(The Hit Hammer is where I'm reviewing each #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100. Starting from when the chart started in 1958 and eventually working my way to the present. To see my inspiration and more information about this blog, please CLICK HERE)
The Temptations - "I Can't Get Next to You" Hit Number 1: October 18, 1969
Stay at Number 1: 2 Weeks
It's described as "psychedelic soul", but that's not really what it is. The Temptations, just like the rest of the Motown industry, hit a rough patch during the late 1960's psychedelic era. Motown was all about soul stompers and soulful ballads. Songs that didn't make any sense never came out of that label. But that's the thing: "I Can't Get Next to You", the Temptations' second #1 hit in the U.S., makes sense. It's a great soulful tune. Just like what we saw from other Motown groups in the mid-60s before everyone got stoned.
Perhaps the most notable thing about the song is the giant, somewhat obnoxious, applause that is in the song's intro. It gets more and more annoying until Dennis Edwards interrupts it by saying "Hold it everybody, listen", which leads to a piano riff. Then all of a sudden, we're launched into a funky, addicting soulful groove, with all the different Temptations taking turns singing lead. You get everything from Melvin Franklin's bass notes, to Eddie Kendricks' signature yelps, which makes for a very fun contrast as far as the vocal parts go. It's pretty simple lyrically: A guy can pretty much do everything, including the most impossible things like turning a "gray sky to blue", but he can't get next to a girl that he either likes and is nervous to be around, or because she's an ex that makes him uncomfortable. The song never really specifies. To be completely honest, there isn't a whole lot to say about "I Can't Get Next to You", as it isn't one of the Temptations' signature songs in my opinion. However, it's a great shot in the arm to the Motown record label. and it would help the label out a lot heading into the 1970's. Also, it's just a good song.
GRADE: 8/10
JUST MISSED:
Interestingly, Sly and the Family Stone's "Hot Fun In the Summertime" peaked at #2 behind "I Can't Get Next to You", in the fall time. But it's also a fun soulful stomper, with the different members taking turns singing lead. It's also an 8, as well.
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