The Isley Brothers vs. The Main Ingredient | Head 2 Head

In the 13^th edition of Head 2 Head (2025), The Isley Brothers and The Main Ingredient contend for the best rendition of “Work to Do.”

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians performing the same song and compare their performances.  After deliberation, we decide which performance is the best or moves us more subjectively.  In the 13^th edition of Head 2 Head (2025), The Isley Brothers and The Main Ingredient contend for the best rendition of “Work to Do”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. The Isley Brothers, “Work to Do”

The Isley Brothers // Brother, Brother, Brother // Sony Music Entertainment // 1972

“Oh, I-I got work to do (I got work to do) / I got work, baby! (I got work to do).” The Isley Brothers have hit after hit after hit.  They are one of the most successful funk/soul groups ever.  “Work To Do” marks another triumphant moment for the collective.  It is the fifth track from their 1972 album, Brother, Brother, Brother. Ronald Isley (1941 – ), Rudolph Isley (1939 – 2023), and O’Kelly Isley (1937 – 1986) wrote and produced it. Although it performed better on the soul charts, “Work To Do” impacted the pop charts, peaking at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100.

So, what makes this ‘employment’ song a bop? It begins with a sweet, percussion-heavy groove, thanks to the drumming of George Moreland and the conga playing of Karl Potter. Chris Jasper (1951 – 2025) excels on the keys, a key cog in the success of the musical backdrop.  Marvin Isley (1953 – 2010) lays down the big, robust bass line.  Meanwhile, Ron Isley ‘eats up’ the lead vocals.  He sounds assertive and expressive, giving his all.  Those pipes ooze with soul. “I’m taking care of business, woman, can’t you see / I gotta make it for you, and I’ve gotta make it for me,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “Well, I’d like to spend some more time / But I got so many things to do.” In the second, he asserts, he mentions the necessity for money, advising her, “You might as well get used to / Me coming home a little late.” As for brothers Rudolph and O’Kelly, they back up Ron superbly in the infectious chorus excerpted above. Perhaps Ron does have ample “Work To Do”, but regarding this underrated Isley Brothers classic, I have ‘no notes’ – its excellence speaks for itself!  

Appears in :

• The Isley Brothers, Work To Do: Throwback Vibez 66 (2025) 

2. The Main Ingredient, “Work to Do”

The Main Ingredient // Afrodisiac // RCA // 1973

“Sometimes it seems, girl, I’m neglecting you / Well, I’d love to spend more time / But I’ve got so many things to do.” After the iconic R&B collective The Isley Brothers originally wrote and recorded “Work To Do” in 1972, another renowned R&B group, The Main Ingredient, covered it in 1973. “Work to Do” in the hands of Cuba Gooding Sr. (1944 – 2017) and company appears as the fourth track on their album, Afrodisiac.  The Isley Brothers are a hard act to follow, but The Main Ingredient holds their own!

So, what makes The Main Ingredient rendition of “Work To Do” the sugar, honey, iced tea? It begins with the commanding, ripe lead vocals by Cuba Gooding Sr., who has some vocal similarities to Ron Isley. The key and the melody suit Cuba without a hitch.  His voice was one of the purest you’ll ever hear. Beyond the once-in-a-lifetime Gooding, The Main Ingredient sounds marvelous on backing vocals supporting their frontman.  The harmonies are beautiful, tight, and ‘on point.’ Adding to the allure and fun of the song is a spoken word interlude between the hard-working man and his neglected girlfriend/spouse.  Like the original, The Main Ingredient’s cover features a soulful backdrop comprising keys, bass, drums, percussion, and orchestra (soaring strings and exuberant, articulated horns). Silvestor Simmons excels behind the boards.  Naturally, there are similarities between these versions released within a year of each other, but there are distinct differences with this arrangement. Top-notch vocals and elite production work make “Work to Do” by The Main Ingredient sublime.

Appears in :

• The Main Ingredient, Work to Do: Covers No. 12 (2025)

The Verdict  

So, who had more “Work to Do” better ?  Was it the original, bright and funky take by The Isley Brothers (1972) or the fabulous first cover by The Main Ingredient (1973)? As stated earlier, The Main Ingredient holds their own on “Work To Do.” Not only do they distinguish themselves, but they also retain the sanctity of The Isley Brothers’ version. Cuba Gooding Sr. was a vocal force.  But who did it first? The Isley Brothers.  Ron and company charted another song on the Billboard Hot 100.  Sure, it was a modest hit compared to their biggest songs, but it still impacted the pop charts, which is notable.  Also, because there isn’t a monumental difference between the original and the first cover – “Work To Do” has been covered many more times – I roll with The Isleys on this one.

The Isley Brothers vs. The Main Ingredient: Head 2 Head No. 13 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; RCA, Sony Music Entertainment; Israel Torres, KoolShooters, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]