CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

THE TOP 100

#43 I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

MARVIN GAYE

(1968)

Writers: Norman Whitfield & Barrett Strong

Smokey Robinson & The Miracles cut the 1st version of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine", 2 years before Marvin Gaye's remake became a worldwide classic. Motown's practice of recycling tracks among the label's roster of acts saw it being covered by Gladys Knight & The Pips the following year. This gospel / soul interpretation reached #2 on the US Pop charts and climbed to the top on the R&B chart there. In fact, the remake was the final #1 on that chart in 1967. Exactly 12 months later, Gaye's rendition ended 1968 at the top on the same chart. It's hard to fathom now, but when Gaye's version was originally presented for release, Motown boss Berry Gordy decided against releasing the track.
Producer and co-writer Norman Whitfield was frustrated that Gaye's recording had been rejected as a single by the label. He then presented the song to Gladys Knight & The Pips and their version won favour with Gordy and the others at a product evaluation meeting. In the meantime, Whitfield was successful in getting Gaye's version on his next album, 'In The Groove'. A DJ played "... Grapevine" on the radio and it drew a strong response. Motown finally released Gaye's cover. 
While Knight & The Pips' 1st chart version of the song peaked at #2 Pop, Gaye's smooth, soulful delivery was popular enough to lift it all the way to the chart summit. Despite Motown's product evaluation panel's lack of faith in the song, it is widely hailed as 1 of the best recordings of all-time. 
Creedence Clearwater Revival recorded a new version of the R&B classic 2 years later. The band's 1970 album 'Cosmo's Factory' contained an extended version of the song. The rock interpretation is a jam that runs for just over 11 minutes.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.

A new song from the remaining Top 100 is added each weekday, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.