"I Wish It Would Rain" is a 1967 song recorded by the Temptations for the Motown label (under the "Gordy" imprint) and produced by Norman Whitfield.

Release

Issued with the Melvin Franklin-led "I Truly, Truly Believe" as its

B-side The A-side and B-side are the two sides of phonograph records and cassettes; these terms have often been printed on the labels of two-sided music recordings. The A-side usually features a recording that its artist, producer, or record company ...

, "I Wish It Would Rain" peaked for three weeks in February and March 1968 at number four on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 pop singles chart and at the number-one position on the ''Billboard'' R&B singles chart. The single was the focal point of the Temptations' 1968 album '' The Temptations Wish It Would Rain''. '' Billboard'' described the single as an "easy beat blues rocker" that "will soar to the top in short order." '' Cash Box'' said that "touches of Bacarachian style add a refreshingly new dimension to the terrific sound of the Temptations" and that "hard percussion and coasting strings give a solidity and gentleness to the soul vocal."

Personnel

* Lead vocals by

David Ruffin David Eli Ruffin (born Davis Eli Ruffin;Ribowsky, p. 88 January 18, 1941 – June 1, 1991) was an American soul singer and musician most famous for his work as one of the lead singers of the Temptations (1964–68) during the group's "Cla ...

* Background vocals by Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin,

Paul Williams Paul Williams may refer to: Authors * Paul O. Williams (1935–2009), American science-fiction author and poet * Paul L. Williams (author) (born 1944), FBI consultant, journalist * Paul Williams (journalist) (1948–2013), American founder of mu ...

, and Otis Williams * Written by Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong, and Rodger Penzabene * Produced by Norman Whitfield * Instrumentation by The Funk Brothers.

Cover versions

"I Wish It Would Rain" has been covered by a number of artists, including: * The Faces recorded a 1973 cover, which was a hit in the United Kingdom. * Gladys Knight & the Pips, peaking in the US at number 41 pop and 15 R&B. *

Aretha Franklin Aretha Louise Franklin ( ; March 25, 1942 – August 16, 2018) was an American singer, songwriter and pianist. Referred to as the "Queen of Soul", she has twice been placed ninth in ''Rolling Stone''s "100 Greatest Artists of All Time". With ...

, on the 1983 album '' Get It Right''. * New Zealand singer songwriter, Jon Stevens recorded and released a version of the song in 1994, with money raised benefiting drought-stricken farmers. The song peaked at number 49 in New Zealand. *

Bruce Springsteen Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen (born September 23, 1949) is an American singer and songwriter. He has released 21 studio albums, most of which feature his backing band, the E Street Band. Originally from the Jersey Shore, he is an originat ...

recorded the song for his 2022 album '' Only the Strong Survive''.

Notes

{{authority control 1967 singles 1968 singles 1973 singles 1994 singles 2007 singles The Temptations songs Marvin Gaye songs Gladys Knight & the Pips songs Jon Stevens songs Renée Geyer songs Ike & Tina Turner songs Songs written by Barrett Strong Songs written by Norman Whitfield Songs written by Rodger Penzabene Song recordings produced by Norman Whitfield Gordy Records singles 1967 songs Songs about loneliness Songs about infidelity Songs about heartache Songs about weather