![]() 43: Everybody Needs Love (Gladys Knight And The Pips) In between, they taped utterly amazing records at Motown, such as this bruising 1966 dancer. They gained acclaim for helping to change soul in the 70s by adding rock guitar, and did the original version of “Twist And Shout” (later covered by The Beatles on their debut album, Please Please Me). A wild version supplied a much-needed UK hit for The Fall in 1987.Ĭlick to load video 44: Take Some Time Out For Love (The Isley Brothers) With a chorus driven into your brain by a guitar like an angry hornet, this has the pop fashion of 1967 all over it. One doozy of a catchy song, penned by Motown backroom legends Holland-Dozier-Holland alongside Canadian singer Richard Dean Taylor. 47: There’s A Ghost In My House (R Dean Taylor) Perhaps The Velvelettes needed more attention, or to shout louder – but they surely had talent to spare. 48: Needle In A Haystack (The Velvelettes)Īn early marker of success for up and coming super-producer Norman Whitfield, this irresistible single was one of just two US Hot 100 entries for a girl group signed to a record company awash with them. But you can still hear a strong current of R&B and an undertow of gospel in this thrilling floor-filler and all-time mod mover. The classic Motown sound was starting to fully flow by the end of 1963, when “Can I Get A Witness” was released. Assertive, powerful, and groovy, this 1966 smash is beautifully delivered by the great Eddie Kendricks.Ĭlick to load video 49: Can I Get A Witness (Marvin Gaye) 50: Get Ready (The Temptations)Īn anthem from the first hitmaking phase of The Temptations’ career, when their songs were laid on by Smokey Robinson – a sure sign of soul of the highest order. It’s since been one of the tracks used in countless TV shows and films to stand in for the 1960s as a decade, ensuring that this Motown song will continue to resonate for generations to come. This massive hit for The Four Tops wasn’t just a No. ![]() 51: I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) (The Four Tops) While the sentiment was downcast, it resonated with listeners at the time (it nearly reached the top of the Billboard charts) and today (the album from which it was taken, What’s Going On was named the #1 record in the 2020 Rolling Stone list of the best albums of all-time). ![]() Marvin Gaye’s poignant song about the environment only becomes more relevant as time goes on. 52: Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) (Marvin Gaye) It would go on to be covered countless times in the following decades. The Isley Brothers only recorded songs for Motown for a short time, but they made a mighty impact with this pleading Holland–Dozier–Holland gem. 53: This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You) (The Isley Brothers) This tune, co-written by Stevie Wonder, was the group’s most successful song for Motown, reaching No. The Spinners would go off to record more for Atlantic Records, but you can understand why Motown wanted to get in on the ground floor of this talented vocal group. The movie for which it was written is largely forgotten today, but the song will be remembered forever. It’s a perfect marriage of two distinct and talented voices. One of the greatest duets ever, this Lionel Richie-penned tune topped the Billboard charts for nine weeks. 55: Endless Love (Lionel Richie & Diana Ross)
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