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| "If I Could Build My Whole World Around You" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| SinglebyMarvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell | ||||
| from the album United | ||||
| B-side | "If This World Were Mine" | |||
| Released | November 14, 1967 | |||
| Recorded | Hitsville USA; March 16 & 21, 1967 | |||
| Genre | Soul, pop | |||
| Length | 2:26 | |||
| Label | Tamla 54161 | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Harvey Fuqua Johnny Bristol Vernon Bullock | |||
| Producer(s) | Harvey Fuqua Johnny Bristol | |||
| Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
"If I Could Build My Whole World Around You" is a popular song recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in 1967 and released in November 14, 1967. Written by Harvey Fuqua, Johnny Bristol, and Vernon Bullock, the single was Gaye & Terrell's third single together and the second to go Top Ten on both the Pop and R&B charts of Billboard, peaking at number ten and number two, respectively.[1][2]
The duo's vocals go back and forth as they described what could be if either was able to "build a world" around their loved one. It was one of few songs that set the duo apart from other R&B duos of the time. In time, this song among other legendary duets by the two soul icons would become the landmark for R&B duets to this day. The song was also one of the few songs that was written by someone other than Ashford & Simpson, who had written several hit songs for the duo.
Billboard described the single as a "groovy blues item headed right for a choice spot on the top 100" with a "powerful vocal performance by the duet."[3] Cash Box said that "vocal performances with enough power to make the side are highlighted by some wonderful lively arrangements."[4]
| Chart (1967-68) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles (The Official Charts Company)[5] | 41 |
| USBillboard Hot 100 | 10 |
| USBest Selling R&B Singles (Billboard) | 2 |
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