100 MOST ESSENTIAL MOTOWN SONGS. This update: #60-51. 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

60

WHAT BECOMES OF THE BROKENHEARTED

Jimmy Ruffin

Both Ruffin brothers achieved acclaim with definitive vocal deliveries on Motown hits. David sang lead on many of the finest tracks by The Temptations. His older brother Jimmy enjoyed solo success, with the highlight being the stunning single "What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted". The 1966 release made the Top 10 in both America and Britain.
 

59

GOT TO GIVE IT UP

Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye mixed funk, soul and disco into an ultra-cool groove that provided him with a #1 on the US Pop, R&B and Disco charts. It also reached #7 in the UK. It was the subject of a lawsuit decades later when a court ruled in favour of Gaye's estate. The song in question was the 2013 global smash "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke.
  

58

I JUST CALLED TO SAY I LOVE YOU

Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder composed and produced "I Just Called To Say I Love You" for the film 'The Woman In Red'. In 1984, the disc topped the R&B, Pop and AC charts in the USA. It also reached #1 in Britain, Europe, Canada and Australia. The hit song collected the Oscar for Best Original Song months later. Despite its immense popularity, it failed to match many of Wonder's previous hits in terms of innovation or quality.
 

57

AIN'T TOO PROUD TO BEG

The Temptations

"Ain't Too Proud To Beg" was written by Eddie Holland and Norman Whitfield. The latter also produced the cut. Released in 1966, The Temptations achieved another #1 on the US R&B chart with the exceptional song. David Ruffin shines with his golden lead vocal on the recording. The Rolling Stones covered the song in 1974. 
 

56

CAN I GET A WITNESS

Marvin Gaye

"Can I Get A Witness" was another catchy Motown track that Holland / Dozier / Holland contributed to the label's extensive songbook. Marvin Gaye released the single in 1963. The Supremes, yet to achieve major chart success, performed background vocals on the cut.
 

55

SIR DUKE

Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder pays tribute to jazz greats Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glen Miller, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong on the upbeat "Sir Duke". The single reached #1 Pop and R&B in the USA and climbed to #2 on the British chart in 1977.

54

SOMEDAY WE'LL BE TOGETHER

Diana Ross & The Supremes

The final Supremes song to feature Diana Ross on lead was "Someday We'll Be Together". In fact, Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong are absent on the track. Ross recorded the song with The Andantes. The other 2 Supremes were strangely not invited to the session. Ironically, the song (a cover of a 1961 recording by Johnny and Jackey) became a a staple at farewells and was an apt final #1 on the US Pop and R&B charts in the 1960s. It was the 12th American #1 for the trio: more than any group except The Beatles.

53

JUST MY IMAGINATION
(RUNNING AWAY WITH ME)

The Temptations

In 1971, The Temptations reached #1 Pop and R&B with the lush soul ballad "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)". The lyrics are heartbreaking. Eddie Kendricks stands out on lead vocals. Both ingredients are complemented by an orchestral arrangement that is an aural delight. Barrett Strong co-wrote the beautiful composition with Norman Whitfield who also produced it.
 

52

TRULY 
Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie launched his solo career while still an active member of The Commodores. His first step was recording a duet with Diana Ross entitled "Endless Love". This single's success augured well for the singer / songwriter's next move. "Truly" was Richie's debut solo single. In 1982, this disc peaked at #2 on the R&B chart and topped the Pop and AC charts in the U.S. It reached the Top 10 in Britain. Soon after, Richie parted ways with his old band and has been a soloist ever since.
 

51

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED I'M YOURS
Stevie Wonder

By 1970, Stevie Wonder was flexing his creative muscle at Motown. His recordings adapted a more mature perspective and his lyrics would reflected his transition from child star to adult genius. "Signed, Sealed Delivered I'm Yours" is one of those instantly recognizable and accessible Motown treasures. That year, Wonder reached #3 Pop and #1 R&B with a track he co-wrote with Lee Garrett, wife Syreeta Wright and his mother Lula Mae Hardaway (and produced himself).