"Can't We Try" by Teddy Pendergrass

Song#:  0315
Date:  08/30/1980
Debut:  82
Peak:  52
Weeks:  12
Genre:  R&B



Pop Bits:  Early in his career, Pendergrass was recruited to join Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes as their durmmer. The group had still been struggling to find success at the time, however Pendergrass soon ended up on lead vocals and that along with signing with Philadelphia International records made all the difference. In 1972 the group had their first major hit when "If You Don't Know Me By Now" hit #3 on the pop chart. They would have further success, but by 1977, internal and financial issues caused Pendergrass to leave the group for a solo career. He was a success from the start and although he never really scored a big pop hit, he would go on to have thirteen R&B Top 10's and four consecutive platinum albums. This song was the first single from his "TP" album and it reached #3 on the R&B chart.

ReduxReview:  I actually prefer Charlene's version (see below) which is much more dramatic and diva-oriented. But Pendergrass does a nice job as well with a more slow-burn feel to it. He has a great voice so most any good song he does can sound pretty darn good.

ReduxRating:  6/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) Pendergrass had a major life changing event in 1982. He was involved in a car accident and as a result he was left paralyzed from the waist down. He would eventually resume his recording career and have further R&B hits.  2) This song was remade in 1982 by Charlene. After her song "I've Never Been to Me" became a surprise hit years after its initial release, Motown rush a new album out and "Can't We Try" was included. Why was this song chosen? Most likely because both songs share the same writers, Ken Hirsch and Ron Miller, with Miller co-producing.

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