Latimore vs. O.V. Wright | Head 2 Head

In the 22nd edition of Head 2 Head (2025), Latimore and O.V. Wright contend for the best rendition of “Let’s Straighten It Out.”

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 22^nd edition of Head 2 Head (2025), Latimore and O.V. Wright contend for the best rendition of “Let’s Straighten It Out”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!  

1. Latimore, “Let’s Straighten It Out” 

“Now, how in the hell you expect me to understand? / When I don’t even know what’s wrong.” Gifted blues and soul musician Latimore (Benjamin William Lattimore, 1939 – ) composed and performed a classic with “Let’s Straighten It Out”.  It was first released as the fourth track on his 1974 album, More, More, More.  He re-recorded it on his 1983 album, I’ll Do Anything For You. “Straighten” impacted the pop charts, peaking at number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It spent two weeks atop the Hot Soul singles (now the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs). “Let’s Straighten It Out” is set in a minor key. The instrumental dominates nearly the first two minutes of the song. It benefits from a fantastic drum groove, anchoring bass line, and a brilliant-sounding keyboard, initially comping a simple, syncopated rhythm. Eventually, those keys deliver a bluesy solo with great licks and riffs.

Latimore sings his first note nearly two minutes in.  He sounds expressive, sincere, and soulful.  His tone is marvelous. He is trying to get to the bottom of the situation. “Now, if you tired ‘n’ you don’t wan’ be bothered, baby / Just say the word and I’ll leave you ‘lone,” he sings in the second verse, concluding, “Instead of layin’ out cryin’ yo’ eyes out, baby / You and me oughta be getting it on.” He truly brings the oomph to the second verse. He gets the assistance of background vocals in the chorus, upping the ante. During the song’s centerpiece, he maintains his authenticity and energy, but never over sings. It’s giving a cool but potent energy, nonetheless.  

“Let’s straighten it out, baby

Let’s straighten it out, honey

Let’s straighten it out

Let’s straighten it out.”

Latimore kills it on “Let’s Straighten Out”, which has been covered by various other musicians.

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2. O.V. Wright, “Let’s Straighten It Out”

“Sit yourself down, girl, and talk to me / Tell me what’s on your mind.” Ooh-wee! It’s giving a heart-to-heart talk! Tennessee blues and R&B musician O.V. Wright (1939 – 1981) didn’t live long, but he charted a trio of songs on the pop charts and left behind some enduring, worthwhile musical gems.  One such gem was a Latimore cover, “Let’s Straighten It Out”. “Let’s Straighten It Out” was the fifth track from The Bottom Line, released in 1978. In the first verse, he continues, conversing with her, “Don’t keep on telling me everything’s okay / ‘Cause if you were then you wouldn’t be crying.”

“Let’s Straighten It Out” shines from the beginning.  The drum groove anchors, establishing the soulful aesthetic.   The piano is key, delivering stellar comping, bluesy riffs, and a well-rounded solo.  The rhythm section is locked in. Upping the ante on this joint instrumentally is the orchestra.  Lush strings, crisply articulated, biting brass, nor more legato woodwinds (the oboe during the chorus is awe-inspiring) never grow stale.  The riffs riff hard from the instrumentalists. O.V. Wright matches, better yet, exceeds the glory of instrumental! He sings with authenticity, ample personality, and expression.  His distinct, southern pipes ‘eat’ from the first note that he sings. The first verse is sweet, while he lets loose even more in the second. “For the last five nights, honey, when we went to bed  / Whoa, I could tell something just wasn’t right,” he sings, concluding, “When you turn your back to me and cover your head / Or you didn’t even say goodnight.” Oh, snap!  His bread is its most buttery in the chorus, where he tells his baby, “Let’s straighten it out, baby / …You know we can straighten it out.” He differentiates his rendition from the original with additional instrumentation, a short runtime, and some tweaked lyrics. O.V. Wright deserved far more recognition in his brief lifetime. “Let’s Straighten Out” is nothing short of da bomb dot com!

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The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️

So… who straightened it out better? Was it the original recording by the songwriter, Latimore, or the alluring, flavorful cover by O.V. Wright? Tough, y’all.  Both Latimore and Wright brought their A game to their respective performances. Latimore had the biggest hit of his career with “Let’s Straighten It Out”, which topped the R&B charts and impacted the pop charts.  Wright didn’t earn the same accolades, but had you not heard the original by Latimore, you might assume Wright’s rendition was the definitive version. He adds some additional instrumentation, changes a few words, and makes some tweaks that distinguish it from Benny’s original.  Ultimately, I give the slight edge to Latimore, who wrote it and achieved a notable career accolade. But, it’s close.  Both versions are superb!

Winner: Latimore

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