Last night in Addison, I went to a drive-in concert with a rhythm & blues band, All Funk Radio Show. There were 50-60 people there. Everyone in the field next to the stage had to stay in their cars for the entire concert, unless they went to the bathroom. You were supposed to bring your own food. I parked on a street outside the field, so was able to get outside of my car and dance a couple of times when the mood struck me — especially when they played Aretha Franklin’s “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” and The Supremes “Stop! In the Name of Love.” It was a hot, sultry night in Texas, and I was grateful for the food truck (maybe illegal?) that sold mango ice. Across the street at Addison Circle Park, there were small groups of people listening to the music in folding chairs or on blankets. Listening to the groovy music made me realize how much I really LOVE Motown.
According to uDiscoverMusic, drawn from a decades-long catalog that’s a gift that keeps giving and giving, the best Motown songs not only defined their era, they remain timeless examples of classic pop. That Berry Gordy turned his independent, Detroit-based soul imprint into one of the biggest record labels of all time is achievement enough. That its songs still sit among the greatest and most soulful ever recorded is testament to the relentless quality of the artists and songwriters Gordy hired. Some of the best Motown songs are listed below.
1. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough ̶ Marvin Gaye And Tammi Terrell
One of the crowning glories of pop’s 60s revolution, one of the greatest soul records of all time and — for many fans — Motown’s peak. Written by Ashford And Simpson, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” melded gospel roots with heavenly soul within a musical backdrop that swooped from gentle valleys to staggering highs. Gaye and Terrell never sounded better, solo or in union — soul with ambition, soaked in passion.
2. Someday We’ll Be Together ̶ Diana Ross And The Supremes
Diana says farewell to The Supremes with a version of the 1961 Johnny And Jackey duet that manages to be both resigned and hopeful. The arrangement is surprisingly similar; the producer is Johnny Bristol — Johnny of Johnny And Jackey. The terrible irony is The Supremes didn’t sing on it at all, though you can hear Bristol’s voice urging Diana onwards and upwards.
3. Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone ̶ The Temptations
The Undisputed Truth did it first in 1972, but The Temptations landed the smash hit the following year with this version full of badass badness. The group apparently had doubts about dissing their “dads,” who were all upright folk — fabulous, fictional funk.
4. I Heard It Through the Grapevine ̶ Marvin Gaye
Marvin wasn’t the first singer to record “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” and wasn’t the first to hit with it, that plaudit going to Gladys Knight and the Pips. But his slower, altogether more spooked version was the one that stuck — massive in 1968, massive today.
5. What Becomes of the Brokenhearted ̶ Jimmy Ruffin
The brother of The Temptations’ lead singer grabs his chance with a desolate story of a land of loneliness. Always bigger in Britain than he was in the US, Ruffin nonetheless made U.S. No.7 with a tune that turns on the soul taps until his cup of misery overflows.
6. I Want You Back ̶ Jackson 5
Full of beans, the boys from Gary, Indiana, break big with their first Tamla single, sounding like a junior Sly and The Family Stone crossed with a teenage Temptations. Released in 1969, a chart-topper in 1970, it was the birth of a legend.
7. The Tracks Of My Tears ̶ The Miracles
Another miracle from Smokey Robinson, this confessional wailer was a No.10 U.S. hit in 1965 — but should have been bigger. Things are not what they seem, admits Smokey, a topic he also dealt with in “Tears Of A Clown.” His pain was our gain.
8. Stop! in the Name Of Love ̶ The Supremes
Ain’t no use sneakin’ around, boy; The Supremes know what you are up to in a song that serves as both a plea for being treated better and a fierce admonition. The use of the word “charms” is totally toxic. If the fella took no notice, he’s got no soul.
9. Sir Duke ̶ Stevie Wonder
Stevie’s 1976 tribute to the swing jazz giants who inspired him as a kid is delivered with such joy that it could have been the work of “Sir” Duke Ellington himself — though far funkier. A happy and glorious 1977 No.1.
10. My Girl ̶ The Temptations
Smokey replied to his own song for Mary Wells with this wonderful record, Robert White’s simple but effective guitar figure contrasting beautifully with David Ruffin’s powerful vocal. Tender yet sprightly, it’s regarded as The Temptations’ theme song.
Thanks SO much sis! I knew you would like this one.
Loved this Mary! So enjoyed listening to all the great music. Sounds like you had a good time!