200 MOST ESSENTIAL MOTOWN SONGS. This update: #190-181. The countdown continues tomorrow. 
Hear the 10 songs added today on spotify: https://open.spotify.com/user/alanrosscaffelatte
                                                                    spotify:user:alanrosscaffelatte

Caffe` Latte` presents…

THE 200

MOST ESSENTIAL

MOTOWN

SONGS

190

COME AND GET THESE MEMORIES

Martha & The Vandellas

The Holland-Dozier-Holland composition "Come And Get These Memories" was the title track from the girl group's debut album. In 1963, this single became Martha & The Vandellas' first hit. It only made #29 Pop but reached #6 on the R&B chart.
 

189

I LOVE YOUR SMILE

Shanice

Boasting a guest performance from Branford Marsalis on saxophone, "I Love Your Smile" became the biggest hit for Shanice Wilson. Issued in late 1991, the cute song peaked at #2 Pop and topped the R&B chart. It was from her 'Inner Child' album.

188

IT'S MY TURN

Diana Ross

"It's My Turn" was the title song from a film starring Michael Douglas. The big ballad was written by Michael Masser and Carole Bayer Sager; the former also produced it. He had already penned 2 chart topping songs for Ross in the preceding decade. "It's My Turn" was released in 1980 and climbed as high as #9. 

187

TRUE TO YOUR HEART

Stevie Wonder & 98°

Motown's white boy band 98° had a promising start with the hits "Invisible Man", "Because Of You" and "The Hardest Thing". The group, which featured Nick Lachey (Jessica Simpson's ex), later left the label. Before departing, they teamed up with Stevie Wonder for "True To Your Heart". The 1998 single was from the Disney animated film 'Mulan'.

186

ALL THIS LOVE

DeBarge

Family act DeBarge cracked the upper rungs of the chart with the ballad "All This Love". Along with rising to #17 Pop, it flew to #5 R&B and topped the AC chart in 1982. Group member El DeBarge wrote the song. He co-produced the cut with Iris Gordy (Berry Gordy's niece). Janet Jackson married another member, James, in 1984.

185

UP THE LADDER TO THE ROOF

The Supremes

As the sun set on the 1960s, Diana Ross ended her time as a member of The Supremes. The group continued on, with replacement Jean Terrell. "Up The Ladder to The Roof" was co-written and produced by Motown staffer Frank Wilson. Released in February 1970, the single was the first to feature the new Supremes line-up. The trio scored a Top 10 hit, extinguishing any doubts about the group's prospects without its famous lead singer. 

184

AIN'T THAT PECULIAR

Marvin Gaye

"Ain't That Peculiar" was another hit provided to Gaye by Smokey Robinson and 3 other members of The Miracles: Bobby Rogers, Marv Tarplin and Pete Moore. Robinson produced the recording. Released in 1965, the single climbed to #8 Pop and became Gaye's 2nd #1 on the R&B chart. His first was the previously listed "I'll Be Doggone". from the same team.
 

183

MY OLD PIANO

Diana Ross

In 1980, "My Old Piano" became the 3rd single lifted off the successful album 'Diana'. Written and produced by members of Chic Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers, the funky dance single reached #5 in Britain. 

182

LET'S GET SERIOUS

Jermaine Jackson

Jermaine Jackson was a founding member of The Jackson 5. After a string of hits, the group decided to part ways with Motown. Jermaine, married to Berry Gordy's daughter Hazel, stayed behind. His brothers signed with CBS/ Epic and continued as The Jacksons. Jermaine had limited success on Motown, his biggest hit being "Let's Get Serious" in 1980. The song was co-written by Stevie Wonder, who co-produced the cut with the singer.
 

181

SOMEBODY'S WATCHING ME

Rockwell

Kenneth Gordy is the son of Berry Gordy, recording under the name Rockwell. He is best remembered for his self-penned synth-funk track "Somebody's Watching Me". It fared well internationally. In the U.S., it peaked at #2 Pop and #1 R&B.