B+

“Bridge Over Troubled Water,” Aretha Franklin (5/22/71)
Of course the Queen can make S&G palatable; her gospel-infused take lifts this straight up to the heavens. A+

“Want Ads,” Honey Cone (5/29/71)
This is how you do it with a girl group, as the first ladies of Hot Wax (Holland Dozier Holland’s post-Motown label venture) topped both the R&B and pop charts with their fifth single, a perky pre-Craigslist peon to finding new romance. And they weren’t done. A-