Classic song written by the love of Thelma Frye's life, Reverend Reuben Gregory. Between these two versions, which do you prefer? Yes, I know there are other versions, so don't try to throw a monkey wrench in my shit by saying Isaac Hayes.


Gloria Gaynor


Jackson 5

I love 'em both, but I have to say I'm partial to Gloria Gaynor's rendition.

The J5 version is my favorite song by them ever

Gloria's is nice but im more partial to the former.

Clifton Davis wrote that?

I never knew that.

The Jackson Five and I will tell you why. When I hear Michael sing , he brings a lot of emotion to the song as if he was in love. Ms. Gaynor's version is good , but it has more of a "feel good" theme to it. Thats the reason why I chose J5 , it seems more personal.

Stymie said:

At least you got my dumb joke. Yes, we wrote it.

RipHer2Shreds said:

I had to read it twice.

Isaac Hayes.

RipHer2Shreds said:

minneapolisgenius said:

That one is awesome.

Hello Valerie.

sosgemini said:

I'm such a pissy fucker. I get unusually (and unnecessarily) annoyed when somebody poopoos the listed choices and throws in another. I should work for the government.

Stymie said:

Hi Ivy!

The J5 version is my favorite. My 2nd is Isaac. I'm not a fan of Gloria's version.

I also like The Communard's version:

[Edited 5/12/08 14:11pm]

RipHer2Shreds said:

daPrettyman better watch out.

I don't care who knows ( NOW! ) but I love Gloria's version in all its disco sassy funkiness, and there are plenty of other disco hits that I would play all day. The Jackson's version is great and Isaac always puts his special Black Moses spin on covers, you can't go wrong either way.

daPrettyman said:

I remember this one as well but it sounds to me like the 80's electro Gloria version, virtually no distinction between the two.

UncleGrandpa said:

The Communard's version was a more updated version for sure. They did use a similar arrangement of the song, however, J5 reigns over them all.

you did NOT pull Thelma Frye & Reuben Gregory up out 'cho ass!!! J5 forever Did Clifton ever write any other songs? This is the only one I ever heard of him writing

CalhounSq said:

I used to watch that show every Saturday night.

The only other I know he wrote was Lookin' Through the Windows, also a hit for the Jackson 5. He may have written others, but that's the only one I know of.

Stymie said:

That's strange.

Anyway, I love every version I've heard, but nobody beats the J5 on this one.

J5, mos def! In fact that song is the reason why I'm a flutist--the album version has some KILLER flute lines.
[Edited 5/12/08 19:12pm]
[Edited 5/12/08 19:14pm]

NuPwr319 said:

Word! Not to mention killer bass...Jamerson I presume?
We've actually done this thread before I'm sure! Cant find it though...

_

CalhounSq said:

I was watching "Amen" just an hour ago

Isaac Hayes baby!!!

i love the way michael sings that song on motown 25. great song

Clifton Davis must have been a staff writer for Motown. I see he a few songs recorded by different acts (including himself). For his Motown days, these are the songs I could find.

Supremes - Here Comes The Sunrise
J5 - Uppermost, Never Can Say Goodbye, and Looking Through The Window

Does anyone know if he was related to Hal Davis (the songwriter) that wrote Dancing Machine?

rebelsoldier said:

Hot Buttered Soul

motownlover said:

and love the J-5 classic version!