Thank you from the bottom of this old girls heart for looking up these old memories...I love the 60's and I love Motown and Barry Gordie and Aretha Franklin. I grew up in Toronto (a white teen) but to this day, outside of classical music, soul and R&B is my FAVE!
This song was written by Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell, who also wrote the Four Seasons’ hits “Let’s Hang On” and “Working My Way Back to You.” Clearly someone was going for a Motown style on this one. That bass riff and the key changes add so much energy. I remember hearing this for the first time. From that opening timpani roll and the entrance of the horn section you know you’re in the hands of a group that knows exactly where they’re going with this, and you just need to buckle up and enjoy the ride.
From their 1966 album, " Working My Way Back to You" this was their 17th single released by The Four Seasons. With wonderful voices and instruments, this features a rythmic vocal hook with in each verse and a repeated danceable riff that lends to a remarkable tune. The horn section makes this tune. Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and Brandon.👏👏 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
Love the Four Seasons and this song was one of my favorites. I never thought about it, but you’re right Harri. It does sound like something the Four Tops would have done. Thanks for this Brandon and Harri. Love it. 👏👏❤️
"I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" was released in April 1965, whole "Opus 17 (Don't You Worry 'bout Me)"was released in May, 1966. So it is very possible that they wanted to get a Motown sound from this recording. Bare in mind, there was so much musical innovation in the sixties and everybody was “borrowing” from one another and then putting their own unique spin on it.
You have a great ear There were a lot of mock Motown songs in the 60s. A few of the 4 Seasons songs sounded like they were written for the 4 Tops. Their producers were intentional about covering the Motown sound.
Opus 17 was the 17th single released by The Four Seasons, thus the title, and became a top 20 hit for them. It is one of the few original hits they had that was not written or co-written by Bob Crewe (their producer) and Bob Guado (4 Seasons keyboard player and backing singer). This song was written by Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell, who also wrote their big hit "Let's Hang On."
A great song by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. It does have a great Motown feel just as many songs of the day did. Berry Gordy is quoted that he also used the early Four Seasons sound (foot stomps & hand claps) in the early Supremes hits. Billy Joel also paid tribute to The Four Seasons by utilizing their sound in Uptown Girl. A great review and thank you for keeping this great American Bands music alive.
Big Man In Town is another classic from this period of the Four Seasons. a year later they would dip their toes in "psychedelia" with Watch The flowers Grow rather more sunshine flower power pop than psych.
Have you watched any of the reunions on American PBS shows? There are some phenomenal reunion shows hosted and arranged by TJ Lubinsky I think about 2 decades ago where he brought MANY old Motown groups and individual artists to American stages for concerts. I've danced the evening away not so many years ago in front of my tv set listening to and watching these WONDERFUL concerts on PBS in America. I watched them from Canada.❤😊
Great single remember it well. I agree with mark tate's comment below about reacting to "The Night" from 4 Seasons, a superb song was recorded in 1972 for Mowest label, a subsidiary of Motown, after their move from the Philips label in late 60's. A great Northern Soul song, big UK hit, reaching No 7 in the singles chart.
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons had so many great hits together in the 60's such as "Walk Like A Man", "Let's Hang On!", "Ronnie", "Working My Way Back To You", "Big Girls Don't Cry", "I've Got You Under My Skin", "December,1963" etc.
No Harri, this song was written for the 4Seasons by 4Seasons writers-the same team that had written "Let's Hang On" and " Working My Way Back To You" but you are right about the Motownn sound --Bob Crewe their producer had instructed Charlie Calello , their arranger, to come up with a Motown sound for this group of songs- and so this is what Charlie and the guys came up with!
Most of their hits were written by one of the four boys, Bob Gautier. He was great at writing for Frankie’s voice. Gordy Berry should have had Gautier on a retainer to write hits for Motown!
Brandon - Any Frankie Valli and The Fours Seasons song is absolutely fine with me. This specific performance was a terrific choice, though as I had not heard it before. Harri, your review was particularly informative and enthusiastic. Well done to both of you!
Love your analysis Harri, very enlightening sir. While you're in Frankie Valli mode, try "Sincerely", arguably his greatest falsetto performance. His voice truly soars. And if you like that, go back even further with The Inkspots and "Yesterday". Thanks again for the work, really enjoy it. Regards Charlie.
The Ink Spots! Saw them in a really ratty looking casino in Southern Idaho many moons ago. My folks and grandfolks loved them. They still sounded great. My saddest memory of that night was the bus loads of seniors brought in to play nickel slots on gurneys.
No Mo-Town here, Harri, I grew through the years in Michigan. This is pure Jersey stuff! Other Jersey stuff- Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon, Springsteen, Whitney Houston etc. Rock Dude!
As someone who grew up listening to both The Four Seasons and the Four Tops I never made the similarities of this song to the Four Tops. Great comparison.
Harri, have you heard The Dells? They were a vocal group out of Chicago style described as Northern Soul. The lead singer had especially powerful voice. I recommend their song from 1968 “Wear It On Our Face” a great uptempo soulful tune. And yes it has horns.
YES! The Mighty, Mighty Dells! Great choice, along with "There Is". And I'd love to see Harribest react to the extended version of "Stay In My Corner".
Check out A Lover's Concerto by the toys. it was written by the same song writers. You will see some commonality. As for Motown , I don’t know, perhaps it was more the style of the mid 60s. Never the less a brilliantly written and performed song that I absolutely love. Thanks, I like your channel Harry.
Thank you from the bottom of this old girls heart for looking up these old memories...I love the 60's and I love Motown and Barry Gordie and Aretha Franklin. I grew up in Toronto (a white teen) but to this day, outside of classical music, soul and R&B is my FAVE!
One of the most under appreciated,imo, of Frankie'songs. Love the song, loved the reaction. Look forward to seeing more reactions to these gents.
This song was written by Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell, who also wrote the Four Seasons’ hits “Let’s Hang On” and “Working My Way Back to You.” Clearly someone was going for a Motown style on this one. That bass riff and the key changes add so much energy.
I remember hearing this for the first time. From that opening timpani roll and the entrance of the horn section you know you’re in the hands of a group that knows exactly where they’re going with this, and you just need to buckle up and enjoy the ride.
From their 1966 album, " Working My Way Back to You" this was their 17th single released by The Four Seasons. With wonderful voices and instruments, this features a rythmic vocal hook with in each verse and a repeated danceable riff that lends to a remarkable tune. The horn section makes this tune.
Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and Brandon.👏👏 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
Did see them in oldies concerts many times with the fo😅ur tops
Thank you sir! My favorite Four Seasons song!! 💕
Love the Four Seasons and this song was one of my favorites. I never thought about it, but you’re right Harri. It does sound like something the Four Tops would have done. Thanks for this Brandon and Harri. Love it. 👏👏❤️
I had forgotten about this gem from Frankie and the boys! Loved it!!!
Stunning song, thank you
"I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" was released in April 1965, whole "Opus 17 (Don't You Worry 'bout Me)"was released in May, 1966. So it is very possible that they wanted to get a Motown sound from this recording. Bare in mind, there was so much musical innovation in the sixties and everybody was “borrowing” from one another and then putting their own unique spin on it.
You have a great ear There were a lot of mock Motown songs in the 60s. A few of the 4 Seasons songs sounded like they were written for the 4 Tops. Their producers were intentional about covering the Motown sound.
Love the key changes.
Thanks, Brandon Watts!!! This is my favorite Four Seasons song!! Love all their stuff, but this one is particularly great!!!!
Opus 17 was the 17th single released by The Four Seasons, thus the title, and became a top 20 hit for them. It is one of the few original hits they had that was not written or co-written by Bob Crewe (their producer) and Bob Guado (4 Seasons keyboard player and backing singer). This song was written by Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell, who also wrote their big hit "Let's Hang On."
Finally, my favorite Frankie Valli song! , thanks Harri
A great song by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. It does have a great Motown feel just as many songs of the day did. Berry Gordy is quoted that he also used the early Four Seasons sound (foot stomps & hand claps) in the early Supremes hits. Billy Joel also paid tribute to The Four Seasons by utilizing their sound in Uptown Girl.
A great review and thank you for keeping this great American Bands music alive.
In July (2023) I took my 87 year old mom to see 89 year old FV! The man can still sing!!
Big Man In Town is another classic from this period of the Four Seasons. a year later they would dip their toes in "psychedelia" with Watch The flowers Grow rather more sunshine flower power pop than psych.
love love love this song! Best heard with headphones to get the full effect of the harmonies.
Have you watched any of the reunions on American PBS shows? There are some phenomenal reunion shows hosted and arranged by TJ Lubinsky I think about 2 decades ago where he brought MANY old Motown groups and individual artists to American stages for concerts. I've danced the evening away not so many years ago in front of my tv set listening to and watching these WONDERFUL concerts on PBS in America. I watched them from Canada.❤😊
They were great back in the day
frankie still is!
Great single remember it well. I agree with mark tate's comment below about reacting to "The Night" from 4 Seasons, a superb song was recorded in 1972 for Mowest label, a subsidiary of Motown, after their move from the Philips label in late 60's. A great Northern Soul song, big UK hit, reaching No 7 in the singles chart.
Quite agree with that, this is my fave song from them! Also i am big Motown fan😊
Thanks Harri..always good stuff
I grew up on DETROIT MICHIGAN
THE Motown artists were GREAT..
Thank you Harri , this is one my favorite Four Seasons songs ❤️🔥
Hola .......... Demasiado espectacular muchas gracias
Bob Gaudio was the writer along with Frankie Valli. The title meant that this was the 17th single released by the Four Seasons.
Four Tops and Four Seasons were everything!!! ❤
Thanks for this one Brandon. I always love hearing FV and the 4 Seasons. Nice insights Harri 🌺✌️
You're welcome Debbie. I think I saw you recommend it on a past FV reaction.
Next month I think I'll request "save it for me."
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons had so many great hits together in the 60's such as "Walk Like A Man", "Let's Hang On!", "Ronnie", "Working My Way Back To You", "Big Girls Don't Cry", "I've Got You Under My Skin", "December,1963" etc.
Jersey boys nothing to do with motowm ,they're in Detroit
Ain't heard THAT, in multiple DECADES!!!
Love it Harri but still can’t believe that nobody has reacted to The Night by these guys…a bit of a northern soul anthem
No Harri, this song was written for the 4Seasons by 4Seasons writers-the same team that had written "Let's Hang On" and " Working My Way Back To You" but you are right about the Motownn sound --Bob Crewe their producer had instructed Charlie Calello , their arranger, to come up with a Motown sound for this group of songs- and so this is what Charlie and the guys came up with!
P.S. The musical Jersey Boys gives you all the details. You should watch it!
Harri, please listen to Walk like a Man another great song by them. It's just a fantastic song. 😊
I love so much different music and I know so much music I couldn't make it with out my music 😊
Another fine mock-Motown song is 1-2-3 by Len Barry.
Most of their hits were written by one of the four boys, Bob Gautier. He was great at writing for Frankie’s voice. Gordy Berry should have had Gautier on a retainer to write hits for Motown!
Bob Gaudio
Correction!
Happy Friday!
Awesome song
Brandon - Any Frankie Valli and The Fours Seasons song is absolutely fine with me. This specific performance was a terrific choice, though as I had not heard it before. Harri, your review was particularly informative and enthusiastic. Well done to both of you!
This is their music.
Love your analysis Harri, very enlightening sir. While you're in Frankie Valli mode, try "Sincerely", arguably his greatest falsetto performance. His voice truly soars. And if you like that, go back even further with The Inkspots and "Yesterday". Thanks again for the work, really enjoy it. Regards Charlie.
The Ink Spots! Saw them in a really ratty looking casino in Southern Idaho many moons ago. My folks and grandfolks loved them. They still sounded great. My saddest memory of that night was the bus loads of seniors brought in to play nickel slots on gurneys.
No Mo-Town here, Harri, I grew through the years in Michigan. This is pure Jersey stuff! Other Jersey stuff- Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon, Springsteen, Whitney Houston etc. Rock Dude!
As someone who grew up listening to both The Four Seasons and the Four Tops I never made the similarities of this song to the Four Tops. Great comparison.
If you haven't already, check out "Who loves you?" and "Grease", by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
He has done "who loves you" at my request. Search harribest who loves you
Harri, have you heard The Dells? They were a vocal group out of Chicago style described as Northern Soul. The lead singer had especially powerful voice. I recommend their song from 1968 “Wear It On Our Face” a great uptempo soulful tune. And yes it has horns.
YES! The Mighty, Mighty Dells! Great choice, along with "There Is". And I'd love to see Harribest react to the extended version of "Stay In My Corner".
It’s a dance record. Their best by far if you ask me. It’s one of the few where the falsettos don’t bother me.
Check out A Lover's Concerto by the toys. it was written by the same song writers. You will see some commonality. As for Motown , I don’t know, perhaps it was more the style of the mid 60s. Never the less a brilliantly written and performed song that I absolutely love. Thanks, I like your channel Harry.
Every verse is one key higher than the one before it. Which begs the question, did Tommy DeVito actually play guitar on this one?
I think it was the other way around. Motown was influenced by the Four Seasons
They played many a concerts i saw in 70's with 4 tops.billed as oldie concerts believe it or not ,at Madison Square garden. New York city baby.😅
Good analysis of its possible origin.
There's another version of this with no key changes
Try Dan Hill - "Sometimes When We Touch".
Seasons were originally signed to Veejay Records. Black owned.
This was based on Bach's opus 17 sonatas
I think this was before Sugar Pie Honey Bunch
No motown here, this was before they went there