"Just Let Me Know" | ||||
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Single by The Temptations | ||||
from the album Meet The Temptations | ||||
A-side | "The Way You Do the Things You Do" | |||
Released | January 23, 1964 (1st Ver.) March 1964 (2nd Ver.) |
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Format | 7" single | |||
Recorded | Hitsville USA (Studio A); December, 1963 | |||
Genre | Soul, R&B | |||
Length | 3:00 | |||
Label |
Gordy G 7028 |
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Writer(s) | Berry Gordy, Jr. | |||
Producer(s) | Berry Gordy Smokey Robinson |
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The Temptations singles chronology | ||||
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"Just Let Me Know" is a song recorded in late 1963 by The Temptations for the Gordy (Motown) label, written and produced by Motown president Berry Gordy, and is the B-side to the 1964 hit single "The Way You Do the Things You Do". Ironically, both songs competed with each other and with the H-D-H production, "A Tear From A Woman's Eyes", for the A-side; the latter song would be shelved for several years after losing the spot. It was recorded just mere days before the firing of original member Elbridge "Al" Bryant.
In the song, the narrator tells his former love how much he misses her and that if she wants him back to tell him and he came to her "as fast as he can." Two versions of this song was released, both of which was led by group's baritone singer (and front man) Paul Williams. The 1st pressing used a more soulful take with only Williams as lead; this version also appears on mono copies of their debut album, Meet the Temptations, as well as the box set "The Complete Motown Singles Vol. 4: 1964." The 2nd pressing had a much smoother take, and featured Bryant with a few lead parts on the choruses (singing the line "straight to you" the first two times on the song – while the group sings it the remaining times). This version was also released on the stereo LP and compact disc editions of Meet the Temptations. Around the time the song was recorded Bryant had become restless, uncooperative and sometimes volatile. He'd miss concerts and recording sessions, had now preferred his day job as a milkman to performing, and been arguing and fighting with his fellow group members. By the time this single came out Bryant was fired and replaced by David Ruffin.