Otis Redding - My Girl / Hard To Handle

Year Released: 1965
Genre: Soul / R&B

Description:
This Stax release pairs Redding with dynamic horn arrangements and the impeccable Stax house band. “My Girl” is a tender, soul-pop reinterpretation of the Smokey Robinson classic, showcasing Redding’s emotive voice and nuanced phrasing. “Hard to Handle” is a high-energy funk-soul dance floor banger, emphasizing Redding’s raw, playful charisma with horn-driven hooks and rhythmic intensity, and was covered with equal power a year later in 1969 by Patti Drew.

“Hard to Handle” has been sampled by the likes of Masta Ace, Naughty by Nature and Kenny Dope. “My Girl” has been covered widely, most notably by Al Green, and remains a template for soul reinterpretations of Motown hits, illustrating Redding’s versatility and interpretive depth.