Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing

Tammi Terrell, Marvin Gaye

About Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing

"Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" is a 1968 single released by American R&B/soul duo Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, on the Tamla label in 1968. The B-side of the single is "Little Ole Boy, Little Ole Girl" from the duo's United LP. The first release off the duo's second album: You're All I Need, the song - written and produced by regular Gaye/Terrell collaborators Ashford & Simpson - became a hit within weeks of release eventually peaking at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Hot Soul Singles chart, the first of the duo's s two number 1 R&B hits. In the UK "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" reached number 34. "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" is ranked as the 57th biggest US hit of 1968. 


Year:
1995
2:14
86 
#3

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Ooh, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing
No, no, ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing

Oh honey, I got your picture hangin' on the wall
But it can't see or come to me when I call your name
I realize it's just a picture inside a frame

Ooh, I read your letters when you're not near me
But they don't move me, and they don't groove me like when I hear
Your sweet voice whispering in my ear

Don'cha know, ain't nothing like the real thing, baby
Ain't nothing like the real thing

I played my game, a fantasy
I pretend, but I know in reality
I need the shelter of your arms to comfort me
No other sound is quite the same as your name
No touch can do half as much to make me feel better
So, let's stay together

I got some memories to look back on
And though they help me when you're gone
I'm well aware nothin' can take the place of your being there
Oh, so glad we got the real thing, baby
So glad we got the real thing
Oh, Marvin, so good, ain't nothing like the real thing, baby, so good
Ain't nothing like the real thing
Talk to me, ain't nothing like the real thing, baby, oh I'm so glad
Ain't nothing like the real thing

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Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye (April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984), born Marvin Pentz Gay, Jr., was an American singer-songwriter and musician whose career spanned more than two decades. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., he was the son of a storefront minister of a local Pentecostal church sect and grew up singing gospel in church revivals as a young child. Gaye branched out into secular music as a teenager, joining the doo-wop group The Marquees, after returning from an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force, before the group was hired by Harvey Fuqua to be Harvey & The Moonglows. Following the band's separation in 1960, Gaye began working as a session drummer for the Detroit music label, Anna, before signing with Motown Records in 1961, adding an "e" to his s… more »

8 fans

Written by: Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Record History
"Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" is a duet performed by American singers Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.
Chart Success
The song was released as a single in March 1968 and reached the #1 spot on Billboard's R&B Singles Chart, charting for a total of 10 weeks. It also peaked at #8 on the Billboard's Pop Singles Chart.
Award Recognition
In 1969, the song was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Rhythm & Blues Duo or Group Performance - Vocal or Instrumental.
Songwriters
The song was penned by the famous Motown writing duo Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, who also wrote numerous hits for other Motown artists.
Album
It features on Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's second duet album "You're All I Need", released in August 1968.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by numerous musicians spanning various genres, including Elton John, Donny and Marie Osmond, and Vince Gill & Gladys Knight.
Song Theme
Lyrically, the song speaks about the importance of real love, as opposed to communication through letters.
Posthumous Duets
After Terrell's death in 1970, Gaye continued to release duets with Terrell that were recorded before her death. However, "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" would always hold a special place as part of their most successful collaborations.
Music Style
The song has elements of soul and R&B, which were defining features of Motown's sound in the 1960s.
Cultural Impact
Despite its 1960s release, the song continues to influence modern R&B and soul artists and is often featured on "greatest hits" compilations, highlighting its enduring popularity.

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    "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/14735095/Marvin+Gaye/Ain%27t+Nothing+Like+the+Real+Thing>.

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    Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing

    1.2M
    9,619     221

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1968

    Billboard #8


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