Teddy Pendergrass, Can’t We Try | Throwback Vibez

In the 78th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Can’t We Try” by soul great, Teddy Pendergrass.

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 that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 78th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Can’t We Try”, performed by soul great, Teddy Pendergrass. 

via GIPHY

Breaking up is hard to do. Truer words have never spoken. On the 1980 soul ballad, “Can’t We Try”, Teddy Pendergrass is struggling to end things with his significant other.  The breakup is inevitable, but he hates to see this result. “Come lay your head on my heart / Soon it’ll be apart, stay here to the touch of morning.” Regardless, the couple is ending things as friends, but still, it is S-A-D.  “In case I don’t see you again,” Pendergrass sings in the second verse, “Really wish you well, baby, this is hell.” Indeed, indeed. 

The crowning achievement of this gem from TP, lyrically, is the chorus.  Teddy Pendergrass is a master at balladry and “Can’t We Try” ranks among his best.  It is a shame it only managed to peak at no. 52 on the Billboard Hot 100! Anyways, he sings, lovingly:  

“Can’t we try 

Love was never born to say goodbye 

Just another helpless fool in love is what I am 

But I don’t give a damn 

Sorry, I forgot myself 

I guess that I’m just not myself.” 

Of course TP is not himself – he’s breaking up with his baby ! Even though it is a sad day for him, it is sweet music to our ears.  That music is amplified by lush production, courtesy of Teddy and  Jack Faith (who arranges).  Who penned this sheer excellence? Why, that would be Ronald Miller and Ken Hirsch. Kudos fellows! Of course, the star of the show that is “Can’t We Try” is the late, great, sexy baritone himself, Mr. Teddy Pendergrass.  

via GIPHY

Teddy Pendergrass • TP • Sony Music Entertainment • 1980 

Teddy Pendergrass, “Can’t We Try”: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 78 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony Music Entertainment; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]