I am going to give you guys the pleasure of hearing the greatest Motown song of all time, a pop masterpiece, perfection in every sense of the word. Sung by this lady right here:
Tammi Terrell - All I Do Is Think About You
“All I Do Is Think About You” was written by Clarence Paul, Morris Broadnax and Stevie Wonder. Wonder would record his own version years later for his “Hotter Than July” album which featured Michael Jackson on backing vocals, though this right here is what should be the definitive version, but like many Motown tracks this was inexplainably left in the vaults never to be heard until just a few years ago when a compilation called “Cellarful Of Motown” would be released. Tammi was known mainly for her work with Marvin Gaye, particularly “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Sadly she never really had a proper chance at a solo career, having died at only 24 from a brain tumour, which rumours point to the cause, or increase of, being ex-Temptations singer David Ruffin, her boyfriend at the time who was known to be quite abusive. Judging from this track and her Essential Collection it’s a damn shame to.
This song is just perfection through and through, the strings are lush without going over the top, the drums sound fantastic, the bells/vibraphone work in perfect harmony with the backing vocals, then there is Ms. Terrell. Sweet mother what a voice, she never has to stretch her vocal chords like Diana Ross or Aretha Franklin, instead she does the opposite which is just as impressive, she makes it sound effortless, yet unable to replicate. I’ve heard only one other female version of this, done by Brenda Holloway, and while it does have the same backing, her voice just doesn’t suit the song, the pacing is especially off, this had to have been tailor made for Tammi. Then there are the lyrics which are something else, to hear her yearn for this guy, it may seem like there is desperation, but never at an excessive amount. She isn’t saying that this guy better be with her because she wants to be with him so bad, but, well, I think these lyrics sum it up:
Baby just suppose I should happen to cross your mind
And by some chance a girl like me you’ve really been trying to find
Well let me tell you boy
Think of how exciting it would be
If you should discover you felt like me
If you should discover this dream is for two
Right there is the crux of the song, you may not be interested, but if you ever get an inkling you are then why not follow it?
Discovered this track about seven months ago, but have listened to it more times than any other song this year, and it has no signs of getting old.
Well done.
May 18th, 2008 - 3:10 am
“Two Can Have a Party” by her and Gaye is a great, fun little track. What a killer voice.
May 26th, 2008 - 3:37 pm
I agree. I was blown away when I heard this on Cellarful of Motown. Had no idea the Stevie Wonder track had been issued years earlier, and an an infinitely better form.
I’d never heard the David Ruffin rumour concerning her brain tumor. Hope that’s not true.
April 11th, 2009 - 7:09 pm
Like many, I’m not so familiar with Terrell’s solo efforts, so thank you for highlighting one of them.
As for her duets with Gaye, one of my new favorites is the joyfully catchy “You Ain’t Livin’ Until You’re Lovin’.” Another great one is the more subdued “If This World Were Mine,” which is pure loveliness.
Their version of “California Soul” (also sung by The Fifth Dimension) is very cool, too. However, I’m not sure whether that’s actually Valerie Simpson singing in Terrell’s place.