that was back in the day when the hit formula was about 2:30...producers thought anything longer the listener would lose interest....then came the rockers of the later 60s and threw the formula out the window.
I don't connect with most of today's radio hits but every generation of listeners has its own preferred sound and style. Young people now are used to computer-generated everything and their music is made to adapt to their listening habits on various devices and phones etc. In Motown's hey-day the Motown singles were tested to see how they would sound on car radios or perhaps even transistor radios as that was how young people were listening to music then. As Nina Simone says in one of her songs, "Everything Must Change". As far s I'm concerned there is no comparison between musicians playing live in the studio and a couple guys turning dials and knobs and punching in computer generated instruments. You can almost sense the musicians having a good time on this record; the grooves reflect that real life energy.
This is probably one of my all time favourite songs, but that doesn't mean everything from that era is better than all the music of the past 50 years. I like just about any genre. Don't limit yourself to one particular style, you'd be missing out. First time I became aware of this song is through the series Tour of Duty.
Motown Mondays -love It! Thanks JV. Now you'll hear real singing. This is what I listened to, danced to, fell in love to, back in England. Just can't beat motown imo.
Love this song!!! As to Levi's singing, Eddie Holland wrote the song at the top of Levi's vocal range to increase the emotional hurt sound of his voice.
Best time of my musical life growing up in Detroit listening to Motown and Classic Rock. I am 81 now living in San Diego. A white gal. The best looking member of the Tops was Levi Stubbs. The last original member, Duke Fakir.died recently. May they all rest in peace
You did indeed! Back in England too, the Four Tops and other great Motown groups were part of the soundtrack of my early - mid-teens, dancing with friends at the local disco.. happy days... :-)
man you cannot go wrong, nor can you beat 60s-70s soul. SO many great artists to hear...these guys, the temptations, marvin gaye, odis redding, wilson pickett, the supremes, aretha franklin, al green...the list goes on and on. it was a golden era. nothing today can hold a candle to this stuff. as for the Tops....my favorites...Bernadette, Standing in the Shadows of love.
Never get enough of the Four Tops. This is great. Try Bernadette and Standing In The Shadows of love. Levi Stubbs was so great. The good thing is his music will live on for generations to come. Great music never gets old.
I remember riding down the street in the car with the windows down and this song on the radio, singing along. They were so talented and had so many hits over the years. This is my favorite. All the girls wished they had a man to love them like this.
The Four Tops hold the distinction of performing for 40 years without a single membership change. It was only deaths and illnesses that caused the to change members. Duke Fakir is the only original member left in the group, but two of the current members are sons of original members.
In 1980 my best friend took me, as a 21st Birthday surprise, to a club in Berkeley CA to see The Four Tops and they were fantastic. All original members, including Levi Stubbs, their lead singer. EVERYONE was up and dancing through the show...
Oh my! I haven't thought of the 4 Tops in so long! They really were a FANTASTIC group! I loved ALL their music! "Sugar Pie Honey Bunch" is a great one to listen to; and "The Same Old Song" is a really good one, too. This is another group, though, that, no matter what you choose, it's gonna be great! Love you reaction!
I was 9 years old when this song came out. My Dad loved the Four Tops, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, anything Motown. I'm glad my Dad had such great taste in music.
I once bought an imported 45 (Detroit Tamala Motown) in England with Marvin Gaye's 'Heard it through the grapevine' on one side and it should have been him on the other side too, but it was Tammy Terrell. First time I had heard her. I wish I still had that copy.
A great group of singers. A shoutout for the backing band (the Funk Brothers). They gave Motown their sound and were behind many of Motown‘s groups/singers.
The Four Tops were among the best! Being a Motown Mama, I grew up to all this wonderful music. I'm a little older now but still kickin'. Levi Stubbs son, Levi is one of my regular customers. Super easy going, down to earth, sweet man. Love your reactions!
Yes. Loved this song. Such a powerful song. Fantastic vocals. So great to dance to as a 20 year old college kid then. Songs like this were SO more important than the evening news !
If you were at a dance, it didn't matter that the Motown songs were short, as there was always another cued up ready to play. A whole evening of 3 minute wonders in a relentless roll of music and dancing.
I was born in 1962, I was the youngest of seven kids (my little brother didn’t appear on the scene until 1970). I can remember all of us piling in the car, headed for town. All the windows were rolled down and we all sang along with this song as it played on the radio, at almost full blast. Mom wouldn't let us play the radio at ‘full blast’…she was always afraid we’d blow the speakers.
This song came out before I was even born! I think this is probably one of THE best songs ever put on a record! Levi Stubbs is just in a class by himself. This song NEVER gets old!
Great reaction my friend! Music from the 50's and 60's , rock and roll and Motown, this was the golden age of music! Just about every singer and group from these eras are legends. Singers who didn't use auto tune but just their voices...awesome! Keep doing these videos and your knowledge of music will be greatly expanded...Enjoy the ride!
The Four Tops were, to me, one of the best back then! I really look forward to when you check out some Smokey Robinson and The Miracles! They will blow you away too! Smokey's voice is incredible!
Story about meeting the "Four Tops" ....We were Las Vegas in 1994 ...staying at the Flamingo....the Four Tops were singing in the lounge ...My husband had gotten lost and couldn't find his room in the hotel so he wandered into the lounge when the "Tops" were onstage....and he (being a lot tipsy) got right up front ...having a great time...the "Tops" got him up onstage and he sang with them...it was the highlight of this trip for him...he never found his hotel room that night.....He was so relieved when he saw my Dad in the lobby the next morning....Dad was bringing him back to the hotel room ...when the elevator doors swung open....there stood the Four Tops...going to their rooms....they greeted my husband with hugs and claps on the back .. My Dad (old white man) was amazed.... he (Dad) told this story until the end of his life, claiming he always knew all black people know one another....LOL...
I remember that I hadn't been in this country very long when I heard Motown songs and their emotion and soul, I was instantly addicted at a very young age.
The Four Tops was the first group I ever saw live. They visited a town just 6 miles away from where I live in the UK. They performed in a small theater that only held around 200 people, but still managed to put on a fantastic show!
I was a sophomore at the University of New Mexico in 1967. We had a nationally ranked basketball team, on which all the first string players were towering, magnificent black men. The Student Union had a sort of bistro/playroom/bowling alley in the basement. In the afternoons in the cafe area, those sharply-dressed players would do their own dance routine to this song. Every guy on campus was intimidated by them; they were waaay cool. One of my most vivid memories of my college days!
Another fave of mine. Songs: Same Old Song, Baby I Need Your Lovin', Ain't No Woman Like The One I Got, It's The Same Old Song. Another group you can checkout are The Stylistics: Betcha My Golly Wow, Breakup To Makeup , I'm Stone In Love With You, Stop, Look, And Listen.
I saw them in 1967 in an arena that has since been torn down in Commack , NY. A fight broke out not far from the stage and old wooden folding chairs and punches were being thrown with police soon in the mix and these guys didn't miss a beat and kept on singing through it all sometimes looking at each other and smiling . They put on a great show !
LMAO!!! You really crack me up!!!! Hahahaha....lol.....hahaha...You are in Love again with The Four Tops, OMG!!!! Hahahaha...lol....haahha...The Four Tops stole your heart!!!!!
The O' Jays were on the Philly International Records label, same label as Harold Melvin &the Bluenotes, Patti Labelle (for awhile), Teddy Pendergrass, Dee Dee Sharp, McFadden& Whitehead, etc. You're right. He should do a reaction video listening to "For the Love of Money", a brilliant record.
Yes, "Sugar Pie Honey Bunch", otherwise known as "I Can't Help Myself", would be a good next 4 Tops song. Also good are "It's the Same Old Song" and "Ask the Lonely".
They are amazing! Feel lucky that I got to have them be part of what I remember growing up. 😍💃
"The only thing wrong with this song is that it was so short." Welcome to Motown 😭 Plenty of great groups to explore tho!
They sure packed a lot of music and sentiment in a few minutes. A musical punch!
that was back in the day when the hit formula was about 2:30...producers thought anything longer the listener would lose interest....then came the rockers of the later 60s and threw the formula out the window.
These songs had more sentiment and more feeling than the nowdays crap
Look for the version reach out I’ll be there purfection
It’s an extended version 👍🏻
Songs were short, sadly, to 'whitewash' songs for 2-minute radio play. 🙄🙄🙄
I was 17 when this song came out. Love the Four Tops. Saw them in Concert a few times. Love all their music
Excellent song. Love The Four Tops.
Oh yes, Levi's voice is phenomenal.
Had the great pleasure of seeing the four tops perform this in concert pure gold
Love them, such talent
Another great band is the Stylistics, amazing voices and songs
Is there ANYONE who is honest with themselves who sees and hears this and prefers what is seen today???
I don't connect with most of today's radio hits but every generation of listeners has its own preferred sound and style. Young people now are used to computer-generated everything and their music is made to adapt to their listening habits on various devices and phones etc. In Motown's hey-day the Motown singles were tested to see how they would sound on car radios or perhaps even transistor radios as that was how young people were listening to music then. As Nina Simone says in one of her songs, "Everything Must Change". As far s I'm concerned there is no comparison between musicians playing live in the studio and a couple guys turning dials and knobs and punching in computer generated instruments. You can almost sense the musicians having a good time on this record; the grooves reflect that real life energy.
There’s no soul anymore and it all lacks so terribly these days.
This is probably one of my all time favourite songs, but that doesn't mean everything from that era is better than all the music of the past 50 years. I like just about any genre. Don't limit yourself to one particular style, you'd be missing out. First time I became aware of this song is through the series Tour of Duty.
Oh hell naw!!!
What’s out today came from this.
The Four Tops and The Temptations are AMAZING. I love Motown, a sound that will never be duplicated.
Love, hope, protection, inspiration, optimism!! 👍Power in such songs is why they are timeless for decades!
Love these guys. R.I.P. Levi Stubbs, had a crush on him since I was a tween 😘
When I think Motown this is the first song that comes to mind. Legendary.
Funny, when I think of Motown I think of Rare Earth. The only white band that was accepted into Motown.
The lead singer has got the most fantastic voice ever. That's why they are my fav group.
I highly recommend the Four Tops song "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)."
You had the perfect respect and appreciation for this group and this classic song! D
Motown Mondays -love It! Thanks JV. Now you'll hear real singing. This is what I listened to, danced to, fell in love to, back in England. Just can't beat motown imo.
Love this song!!! As to Levi's singing, Eddie Holland wrote the song at the top of Levi's vocal range to increase the emotional hurt sound of his voice.
Best time of my musical life growing up in Detroit listening to Motown and Classic Rock. I am 81 now living in San Diego. A white gal. The best looking member of the Tops was Levi Stubbs. The last original member, Duke Fakir.died recently. May they all rest in peace
Love it. Then again I love everything Motown. 💖💖👍
Me too
Me 3.
A massive record back in the day. When this was played at the disco you got up and danced!! Fantastic group!! Love the reaction.
You did indeed! Back in England too, the Four Tops and other great Motown groups were part of the soundtrack of my early - mid-teens, dancing with friends at the local disco.. happy days... :-)
Happy days indeed 😊
Love Love Love...wow brings me back...more Legends!!
Beautiful and timeless. I will always love this song.
They had so many good songs!! This is the music I learned to dance to 😊
Some Four Tops Songs are: I Can’t Help Myself; It’s The Same Old Song; Standing In The Shadows Of Love; Bernadette
don t forget "Still Waters" and "It's all in the game"
“Ask The Lonely”
“Still Waters Run Deep”
BERNADETTE is the best!
“Aint No Woman Like The One I've Got”
1 of my very favorite songs ever from that era!
man you cannot go wrong, nor can you beat 60s-70s soul. SO many great artists to hear...these guys, the temptations, marvin gaye, odis redding, wilson pickett, the supremes, aretha franklin, al green...the list goes on and on. it was a golden era. nothing today can hold a candle to this stuff. as for the Tops....my favorites...Bernadette, Standing in the Shadows of love.
💯
It makes me so happy to see youngers like you learn what real Singing and music is all about
Never get enough of the Four Tops. This is great. Try Bernadette and Standing In The Shadows of love. Levi Stubbs was so great. The good thing is his music will live on for generations to come. Great music never gets old.
In the 80's they made the hit Loco in Acapulco.
I remember riding down the street in the car with the windows down and this song on the radio, singing along. They were so talented and had so many hits over the years. This is my favorite. All the girls wished they had a man to love them like this.
Love it ! Great voice, great dance moves ! Thank you
The Four Tops hold the distinction of performing for 40 years without a single membership change. It was only deaths and illnesses that caused the to change members. Duke Fakir is the only original member left in the group, but two of the current members are sons of original members.
Wow, saw them a couple of yrs ago with The Temptations
They had one line up from 1953-1997. U2 are about 2 years behind them, 1978-2020 with the same line up. ZZ Top, 1969 -2020?
I didnt know that. They are my favourite Motown band!!
Anything Motown is wonderful. This is my favorite all time group behind the tempting Temptations.
Levi’s voice is such a pleasure to listen to. Love The Four Tops💖
In 1980 my best friend took me, as a 21st Birthday surprise, to a club in Berkeley CA to see The Four Tops and they were fantastic. All original members, including Levi Stubbs, their lead singer. EVERYONE was up and dancing through the show...
Oh my! I haven't thought of the 4 Tops in so long! They really were a FANTASTIC group! I loved ALL their music! "Sugar Pie Honey Bunch" is a great one to listen to; and "The Same Old Song" is a really good one, too. This is another group, though, that, no matter what you choose, it's gonna be great! Love you reaction!
Just ask the lonely ....awesome Levi Stubbs is the lead singer !😁✌️🇬🇧👍
My absolute favorite group of all time. THE FOUR TOPS!!
I was 9 years old when this song came out. My Dad loved the Four Tops, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, anything Motown. I'm glad my Dad had such great taste in music.
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell did a great album in 1968. Ain't no Mountain High enough the biggest one. She died soon after of cancer
That one was intense. Made a listener really feel like there really WAS no mountain high enough after the song played.
I once bought an imported 45 (Detroit Tamala Motown) in England with Marvin Gaye's 'Heard it through the grapevine' on one side and it should have been him on the other side too, but it was Tammy Terrell. First time I had heard her. I wish I still had that copy.
Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell is my all time favorite song.
I love Motown Monday
Keep it coming!!!🤩
Levi Stubbs what a powerful voice..
Luv your group 4 Tops
Dave
California
The Four Tops, The Miracles, The Temptations and the Supremes - some of the greatest musicians of all time.
Loved this song, I was 14 yrs. Old when this came out. I'm 70 now and I still love it. I'm tapping my leg.
A great group of singers. A shoutout for the backing band (the Funk Brothers). They gave Motown their sound and were behind many of Motown‘s groups/singers.
Your enthusiasm is truly beautiful.
The Four Tops were among the best! Being a Motown Mama, I grew up to all this wonderful music. I'm a little older now but still kickin'. Levi Stubbs son, Levi is one of my regular customers. Super easy going, down to earth, sweet man. Love your reactions!
Great lead and harmony always with these guys. Class Act for sure.
A reason to look forward to Monday’s! Lovin Motown Mondays
I’m having a ball watching you discover all these great classics.
Yes. Loved this song. Such a powerful song. Fantastic vocals. So great to dance to as a 20 year old college kid then. Songs like this were SO more important than the evening news !
I loved Levi Stubbs and I was lucky enough to be alive when they were at their peak! Glad you agree!
If you were at a dance, it didn't matter that the Motown songs were short, as there was always another cued up ready to play. A whole evening of 3 minute wonders in a relentless roll of music and dancing.
You are such a joy, a young person who really appreciate and respect such classic artists and music.
When this song came out, Top 40 radio was actually fun to listen to. A car trip lasting for hours was perfect for listening to Top 40.
Motown magic, thanks for sharing Jay
I was born in 1962, I was the youngest of seven kids (my little brother didn’t appear on the scene until 1970). I can remember all of us piling in the car, headed for town. All the windows were rolled down and we all sang along with this song as it played on the radio, at almost full blast. Mom wouldn't let us play the radio at ‘full blast’…she was always afraid we’d blow the speakers.
This is greatness; music back in the day can't be replaced
How good is this 👏 👌, love 💘 Motown Mondays, my favourite day of the week now, thanks 😊 Jay you're a star 🌟
This song came out before I was even born! I think this is probably one of THE best songs ever put on a record! Levi Stubbs is just in a class by himself. This song NEVER gets old!
Just another great 👍 beautiful song from way back in the day when I was growing up.
Growing up we got to ride in our cars or go to the pools in the summer and crank up our radios and just feel great listening to this music.
He had a very soulful voice. I loved the Four Tops. Bernadette one of my favorites.
I saw these guys in person and they put on a fantastic show! Small stage in a club! They are perfect harmony! ❤️
Great reaction my friend! Music from the 50's and 60's , rock and roll and Motown, this was the golden age of music! Just about every singer and group from these eras are legends. Singers who didn't use auto tune but just their voices...awesome! Keep doing these videos and your knowledge of music will be greatly expanded...Enjoy the ride!
WOOO!! Now your cookin!! I’ve always enjoyed Motown!... makes me want to move! Great choice, Jay! Loving Motown Monday in Ohio!! 💃🏻 👏🏼
One of the undeniable FACTS OF LIFE,is that Motown always comes through.
The sound of my very young life,i loved those days so much.
Levi Stubb's was the magic of the group....NO ONE could or can touch him!! You got to react to WALK AWAY RENEE and ASK THE LONELY
Yea.. Levi's voice was from a different planet. You have to be born with that kind of voice. That cannot be learned.
Picture this - a village disco in Scotland 1967 and 15 year old moi rocking to the Four Tops, high on Motown. The best time, man xx
Wow I love the tops baby I need your love. So nice to hear this again thanks Jay loving your reactions. ☺☺💖💕💖
The baby me was blessed music wise. I danced to this at 5 years old.
This is the year I was born. Man we were so lucky to grow up with such fantastic music ✌️🇦🇺🙃
My favorite Motown group.
The Four Tops were, to me, one of the best back then! I really look forward to when you check out some Smokey Robinson and The Miracles! They will blow you away too! Smokey's voice is incredible!
Smokey also wrote many of the Motown hits performed by other groups. He was a big part of Motown's success.
I have to disagree... The Four Tops are STILL one of the BEST! 💗
great reaction! love this group and his voice is just perfect
It's a real thrill to see your delight at a sound and voice I grew up hearing!
Story about meeting the "Four Tops" ....We were Las Vegas in 1994 ...staying at the Flamingo....the Four Tops were singing in the lounge ...My husband had gotten lost and couldn't find his room in the hotel so he wandered into the lounge when the "Tops" were onstage....and he (being a lot tipsy) got right up front ...having a great time...the "Tops" got him up onstage and he sang with them...it was the highlight of this trip for him...he never found his hotel room that night.....He was so relieved when he saw my Dad in the lobby the next morning....Dad was bringing him back to the hotel room ...when the elevator doors swung open....there stood the Four Tops...going to their rooms....they greeted my husband with hugs and claps on the back .. My Dad (old white man) was amazed.... he (Dad) told this story until the end of his life, claiming he always knew all black people know one another....LOL...
I’m 64 years old now seen them in Cardiff South Wales Uk when I was 16 loved them all my life
I remember that I hadn't been in this country very long when I heard Motown songs and their emotion and soul, I was instantly addicted at a very young age.
Four Tops are great!! Got the vibe! I was a young teen!!!!
I think this is my favorite song of theirs. It has such a majestic sound.
Always a favorite of mine, love the beat!!
A phenomenal song
When I was young my 4 older sisters would sing and dance to this song. Gosh, memories...💞✌
This song is something else. It makes me so excited. It's a really encouraging song too.
The Four Tops was the first group I ever saw live. They visited a town just 6 miles away from where I live in the UK. They performed in a small theater that only held around 200 people, but still managed to put on a fantastic show!
You need to check out The Spinners ... “I’ll be Around” from 1973 !!! Love the Spinners
Yes! My favorite Spinners song
I love them too, especially "Love Don't Love Nobody" and all their Thom Bell-produced singles. They were on Atlantic Records.
KathyOR808 it’s a Shame by the Spinners is really good too. Love the intro to it.
I was a sophomore at the University of New Mexico in 1967. We had a nationally ranked basketball team, on which all the first string players were towering, magnificent black men. The Student Union had a sort of bistro/playroom/bowling alley in the basement. In the afternoons in the cafe area, those sharply-dressed players would do their own dance routine to this song. Every guy on campus was intimidated by them; they were waaay cool. One of my most vivid memories of my college days!
Me and a girlfriend of mine sang on stage with them! It was a blast! 💖
holy shit :D
Nice!
Another fave of mine. Songs: Same Old Song, Baby I Need Your Lovin', Ain't No Woman Like The One I Got, It's The Same Old Song. Another group you can checkout are The Stylistics: Betcha My Golly Wow, Breakup To Makeup , I'm Stone In Love With You, Stop, Look, And Listen.
I remember this song from my childhood.Have not heard IT for awhile , IT is a great song.
I saw them in 1967 in an arena that has since been torn down in Commack , NY. A fight broke out not far from the stage and old wooden folding chairs and punches were being thrown with police soon in the mix and these guys didn't miss a beat and kept on singing through it all sometimes looking at each other and smiling . They put on a great show !
There's a live TV performance of their version of 'Walk Away Renee' and 'Reach Out', and it's them singing and they nail it. It's jaw dropping talent.
Rick Albee That was a nice cover of the hit by The Left Banke.
@@dunismith3045 I looked for it on here and the only one of that live performance has the studio version replacing the live vocals. Too bad.
"Walk Away Renee" (the 4 Tops remake) was featured in the movie Call Me By Your Name.
Oh wow..yes..Just Walk Away Renee! Must play! :)
So good, I just love anything Motown - what a special time in music history 💕💕💕
LMAO!!! You really crack me up!!!! Hahahaha....lol.....hahaha...You are in Love again with The Four Tops, OMG!!!! Hahahaha...lol....haahha...The Four Tops stole your heart!!!!!
“Just look over your shoulder.” Was that Michael Jackson’s inspiration
Debra yes this is the original
Yes. Both, Motown greats.
I believe they were way before the Jackson’s
You mean Just Look Over Your Shoulders lol he was sooooo cute
His voice is sublime ❤
Motown Monday needs the O'Jays For the Love of Money.
The Ojays were from Philly!
I like that Motown Monday!
The Ojays were not on Motown.
Love the O'Jays
The O' Jays were on the Philly International Records label, same label as Harold Melvin &the Bluenotes, Patti Labelle (for awhile), Teddy Pendergrass, Dee Dee Sharp, McFadden& Whitehead, etc. You're right. He should do a reaction video listening to "For the Love of Money", a brilliant record.
Love their music!
Yes, "Sugar Pie Honey Bunch", otherwise known as "I Can't Help Myself", would be a good next 4 Tops song. Also good are "It's the Same Old Song" and "Ask the Lonely".
So happy that you are getting top of the line videos because some are so old and rough that you can’t really enjoy how it truly was back in my day.
Levi!!! This was a MONSTER hit and rightly so! You’re hitting on some great ones but with Motown that’s not hard.
All time classic!!! #Cooley High RIP Cochise.👍👍👍