Mitty Collier, That’ll Be Good Enough For Me | Throwback Vibez

In the 165^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “That’ll Be Good Enough For Me” by Mitty Collier.

[nx_dropcap]T[/nx_dropcap]he 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 165^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “That’ll Be Good Enough For Me” performed by Mitty Collier.

[nx_pullquote]“I’ve never been to Paris / In the spring or the fall,”[/nx_pullquote] Mitty Collier (b. 1941) sings in the first verse of the 1960s soul classic, “That’ll Be Good Enough For Me”.  Mitty, now Pastor Mitty, adds in the first verse, “I’ve never been to India / To see the Taj Mahal.” Those lyrics sound familiar, hmm 🤔.  Notably, this highlight from her compilation, Talking With Her Man: The Chess Singles 1961-1968, was written by James Cleveland, specifically, Rev. James Cleveland (“That Will Be Good Enough For Me”). Cleveland was later noted for transforming soul classics into gospel songs, including “Jesus is the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” and “Aren’t You Glad You Know The Lord”.  In the case of “That’ll Be Good Enough For Me,” Collier transformed a gospel gem into a secular song.  Many of the lyrics remain the same, but the subject of the song is changed.  Cleveland was referencing God.  Collier, a man! Oh, snap!

“But if I can make you love me / That will be good enough for me,” Collier sings, and continues, “Because in your arms, daddy / Is where I long to be.” Daddy, huh? Ooh-wee, Mitty! “That’ll Be Good Enough For Me” is set in compound-duple meter with the drums marking the six-eight time. From the beginning, the accompanying instrumental is dramatic.  What makes the instrumental striking is its bluesy, gospel-tinged piano, intact with right-hand runs, an organ straight from the church, a robust bass, and souped-up, rich horns.  Though it is secularized, “That’ll Be Good Enough For Me” sounds like a traditional, black gospel record, with horns added.  Also linking this record to the church are the husky lead vocals by Collier. She sings authentically, expressively, and sincerely.  She brings the tuneful melodies and memorable lyrics to life with flair.  Amplifying her sickening lead vocals are electrifying background vocals, which are vibrato-heavy and reminiscent of descant lines. Mitty Collier proves that desire and love can get you as fired up about The Most High… at least given the background of what this song originally was.