The Closer I Get To You - Other Versions

Other Versions

"The Closer I Get To You" has been covered many times. The first was released by Mtume on their 1978 album Kiss This World Goodbye, sung by James Mtume and Tawatha Agee. In 1994, a cover was recorded by the smooth jazz band Fourplay for their third studio album Elixir which featured R&B and smooth jazz singers Patti Austin and Peabo Bryson. Fourplay's cover of the song was described as an "undistinguished version" of the original song by Allmusic's Steven McDonald. In 1998, Dennis Brown covered the song with Janet Kay for his compilation album The Prime of Dennis Brown. This version of the song contains digital keyboards and slick production. The song was also included on Brown's compilation album Money in My Pocket: Anthology 1970-1995. In 2005, Nina Girado covered the song with Thor for her album live album Nina Live!. A writer of The Philippine Star noted that Thor "matches Nina note for note on their duet". Girado's version of the song won in the category for Best Duet Award at the Awit Awards in 2006. It was covered by Filipino acoustic band MYMP on their 2005 album Versions. Contemporary jazz guitarist Peter White covered the song on his rendition-packed album Reflections. Saxophonist Kim Waters included a version of the song on his 2007 album You Are My Lady. It features the vocals by R&B singer Lisa Fischer.

On an episode of New York Undercover, guest star singers Brandy and Tevin Campbell sang the duet at Natalie's (a club in the TV series owned by Jose Perez character Mike Torres). On an episode of Martin, Gina (played by Tisha Campbell-Martin) and singer Keith Washington performed, "The Closer I Get to You" at a party Gina was hosting. In the film Rush Hour 3, when Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan are at the French theater and the play has stopped, the song is sung by Tucker and Chan, with Tucker singing it in a high-pitched voice.