212. The Wright Specials: “That’s What He Is To Me”
Nice enough, clumsy in places, surprisingly powerful in others – but still the best of Motown’s gospel efforts so far. (7)
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211. Marvin Gaye: “It Hurt Me Too”
In front of it all, there’s Marvin Gaye, electric, mesmerising, a star in the making. America had seen his future, just as Motown had done a year before, and it wasn’t knocking out MOR pap like “Mr Sandman”. (7)
210. Marvin Gaye: “Stubborn Kind Of Fellow”
This is one of the most important of all Motown records, not just because it’s so much fun, or because audiences have had so much fun with it, but because it marks the start of Marvin Gaye’s career proper. (8)
209. Saundra Mallett & The Vandellas: “It’s Gonna Be Hard Times”
Not a single, and hardly a classic, it’s still a nice song – but it’s a poor match of vocalist and material. (5)
208. Saundra Mallett & The Vandellas: “Camel Walk”
Really just an excuse to tell the story of Martha and the Vandellas. The record? Not terrible, by any means, not even bad – it’s just a big ol’ plate full of “totally average”, which given the pedigree of everyone involved is a crushing disappointment. (5)
207. The Creations: “You’re My Inspiration”
Beneath all the vocal howling, it’s difficult to tell whether there might be a good song buried in here somewhere. A shame, because the intro is really rather sweet, but I can’t see myself listening to this again. (1)
206. The Creations: “This Is Our Night”
Fun enough in its way, but already dated even by 1962 standards, and the performances are a let-down. (5)
205. Mary Wells: “Old Love (Let’s Try It Again)”
It’s not terrible or anything; it’s just not up to the standards set either by Mary, by the A-side, or by the Holland-Dozier-Gorman trio themselves, and has to go down as a bit of a disappointment. From small acorns, and all that. (5)
204. Mary Wells: “You Beat Me To The Punch”
Mary Wells scored her first number one record with her best single to date, the Motown quality threshold going up and up with each passing month; perfectly judged, enticing and mesmerising, this is one of the best records of 1962. (9)
203. The Marvelettes: “Someday, Someway”
This is one of the best records the Marvelettes ever made, and it simply couldn’t have been left hidden away on the album. (9)
202. The Marvelettes: “Beechwood 4-5789”
The whole thing just works, and it’s fun, and young, and summery, and I love it. (7)
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