Freddie Scott, (You) Got What I Need | Throwback Vibez

In the 42nd edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “(You) Got What I Need” by Freddie Scott.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 42^nd edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “(You) Got What I Need” performed by Freddie Scott.

“Oh baby you, you got what I need / You got everything I need / You’re like medicine to me, oh baby.” Soul singer/songwriter Freddie Scott (1933 – 2007) recorded a surefire classic with “(You) Got What I Need”.  Released as a single in 1968, it failed to chart on the pop charts (bummer) but reached the top 30 on the R&B charts. “(You)” was written and produced by the iconic duo of Songwriting and Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Kenneth Gamble (1943 – ) and Leon Huff (1942 -).  As always, Gamble and Huff ‘put their foot’ into this one!

“(You) Got What I Need” features soulful production, characteristic of the 1960s.  Even early on, Gamble and Huff were ‘sickening’ – the musicianship is top-notch. Among the sounds that stand out is an ‘old-school,’ upright piano, which features one of the most important riffs of the song. Additionally, the sound palette shines thanks to the vibraphone, bright, accented horns, big bass, rhythmic guitar, and an electrifying drum groove. Freddie Scott matches the sweet backdrop, delivering commanding lead vocals. “In a world of salty tears / So afraid and so full of fears / So glad you saved me, dear,” Scott sings in the first verse, asserting in the second, “I was drowning in the sea of love / Going down for the third time / You came and saved me dear.” Scott receives supportive background vocals.  At times, there is call and response between him and background vocals (“Don’t ever stop them, dear (Stop ‘em dear)”). The chorus, excerpted earlier, is the section to beat.  More popular than “(You) Got What I Need”, a classic that deserved far more attention, is the song that sampled it, the Biz Markie rap hit, “Just A Friend”. Ultimately, Freddie Scott ‘brought it’ on this underrated ‘60s gem.

Freddie Scott // Cry To Me – The Best of Freddie Scott // Sony Music Entertainment // 1998

Freddie Scott, (You) Got What I Need: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 42 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]