I've Got to Use My Imagination

"I've Got to Use My Imagination" is a song recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips. Released from the hit album, Imagination, which was their debut album with Buddah Records. It was a success on the soul and pop charts, spending a week at number one on the Hot Soul Singles chart in early 1974 and peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.^[1] It became one of the band's highest charting songs and eventually sold more than one million copies.

"I've Got to Use My Imagination"
Single by Gladys Knight & the Pips
from the album Imagination
B-side	"I Can See Clearly Now"
Released	November 1973
Genre	Psychedelic soul funk
Length	3:29
Label	Buddah
Songwriter(s)	Gerry Goffin, Barry Goldberg
Producer(s)	Kenny Kerner
Gladys Knight & the Pips singles chronology
"Midnight Train to Georgia" (1973) "I've Got to Use My Imagination" (1973) "Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me" (1974)

On the television series A Different World, Whitley, Jaleesa and another classmate perform the song to audition to sing backup for Gladys Knight (who made a special guest appearance on the show).

The song has been covered by such artists as Joan Osborne, Professor RJ Ross, Bobby Bland, Joe Cocker and The Rides. Ian Moss recorded a version for his sixth studio album, Soul on West 53rd (2009).

Charts

Chart (1973-1974)	Peak position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100	4
U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles	1