"Try It Baby" is a slow blues ballad recorded by American soul singer Marvin Gaye, released on the Tamla label in 1964.[1] The ballad was written and produced by Gaye's brother-in-law, Motown chairman Berry Gordy.

"Try It Baby"
Single by Marvin Gaye
from the album How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by You
B-side"If My Heart Could Sing"
ReleasedMay 21, 1964
RecordedJanuary 28 & 29, 1964
GenreR&B
Length2:30
LabelTamla
Songwriter(s)Berry Gordy, Jr.
Producer(s)Berry Gordy, Jr.
Marvin Gaye singles chronology
"What's the Matter With You Baby"
(1964)
"Try It Baby"
(1964)
"Baby Don't You Do It"
(1964)


Background

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The ballad talked of a woman who was "moving up" and "leaving (her man) behind". To help him along the way, the Temptations (fresh off scoring their first few hits) assisted Gaye in the track providing background vocals.

Cash Box described it as "a tantalizing, chorus-backed rhythm shuffler that Marvin does up in winning style."[2]

Chart history

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"Try It Baby" reached number 15 on the pop singles chart and number six on the R&B singles chart.[3]

Chart (1964) Peak
position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100[4] 15

Cover versions

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Personnel

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Marvin Gaye version

Supremes/Temptations version

References

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  1. ^ The Complete Motown Singles Vol 4: 1964 [CD liner notes]. New York: Hip-O Select/Motown/Universal Records.
  2. ^ "CashBox Record Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. June 6, 1964. p. 8. Retrieved 2022-01-12.
  3. ^ Allmusic review
  4. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2013). Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles, 14th Edition: 1955-2012. Record Research. p. 331.
  5. ^ Allmusic (Supremes/Temptations album)