"Work to Do" is a 1972 funk song by the Isley Brothers, released on their T-Neck imprint. The song, written and produced by the group, was issued on their 1972 album, Brother, Brother, Brother, and charted at #51 pop and #11 R&B upon its initial charting.
Lyrically, the song explicates a troubled situation between a man and his girlfriend/wife, concerning the lack of quality time spent with each other. The man pleads that as much as he cannot wait to get home and spend time with her, he has a more pressing obligation/commitment to attend to work.
Charts Weekly charts Chart (1972)PeakpositionUS Billboard Hot 10051US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)11
Credits Lead vocals – Ronald Isley Backing vocals – O'Kelly Isley, Jr., Rudolph Isley Percussion, guitars – Ernie Isley Bass, percussion – Marvin Isley Piano, keyboards – Chris Jasper Drums – George Moreland Congas – Karl Potter
Vanessa Williams version
Vanessa Williams recorded the song for her 1991 album The Comfort Zone. In 1992, her version became a Top 5 US Billboard R&B hit at No. 3 and Top 10 US Billboard Dance hit at No. 8. It was her fifth and final single from the album.
Track listings US CD maxi-single "Work to Do" (Radio Mix w/Rap) – 3:54 "Work to Do" (Super Dope Remix w/Rap) – 4:52 "Work to Do" (Ken Lou Radio Mix)" – 3:07 "Work to Do" (Choice Club) – 6:02 "Work to Do" (Choice Dub) – 2:30 "Work to Do" (5-Oh Beats w/Rap) – 2:53 UK CD maxi-single "Work to Do" (7" Mix) – 3:54 "Work to Do" (Ken Lou 7" Mix With Rap) – 3:54 "Work to Do" (Choice Club)" – 6:02
Remixed by Kenny "Dope" Gonzales and "Little" Louie Vega
Charts Weekly charts Chart (1992)PeakpositionUS Cash Box Top 10043
Credits Lead vocals – Vanessa Williams Guitar – Ira Siege Backing Vocals – Táta Vega Rap vocals – Dres Piano – Jorgen Kaufma Producer – Dr. Jam, Gerry Brown, Phase 5 Remix producer – Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez, "Little" Louie Vega
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