10 Cover Versions That Are Absolute Masterpieces
2. I Heard It Through The Grapevine (Marvin Gaye)
The intro to Marvin Gaye's version of this Motown classic is probably one of the most instantly recognizable in pop music. The trickle of percussion followed by the keyboards chords slowly building up to until the drums and bass kick in as Gaye sings the opening line.
Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong the song was offered to various Motown acts, such as Smokey Robinson and The Isley Brothers. In 1967 it was given to Gladys Knight And The Pips to record. Their version had more a funky sound and was intended to rival Aretha Franklin’s Respect. It became a hit and reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart. Although it is undoubtedly easier to dance along to, it, nevertheless, fails to have the same emotional punch of Gaye's rendition.
Whilst in the studio, Gaye, took instructions from Whitfield, who was producing, to sing slightly higher than his normal vocal range. The result was a performance that was perfect for the song’s lyrics of a man in disbelief after hearing about his girlfriend’s infidelity.
It was only intended to be an album track but repeated playing by radio DJs convinced Motown owner Berry Gordy to release it as a single were it reached number one in the charts, staying there for seven weeks.