Work to Do

"Work to Do" is a 1972 funk song by the Isley Brothers, released on their T-Neck imprint. The song, written and produced by the group, was issued on their 1972 album, Brother, Brother, Brother, and charted at #51 pop and #11 R&B upon its initial charting.

Lyrically, the song explicates a troubled situation between a man and his girlfriend/wife, concerning the lack of quality time spent with each other. The man pleads that as much as he cannot wait to get home and spend time with her, he has a more pressing obligation/commitment to attend to work.

Credits

 * Lead vocals – Ronald Isley
 * Backing vocals – O'Kelly Isley, Jr., Rudolph Isley
 * Percussion, guitars – Ernie Isley
 * Bass, percussion – Marvin Isley
 * Piano, keyboards – Chris Jasper
 * Drums – George Moreland
 * Congas – Karl Potter

Vanessa Williams version
Vanessa Williams recorded the song for her 1991 album The Comfort Zone. In 1992, her version became a Top 5 US Billboard R&B hit at No. 3 and Top 10 US Billboard Dance hit at No. 8. It was her fifth and final single from the album.

Track listings

 * US CD maxi-single
 * 1) "Work to Do" (Radio Mix w/Rap) – 3:54
 * 2) "Work to Do" (Super Dope Remix w/Rap) – 4:52
 * 3) "Work to Do" (Ken Lou Radio Mix)" – 3:07
 * 4) "Work to Do" (Choice Club) – 6:02
 * 5) "Work to Do" (Choice Dub) – 2:30
 * 6) "Work to Do" (5-Oh Beats w/Rap) – 2:53


 * UK CD maxi-single
 * 1) "Work to Do" (7" Mix) – 3:54
 * 2) "Work to Do" (Ken Lou 7" Mix With Rap) – 3:54
 * 3) "Work to Do" (Choice Club)" – 6:02

Remixed by Kenny "Dope" Gonzales and "Little" Louie Vega

Credits

 * Lead vocals – Vanessa Williams
 * Guitar – Ira Siege
 * Backing Vocals – Táta Vega
 * Rap vocals – Dres
 * Piano – Jorgen Kaufma
 * Producer – Dr. Jam, Gerry Brown, Phase 5
 * Remix producer – Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez, "Little" Louie Vega

Other cover versions

 * Average White Band in 1974 from their album AWB, the single peaked to No. 10 on US Billboard's Disco chart.