This was written by the Motown songwriters Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield, and Whitfield produced the track. The duo also wrote the Temptations hit "Cloud Nine," which was released in 1968. Both songs were released after David Ruffin left the group, but while "Cloud Nine" had a Psychedelic sound and some pretty deep lyrics, "I Can't Get Next To You" is more typical Motown Soul, and finds The Temptations singing about the power of love, and how all their otherworldly powers mean nothing if they can't get the girl.
All 5 of The Temptations trade verses on this song, and they all join in on the chorus.
In 1970 Al Green recorded a slow version of this song which appeared on the album Al Green Gets Next To You. Other artists to record it include The Four Tops, Jose Feliciano, Annie Lennox, Edwin McCain, The Osmonds, Toto and Savoy Brown.
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