"I Can Understand It" is a soul classic written and originally recorded by rhythm and blues musician Bobby Womack, who originally recorded the song for his top ten album, Understanding, released in late 1972.[1] The Womack version was done in a more blues style.

New Birth recording

In 1973, New Birth recorded a James Brown-esque style recording of the song with lead singer Leslie Wilson, who sounded like Womack, was vocally influenced by Sam Cooke. Their fast-paced version peaked at number four on the R&B charts and number thirty-five on the Hot 100.[2] The New Birth version is the better-known version and has garnered praise.

Other versions

  • Bobby Womack's brothers, The Valentinos, also recorded the song. Their version was released as a single, and became a chart hit.
  • In 1975 Columbia records released a third version of this classic track. The least known of the three, this version by Kokomo, a British-soul group, includes delicately mixed congas with a tempo similar to New Birth's and is perhaps, musically, the funkiest of the three. This version peaked at #13 on the US Disco File Top 20 chart.[3] Lead singer Tony O'Malley's vocal style is reminiscent of [Dr. John]'s. The background harmonies and ad-libs make this an outstanding track.

References

  1. ↑ "www.allmusic.com". allmusic.com. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  2. ↑ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles: 1942-2004. Record Research. p. 427.
  3. ↑ Whitburn, Joel (2004). Hot Dance/Disco: 1974-2003. Record Research. p. 148.


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