The Jackson 5, “Who’s Lovin’ You” | Throwback Vibez

In the 104^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Who’s Lovin’ You” by The Jackson 5. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! In the 104^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Who’s Lovin’ You”, performed by The Jackson 5. 

Theme & Lyrics  

“When I (when I) had you (had you) / I treated you bad / And wrong, my dear / And girl since / Since you went away…” These blues-laded lyrics, depicting heartbreak and regret, hail from a surefire, Motown classic, “Who’s Lovin’ You”.  “Who’s Lovin’ You” was written by one of Motown’s most accomplished and iconic artists, singer/songwriter Smokey Robinson.  Furthermore, the original version, was recorded by him and his collective, The Miracles, commencing their 1961 album, Hi We’re The Miracles.  That said, even though this is Smokey’s song through and through, the definitive recording of this oft-covered song belongs to one 11-year-old unlike any other: Michael Jackson.  Young Michael kills it on the lead of this 1969 The Jackson 5 masterpiece, which graces their album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5.

Even though Michael Jackson was a mere kid singing about heartbreak, he sings it with an authenticity that transcends his youth and inexperience.  His tone is beautiful and mesmerizing.  Furthermore, his brothers do a bang-up job of supporting with soulful background vocals.  The updated production ( Bobby Taylor) from the early 60s rendition easily breathes new life into a near-decade-old song.  The strings add drama, the groove cooks, and the bass line is EVERYTHING.  Furthermore, those vocal runs – the melisma – is a huge selling point.  Throw in Michael’s ad-libs, and “Who’s Lovin’ You,” a song filled with love pain, sounds like heaven on earth.  Such a talent! The best lyrics, of course, arrive on the chorus – among my favorites of all-time:

“Don’t you know I

Sit around

With my head hangin’ down

And I wonder

Who’s lovin’ you.”

Final Thoughts  

I did mention this was Smokey Robinson’s song, didn’t I? Well, it no longer belonged to him after Michael Jackson got his hands on it! The Jackson 5 version will always be the definitive version – it’s timeless!

The Jackson 5 • Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5 • Motown • 1969

The Jackson 5, “Who’s Lovin’ You”: Throwback Vibez No. 104 (2022) [: Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash, Motown, The Musical Hype]