The Four Tops
Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Emerging from a jazz background, the Four Tops redefined themselves in 1964 with a powerful brand of soul music that captivated the world. The unmatched vocal prowess of Levi Stubbs, combined with the sophisticated harmonies of Abdul “Duke” Fakir, Renaldo “Obie” Benson, and Lawrence Payton, created an unstoppable force in music. Throughout the 1960s, the Four Tops consistently delivered hit after hit. Even after departing Motown in 1973 for ABC/Dunhill, they continued their streak of success, proving their enduring talent. Decades later, their discography remains a cornerstone of soul music – deeply emotional, heartfelt, and profoundly moving. This list of 20 of the best Four Tops Songs explores the reasons why their music continues to resonate.
20: I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)
Smokey Robinson famously called “I Can’t Help Myself” a “bang bang record,” and its instant appeal upon release in 1965 was undeniable. While undeniably poppy, the song is deeply rooted in soul, showcasing a key element of the Four Tops’ magic: vulnerability. Levi Stubbs’ commanding voice, full of power and grit, paradoxically conveys a sense of weakness and longing, making the song all the more enchanting. This track perfectly encapsulates the sweet ache of infatuation, a hallmark of classic Four Tops songs.
19: Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over)
“Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over),” released in 1966, plunges into a realm of dramatic intensity. Here, Levi Stubbs and the Four Tops embody a living nightmare, grappling with emotional turmoil. Crafted by the legendary Holland-Dozier-Holland, the writer-producers instrumental in shaping the Four Tops’ stellar career, this song is a testament to their ability to convey profound emotional depths within a popular song format. The track’s urgency and raw emotion solidify its place among the best Four Tops songs.
18: If I Were A Carpenter
Tim Hardin’s poignant classic, “If I Were A Carpenter,” has been interpreted by numerous artists, but the Four Tops sculpted a definitive soul rendition. The song’s core question – would love endure without societal expectations of status? – finds perfect resonance in Levi Stubbs’ earnest delivery. The sophisticated harmonies of Obie Benson, Duke Fakir, and Lawrence Payton provide the ideal backdrop, transforming this folk-tinged song into a soulful masterpiece. Their version stands out as a powerful and moving interpretation, highlighting the versatility of Four Tops songs.
17: Are You Man Enough
When the Four Tops transitioned from Motown to ABC-Dunhill in 1972, questions arose about their continued success outside the Motown hit-making machine. “Are You Man Enough” emphatically answered those doubts. This song, with its raw, emotive power, tapped into the zeitgeist of the era, mirroring the rise of superbad black movie heroes. Its gritty soulfulness and confident swagger proved the Four Tops remained relevant and creatively vibrant, marking a strong entry in their post-Motown catalog of Four Tops songs.
16: (It’s The Way) Nature Planned It
“(It’s The Way) Nature Planned It,” the title track from their final album of their initial Motown era, explores the theme of love as an inherent, cosmic force. Penned by Frank Wilson and Pam Sawyer, this track is characterized by its warmth, sensitivity, and soulful delivery. The Four Tops imbue the song with a gentle persuasiveness, suggesting love’s inevitability and natural place in the universe. This song showcases the softer, more reflective side of Four Tops songs.
15: A Simple Game
An unexpected collaboration in 1971 brought the Four Tops together with Mike Pinder of The Moody Blues. Pinder offered them his song “A Simple Game,” a tune that resonated with the group and surprisingly received Motown’s approval. Recorded in London with instrumental support from The Moody Blues, the resulting single became a significant hit in the UK. This unique blend of soul and progressive rock elements demonstrates the Four Tops’ willingness to experiment and their ability to transcend genre boundaries, resulting in one of the more unique Four Tops songs.
14: 7 Rooms Of Gloom
Levi Stubbs’ voice possessed an unparalleled ability to convey profound desolation, perfectly exemplified in “7 Rooms Of Gloom.” This 1967 hit paints a picture of utter emptiness and loneliness after lost love. The metaphor of rattling around a house devoid of love is powerfully evoked by Stubbs’ heart-wrenching vocal performance. Despite its stark depiction of heartbreak, the song resonated deeply with audiences, becoming another major hit in the impressive collection of Four Tops songs.
13: Still Water (Love)
Four Top Renaldo “Obie” Benson played a crucial role in shaping Marvin Gaye’s seminal album What’s Going On. While Benson’s songwriting contribution to Gaye’s masterpiece is acknowledged, his role in pioneering the album’s signature misty atmosphere with the Four Tops’ 1970 single “Still Water (Love)” is often overlooked. This track, with its introspective and socially conscious lyrics, foreshadowed the thematic and sonic direction of What’s Going On, showcasing the Four Tops’ own innovative spirit and solidifying its place amongst thoughtful Four Tops songs.
12: Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever
Taken from their classic 1966 album On Top, “Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever” may not have achieved major hit status as a single, but it remains a soulful gem. The performance is intensely emotional, highlighting the group’s ability to convey profound tenderness and affection. This song is a testament to the consistent quality of their album tracks, proving that even lesser-known Four Tops songs are worthy of recognition.
11: Ain’t No Woman (Like The One I’ve Got)
“Ain’t No Woman (Like The One I’ve Got),” a US Top 5 hit in early 1973 from their ABC debut album Keeper Of The Castle, reveals the tender, awe-struck dimension of the Four Tops’ emotional spectrum. The song celebrates the unique and irreplaceable love of a special woman, showcasing the gentler side of Levi Stubbs’ vocal delivery. This track demonstrates their continued ability to produce hits even after leaving Motown and is a prime example of uplifting Four Tops songs.
10: Your Love Is Amazing
“Your Love Is Amazing” underscores the sheer wealth of exceptional material in the Four Tops’ catalog. Originally the B-side to “It’s The Same Old Song” in 1965, this track possesses the quality and impact that many artists would aspire to for an A-side release. Its infectious energy and soulful exuberance make it a standout track, further emphasizing the depth and breadth of excellent Four Tops songs, even among their B-sides.
9: I Got A Feeling
Delving deeper into B-sides and album cuts reveals another treasure: “I Got A Feeling.” Initially featured on On Top and revered by Motown aficionados as a “deep cut” when sung by Barbara Randolph, this song is brimming with soul and memorability. Remarkably, it was never intended as a lead single, highlighting the consistently high caliber of Four Tops songs, even those not initially pushed to the forefront.
8: Yesterday’s Dreams
The title track of their 1968 album, “Yesterday’s Dreams,” marked one of the first recordings made after the departure of their mentors, Holland-Dozier-Holland, from Motown. Produced by Ivy Jo Hunter, this soulful waltz showcases a softer, more mellow direction for the group. This shift towards a gentler sound resonated with soul fans, demonstrating their adaptability and continued appeal, and adding another dimension to the spectrum of Four Tops songs.
7: It’s The Same Old Song
“It’s The Same Old Song” epitomizes a specific, vibrant Motown sound from 1965, a period when the label’s hit machine was operating at peak efficiency. This track is pure energy, practically forcing listeners to dance. Its infectious rhythm and upbeat tempo exemplify the danceable, feel-good nature of many classic Four Tops songs, perfect for any Motown playlist.
6: Ask The Lonely
As emotionally resonant as any Roy Orbison ballad, as heartbreaking as a tale of jilted love, “Ask The Lonely” showcases Levi Stubbs and the Four Tops drawing from a deep well of sadness. Released as their third hit single in 1965, the song’s poignant lyrics and Stubbs’ emotionally charged delivery create a powerful and unforgettable listening experience, making it one of the most moving Four Tops songs.
5: Something About You
The Four Tops’ fourth hit of 1965, “Something About You,” leans slightly more towards R&B, injecting a bolder, more assertive energy into their signature sound. With a driving rhythm section, a distinctive twanging guitar riff, and a spirited sax solo, the song exudes confidence and passion. Levi Stubbs’ compelling vocal performance makes every word utterly believable, solidifying its place amongst the more dynamic Four Tops songs.
4: Standing In The Shadows Of Love
Dark and brooding, “Standing In The Shadows Of Love” delves into the painful realization of impending heartbreak. The Four Tops masterfully convey the fear and uncertainty that accompany love’s darker side. This song is part of a sequence of seven consecutive hits from 1966-67 that explored themes of heartache, showcasing the group’s ability to articulate complex and painful emotions within the framework of popular song and making it one of the most emotionally resonant Four Tops songs.
3: Walk Away Renee
Originally a 1966 soft-psych hit for The Left Banke, the Four Tops infused “Walk Away Renee” with their unique soulful style the following year. This rendition highlights the tender, wistful facet of the group’s talent, resulting in yet another smash hit. Levi Stubbs delivers the song with effortless grace and sensitivity, revealing the versatility of Four Tops songs and their ability to interpret and elevate material from other genres.
2: Baby I Need Your Loving
“Baby I Need Your Loving,” the Four Tops’ debut hit and Motown introduction, launched their legendary career in the summer of 1964. The group, in collaboration with producers Holland-Dozier-Holland, crafted a song of perfect proportions, showcasing their vocal chemistry and soulful sound from the very beginning. This track marks the genesis of their iconic status and remains a foundational example of essential Four Tops songs.
1: Reach Out I’ll Be There
“Reach Out I’ll Be There” embodies power and glory and is considered by many fans to be the pinnacle of the Motown sound. This remarkably patient song builds anticipation before its chorus explodes, drilling directly into the listener’s heart. Released in 1967, “Reach Out I’ll Be There” encapsulates everything the Four Tops represented: adoration, anxiety, protectiveness, and strength. Reaching No. 1 on both sides of the Atlantic, it is undeniably the quintessential Four Tops song and a timeless classic of soul music.
Looking for more? Discover the best Motown songs of all time.
