| If I Could Build My Whole World Around You | |
| Cover: | If I Could Build My Whole World Around You label.jpg |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell |
| Album: | United |
| B-Side: | If This World Were Mine |
| Released: | November 14, 1967 |
| Recorded: | Hitsville USA
|
| Genre: | Soul, pop |
| Length: | 2:26 |
| Label: | Tamla 54161 |
| Producer: | Harvey Fuqua Johnny Bristol |
| Prev Title: | Your Precious Love |
| Prev Year: | 1967 |
| Title2: | If This World Were Mine |
| Next Title: | Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing |
| Next Year: | 1968 |
"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 | |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 10 | |
| US Best Selling R&B Singles (Billboard) | 2 |