Who Did It Better - Jackson 5 vs. Isaac Hayes vs. Gloria Gaynor (1971/1971/1974)

[@thinbluelineson333]

Jackson 5 did it perfectly 👌

[@CCCCCCCCCCCmany]

Jackson 5 has it in the chokehold ❤

[@neutralitythought]

THE FACT THAT LITTLE BOY HAS THE VOICE TO GO UP AGAINST GROWN FOLKS IS UNBELIEVABLE.!

[@mysterbear]

It’s uncanny how a mere boy can squeeze all that emotion out of this song. He makes you feel all the anguish the lyrics mean to express. Jackson 5 hands down.

[@woody95124]

Well said..

[@MrNathan791]

Michael Jackson was such a great vocalist as a child. It's he had actually experience emotionally what he was singing about. And the background vocals with his brother really helped this version also.

[@awnlwms]

Clifton Davis, who is better recognized as an actor (AMEN, THAT'S MY MAMA, etc.) wrote this classic gem. If one is fated to be a one-hit-wonder as a songwriter, he could not have hoped to hit with a better song.

[@elizabethr8174]

The Jackson Five 💯😊 Michael’s vocals make this song 🎶 his own 😌

[@QueenBthatsMe777]

Isaac's version has that "grown folks swag", so imma have to go with that one!

[@MrLionelg33]

Just like gloria gaynor has a disco swag for the version of this song.

[@heathertea2704]

The photos are in the Order for who did it Best for me. The Jackson Five for a summer full of Fun. Issac Hayes for the Grown & Sexy. And last, Gloria Gaynor, when you're at the Club. 😊😊😊 Ps: Thank you, Clifton Davis, for this All Time Classic🥰

[@skynebula11]

I still love Michael’s the best… all good…

[@mrs.evelynkerr8799]

I love all three versions that I voted that Jackson 5 version is the GOAT no matter what🎉

[@evelynap9728]

nobody can beat the voice of Isaac Hayes. Still HOTBUTTERED

[@lyndoraburroughs-robinson5663]

Love the Jackson 5 version 😍 ❤️ 💕 👌

[@jjutt87]

They're all beautiful like flowers, I can't pick one over the other - they're all uniquely different, and that's what makes them all awesome in my book!

[@ill71]

Jackson 5❤❤❤❤❤

[@milesandcoffee]

All 3 are interesting but I have to go with The Jacksons' version. MJ's vocals are soulful, haunting, and they stop me in my tracks every time. 🎤 🎶

[@lydiagayles1903]

Isaac Hayes. His is the sexiest version, although I love all of them.

[@highlyfavored9749]

Jackson 5

[@ernestmiller2036]

Jackson Five ! Hands down the best version !

[@popetzm1]

Isaac Hayes

[@susieschilling4009]

All of them incredibly good artist!!

[@shirleywebb997]

Jackson 5 aesthetically better sounding.

[@cary277]

Jackson five all the way

[@moviegirl8648]

Have to go with the J5. Even though Michael was a kid back then, and probably hadn't experienced romantic heartache. There is such an aching sadness in his voice that makes me tear up even now over 50 years later.

[@luvmifro]

Love them all but I’m rollin with Issac 💜💜💜

[@TruthSerum101]

I was around back then, and enjoyed all three versions on their own merits. it never occured to be to ponder who did it best. The arrangements and interpretations are miles apart.

[@randyboley6579]

I agree with you

[@patriciaallen7520]

I, for one, was more melancholy. I had been a grandmother for three years. Therefore, I felt Isaac more.🎉🎉🎉

[@Intimateflow]

As an 11yr old at the time I LOVED the J5 but Gloria Gaynors version did it for me back then ❤❤❤

[@firewaterbydesign]

*I love ALL 3, but Jackson 5 is from my era, and I am just partial!! Imho*

[@justanadams9430]

Jackson 5 and Isaac Hayes versions are amazing. Fun Fact. The Reverend Clifton Davis wrote this song.

[@melloLL4722]

Yes. And I believe he wrote it for Ms. Melba Moore.

[@deborahmcneil788]

Different vibe for each. They’re all good. Jackson 5 has an edge though.

[@mzlisa_ethniciti2169]

❤The Jackson 5 !!!

[@derekseven1647]

All of them did very good versions of the song

[@Sunniekey]

All of them give a completely different energy🤩I would say its Isaac’s version for me👌🏽

[@ariamach1]

Issac gave it soul.

[@mikes.johnson204]

I personally like all three the Jacksons did it best as kids as a male Isaac Hayes and Gloria Gaynor they all did a great job with that one song because they are all three separate categories when it comes down to age group and gender

[@yanalove792]

J5

[@kingemerald1]

Without a thought, J5/MJ. It's a time machine song for me. riding my Schwinn Stingray w/ the girls on the handlebars holding the AM radio, fighting my sister for the J5 flimsy record from the cereal box, using that Magnificent afro sheen trying to get that look, heyyy the list goes on. J5 Forever.

[@veronicarodriguez8094]

Hayes is more believable than the Jackson 5, but Gloria's version is why I know this song. It's her song. 😍

[@mhespinal]

Jackson come on man really

[@rosajohnson5212]

I like all of them, but I prefer Isaac Hayes

[@truthiscensored]

The 1970's when several artists/bands made the same song but with their own twist. There was several songs like this... I Can Understand it - The New Birth vs Bobby Womack I Don't Wanna do Wrong - Gladys Knight and the pips vs The New Birth Try a Little Tenderness - Aretha Franklin vs Otis Redding You Send Me - Sam Cooke vs Aretha Franklin Walk on By - Issac Hayes vs Average White Band Many more I can't think of off top of my head

[@LANDSEAAIRCANADA]

Hmmm? even though all the Artists are so very amazing, have to give it to TJ5 Fantastic ! Thanks for this.

[@jeanninestruck5203]

Jackson 5 is great, Isaac Hayes SOOO soulful, but I just love Gloria Gaynor's disco version. Makes me wanna get up and DANCE! 💃💃💃

[@elnoraharrison2355]

The Jackson Five

[@keepinitreal1373]

Jackson 5 hands down ♥️

[@dionmiller1659]

I think Isaac hays did it better because he used all instruments from his band and was able to time it just right.

[@woody95124]

Jackson 5 done the best....MJ lives forever!

[@zachswartz6645]

Jackson 5's version is for the love lost. Issac Hayes's version is for the drug addict who can not quit. Gloria Gaynor's version is for the one night stand one can not forget

[@VoiceOfTheWomb]

Different great styles but the most known and loved by me is Gloria’s version. She brings Glory to the song and an air of supremacy ❤❤❤❤. But I enjoyed all versions ❤❤❤❤

[@ilikemthick5468]

Easy Isaac Hayes had the better version hands down

[@Jenjin1313]

oooohh... Gloria got me up out my seat!! Isaac was 2nd. He was grown enough to handle the song.

[@philj5507]

Good day....Hats off to Clifton Davis the writer of this wonderful song

[@dorisy8804]

Isaac Hayes- That grown man harmony. When you speaking that serious love to me Suga, Suga I want that deep sexy voice💯👑

[@FS-all-day]

Issac!

[@eunicemurray8482]

I love them all but Issac Haynes is Smooth and sexy

[@NathanielRayDavis]

Sentimentality I would say Isaac Hayes because it brings me back but Michael did something else with it.

[@v.nikkijohnson]

For me, #1 is Isaac Hayes, #2 The Jackson Five, #3 Gloria Gaynor

[@SALSAKID49]

I was 15/15/18 years when they came out on radio... in 1974, I was in throws of the growing genre of Disco aka Soul music gave birth to, as I kept parting at the clubs and house parties...for me it ended in 1982. Then back my NYC Latin roots (Salsa Music). for me, it was about the music that we can dance the ladies and Gloria worked for us guys. Overall, all good music from the good old days...

[@my2cents361]

GG’s version was a bit too uptempo and disco for me but still an awesome track. Ike gave it that smooth, mellow adult treatment and I’ve been a fan for a very long time. He’s worn quite a few hats on most, if not all, of his productions so I gotta respect that! Baritone vocals undeniable. HOWEVER, that J5 version has been and always will be #1 for me! Fun fact: Written by actor Clifton Davis. Correct me if I’m wrong😆

[@MsTexas73]

Sometimes a song isn’t a “Who did it better” type of thing. And this is one of them. Each of these artists took this song and created a certain vibe with it that is appealing. I LOVE what the J5 did with it. But then I also LOVE the sexy and sensual vibe Ike created by slowing it down. And yet I enjoy Gloria’s fast paced version made especially for the dance floor.

[@mcpheejesus5945]

Another no-brainer here: Michael Jackson with his high-quality, perfected & polished vocals, along with his bros. smooth background vocals won this. And to say Mike was a youngster when he recorded this speaks volumes about his gift of delivering the song in an elevated heartfelt way. Made it seem like he wrote the song himself from a deep & personal experience. Thanks for sharing this masterpiece, as all vocalists featured are stone-cold legends. FACTS!

[@kiki1965]

Definitely the Jackson 5. Although I love a lot of Isaac's recordings, this wasn't one of them.

[@ReeReeDaLovely]

Gloria!!!!

[@MrLionelg33]

Actually I like all of their versions (jackson 5, issac hayes, gloria gaynor).

[@architecture.w]

Michael Jackson is amazing on this track. P.S. I miss Jet magazine and the old Ebony.

[@michelleborden5710]

They're all good in their own way and style. So stop comparing artists , because it's all are history when it's all said and done.❤

[@Radents_TWO]

Jackson 5ive, no doubt. The original has so much feeling and heart to it.

[@melloLL4722]

The Jackson's!

[@ruderyder]

J5 is always my favorite

[@Iknowrite411]

As a girl, I loved The Jackson Five, as a woman, Mr. Isaac Hayes 😊

[@robertwalker7010]

J -5 all the way

[@popetzm1]

I like both

[@moniquepackard168]

Jackson 5 did it best

[@truthiscensored]

Mr. Issac "Chocolate Salty Balls" Hayes Beat is fire. Overall the Jacksons the Best Vocals. Never really liked the Disco sound so it is a no for Gloria

[@DeborahSumner-ff9ji]

I love Michael ',s version the most ,an all time favorite

[@55thst_rojos]

The Jackson 5 version is radio, Isaac Hayes is mall music, and Gloria Gaynor is pre- house. Definitely for the kids and studio 54. I think they all work for each genre of music and I appreciate that.

[@HeiDiLuv]

Ase' Michael Jackson all the way

[@PatrickTheNordisteCanadian]

Well I think the J5 nailed it ! 🔥

[@GyrlBlaque]

Hint : 5 hands down

[@casaterris4527]

Jackson 5 for sure

[@ralphh7853]

I still like the Jackson 5 version because Michael always sounded older than his years, but Issac Hayes’s version blew my mind; his version was for adults . I really like when an artist covers a song in a way that creatively makes it feel like a different groove. Although Gloria Gaynor has a great voice, I never really liked when someone takes a song and puts a disco beat to it. I’m not knocking disco; I liked a lot of it that was original but disco covers just didn’t impress me.

[@cydjaguar4126]

Issac Hayes!

[@mbwell]

They all sing a whole lot better than me and each sound is magnificent. But based on historical precedent, I’m voting J5.

[@gadjradj2562]

MJ 🏆

[@maurice8607]

Had to be the Jackson Five followed closely by Hayes

[@alexhope8607]

Mike and them!!!

[@agplay2290]

I'm going with Gloria. She was able to put more emotional experience feeling that Michael wasn't capable of being so young.

[@patriciaallen7520]

Isaac Hayes Version has the adult feeling (music) that backs up the words.

[@blackberrycobbler4me]

The Jackson 5

[@timlewis9404]

It may depend on your age. I'm 59 and I'm partial to the Jackson 5. My parents listen to Isaac Hayes and I enjoy him as well. Gloria Gaynor wasn't bad.

[@terrygraves3864]

J5 hands down

[@judahmorn4035]

Who did it first ?

[@brandengreene886]

Jackson 5

[@NewChannel9000]

​It’s the _Jackson_ brothers’ and _Isaac Hayes’​_ versions for me as well. I really don’t care for _Gloria Gaynor’s_ version at all, as she completely ruined the whole song and messed it up. Michael had great vocals throughout his whole entire career, even when he sang songs he neither wrote nor had anything else to do with _outside of_ and _other than_ his having recorded them in the studio and performed them onstage, whether with or without his brothers. It didn’t matter that he was _WAY_ too young, yet, to have experienced in his life whatever the subject matter of the songs was (as the songs were written about “mature” themes for older teenagers and for adults, _NOT_ for 11-, 12- and 13-year-old _children_ to have sung lyrics about, at that time), he sang the lyrics with such genuinely heartfelt _emotions_ and _feelings,_ even better than people two and three times his age, back in those days. _Isaac Hayes’_ version is great, too. His voice and style of singing are unique to him; His version comes off as _very_ “adult,” and THE _MOST_ “mature”-sounding one of the three. His Vocal Range was _amazing,_ for such a deep Baritone voice as his, I didn’t know it could hit such high notes during the song, at times. Wonderful renditions of “ _Never Can Say Goodbye,_ ” both of them. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@larrybuchanan7161]

Issac Hayes

[@williamblockson8013]

ASA FAMILY : This particular composition , however it was originally written or designed to be listened to is a unique song , because it’s one of those song no real professional singer can mess up on at any speed . So personally I can’t really pick one composition of it over another , I believe because it may be according to how a person might possibly be feeling at the certain time they’re listening to it . Now that’s my opinion , and I’m sticking to it ! Amin . ASA FAMILY :

[@platterjockey]

The original by The Jackson 5

[@lanolinlight]

D.) Rahsaan Roland Kirk

[@TiffaniS4]

I think Michael got this one!

[@elizabethr8174]

I’m with you Tiff! 🎶☺️💕

[@TiffaniS4]

@@elizabethr8174 Yes Elizabeth R! Michael sang his little heart out!!!

[@elizabethr8174]

@@TiffaniS4 He sure did!! ☺️👍🏻🎶

[@jtaylor3861]

GG..

[@jimmylovett8136]

They all put their personal toe in their versions

[@bodydoublesecurity4987]

Gloria's version reminds me of how did Jennifer Hudson on Dreamgirls.

[@Gigi-xs5km]

Isaac