CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

THE TOP 100

#6 CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU

FRANKIE VALLI

(1967)

Writers: Bob Crewe & Bob Gaudio
 

Francis Castellucio is better known as Frankie Valli, the lead singer of sensational pop group The Four Seasons. He made his solo debut in 1953 with a remake of "My Mother's Eyes" as Frank Valley. He later joined a group that evolved into The 4 Seasons. The outfit churned out hits that included the #1 singles "Sherry", "Big Girls Don't Cry" (both in 1962), "Walk Like A Man" (1963) and "Rag Doll" (in 1964). Around 1966, it was decided that Valli should launch a simultaneous solo career. That year, he dented the charts with "(You're Gonna) Hurt Yourself" and "The Proud One". In 1967, Valli unleashed a new solo single, "Can't Take My Eyes Off You". The song is sometimes referred to as "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You".
The new song was provided by the same writing and production team behind many of The 4 Seasons' hits, Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio. The former had been a pivotal figure in the group's success and the latter had been 1 of the members of the 4 Seasons. Gaudio decided to quit performing, preferring to write and produce. The 2 created a gem for Valli to record. "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" shot up the charts, peaking at #2 in the US. At the same time, The 4 Seasons peaked at #9 with "C'mon Marianne". The group then charted under the pseudonym The Wonder Who? with "Lonesome Road". 
Valli remained a chart fixture - as both a soloist and member of The 4 Seasons. "I Make A Fool Of Myself" followed "Can't Take My Eyes..." into the Top 20. In 1974, Valli scored a solo #1 in the USA with "My Eyes Adored You". The group returned to the top in the following year with "December 1963 (Oh What A Night)". He enjoyed a 2nd US #1 in his own right with the title song from the box office hit film 'Grease' in 1978.
Now in his 80s, Valli continues recording and performing around the world. The story of The 4 Seasons and his simultaneous solo career has been immortalised in the musical "The Jersey Boys". It was made into a motion picture in 2014. "Can't Take My Eyes..." is a highlight of the show and film. Valli has complemented his musical career with acting work, most notably appearing as a mobster in the TV series "The Sopranos". 
"Can't Take My Eyes..." has enjoyed longevity, evolving into a standard covered by a wide array of artists, including The Lettermen, Diana Ross & The Supremes with The Temptations, Nancy Wilson, The Pet Shop Boys, Boystown Gang, Lauryn Hill, Barry Manilow and Human Nature.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites. 
Each week, 1 new songs from the remaining Top 10 will be added, while another 2 are also included from #1501-2000 on the other weekdays. Check back here for an update of the 2000.