442. The Four Tops: “Call On Me”
Even if the Tops and Andantes are underused on what turns out to be a rather slight little song, it still all sounds rather lovely. And I’d listen to these guys sing the ingredients off a bottle of HP Sauce. (5)
Category Archives: Writing credit: Holland-Dozier-Holland
441. The Four Tops: “Baby I Need Your Loving”
The first time on Motown Junkies we’ve come across a record that on its very first play, right out of the box, made me think it might be the best record that’s ever been made. (10)
440. Mary Wells: “Guarantee (For A Lifetime)”
Crass and tacky in every possible sense, and Mary comes across as already too dignified for this sort of thing. (2)
433. The Supremes: “Where Did Our Love Go”
A magnificent pop record, at once cold and stately and also swaggering and hip-shaking, and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hearing it for as long as I live. (10)
418. Eddie Holland: “Just Ain’t Enough Love”
As perfect an encapsulation of everything Motown had been working towards all of these years as we’ve yet seen, and more importantly it just happens to be a great pop single to boot. (9)
406. Martha & the Vandellas: “In My Lonely Room”
I’m not really surprised that this wasn’t the big hit to revive the Vandellas’ commercial fortunes – it’s just not that kind of a song, greatly enjoyable though it is – but that doesn’t mean it’s not both a fascinating listen and a super dancer.
401. The Andantes: “If You Were Mine”
The Andantes gave us plenty of magical moments during their time at Motown; it’s only a shame that their sole single release under their own names doesn’t quite reach those same dizzy heights. (6)
400. The Andantes: “(Like A) Nightmare”
A kick in the teeth for the “real” Andantes, but at least future listeners got a lively and engaging record out of the bargain; a mix of underhanded tricks and decent songcraft resulting in a pretty good dance record. (5)
398. R. Dean Taylor: “My Lady Bug Stay Away From That Beatle”
Motown’s ear for this sort of thing was improving all the time, resulting in less atrocities year on year. That they didn’t actually end up releasing this is actually almost something of a pity; this is silly, silly stuff alright, but it’s definitely not awful. (4)
393. Marvin Gaye: “You’re A Wonderful One”
Much, much more than the derivative sum of its musical parts, pretty much entirely thanks to the band and to Marvin himself, now every bit the superstar.
384. The Supremes: “I’m Giving You Your Freedom”
Not awful or anything, but this is a relic from an age already past, and there was very much better to come. Try the A-side, for starters. (5)
Motown Junkies 