"Isn't She Pretty" | ||||
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Single by The Temptations | ||||
from the album Meet the Temptations | ||||
A-side | "Dream Come True" | |||
Released | March 16, 1962 | |||
Format | 7" single | |||
Recorded | Hitsville USA; October 23, 1961 | |||
Genre | Soul, R&B, Doo-wop, Pop | |||
Length | 2:45 | |||
Label |
Gordy G 7001 |
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Songwriter(s) |
Berry Gordy, Jr. Eddie Kendricks Otis Williams |
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Producer(s) | Berry Gordy | |||
The Temptations singles chronology | ||||
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"Isn't She Pretty" is a 1961 song recorded by The Temptations, and written by group members Eddie Kendricks and Otis Williams, as well as Motown’s founder Berry Gordy. It was Gordy’s first production with the group, and intended for released on the Miracle label, but it was shelved due to the label closing, as well as the fact that the Motown execs thought the song sounded a little too dated. It was finally released as the B-side for the group’s 1962 single "Dream Come True", their first on the Gordy label imprint.
This is the first of the small handful of pre-psychedelic era songs the group recorded (and the second one released) that had more than two members singing lead at one point. A lot of the song's lead is performed as an ensemble piece, but each member get a chance to also be heard outfront throughout the song. On the song's first verse the entire group sings the lead vocal in unison harmony. Afterwards Elbridge "Al" Bryant and Paul Williams swap leads on the first half of the 2nd and 3rd verses;Eddie Kendricks and Melvin Franklin swap leads on the bridge; Otis Williams gets a line near the end ("She's a doll, now hey…"). It mainly showcases the lead vocals of tenor Bryant, as his ad-libs on the choruses made him the most prominent out front, but technically (group baritone) Paul Williams could also be considered the main lead as he portrays the narrator, who's telling his friends about a beautiful unrequited love:
However….