100 MOST ESSENTIAL MOTOWN SONGS. This update: #50-41. The countdown continues next weekend.
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

50

ABC

Jackson 5

Which song overpowered The Beatles' "Let It Be" from #1 on the US Chart? It was "ABC" by The Jackson 5. Written and produced by The Corporation (which included Berry Gordy Jr.), the pop nugget charged to the top on both the Pop and R&B charts in 1970 and soon became a signature song for the group.
 

49

EASY

The Commodores

Even those that dismiss the syrupy balladry of Lionel Richie cannot deny the songwriting craft evident in "Easy". The Commodores sprinkled a dose of country in the soul classic. It was soon a crossover success, peaking at #4 Pop and topping the R&B chart in America. The disc reached the Top 10 in Britain. In 1992-3, Faith No More returned the Richie-penned song to the world charts with a remake.
 

48

NEITHER ONE OF US 
(WANTS TO BE THE FIRST TO SAY GOODBYE)

Gladys Knight & The Pips

Gladys Knight & The Pips' final single before departing Motown was an appropriate swansong at the label. "Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye)" was a first class recording by the vocal group. Released in 1972, the moving break-up song peaked at #2 Pop and topped the R&B chart in the USA. Increasingly frustrated with the lack of support at the label, the group decided to sign with Buddah Records in early 1973. Gladys Knight & The Pips finally scored a string of major hits for the new record company, including its only Pop #1 single "Midnight Train To Georgia".

47

I WISH

Stevie Wonder

"I Wish" is a nostalgic funky jam lifted off Stevie Wonder's 'Songs In The Key Of Life' album. In 1976, the single reached the top in the USA and Canada. The disc peaked at #5 in the UK.
 

46

THEME FROM MAHOGANY
(DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU'RE GOING TO)

Diana Ross

Gerry Goffin and Michael Masser composed "Do You Know Where You're Going To" for use in the Motown film 'Mahogany'. The movie was another star vehicle for Diana Ross. Issued in 1976, the single topped the American Pop and AC charts.
 

45

THE TRACKS OF MY TEARS

The Miracles

Produced and co-written by Smokey Robinson, "The Tracks Of My Tears" is an example of the magic of The Miracles' catalogue. Dealing with a man hiding the sadness behind his smile, the lyrics were instantly identifiable. The single peaked at #2 on the US R&B chart and reached #9 Pop in Britain.
                  
44

SUPER FREAK

Rick James

Rick James' sound was coined "punk funk". The global smash hit "Super Freak" became his biggest success in 1981. Lifted off James' landmark 'Street Songs' album, the track topped the US Dance chart. Background vocals are provided by The Temptations. It was sampled in 1990 for MC Hammer's massive hit "U Can't Touch This".
 

43

IT TAKES TWO

Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston

One of Motown's most enduring duets is "It Takes Two". Written by William "Mickey" Stevenson and Sylvia Moy, the former also produced the recording. There have been countless remakes of the track since Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston's original in 1966.
 

42

YOU ARE THE SUNSHINE OF MY LIFE
Stevie Wonder

Wonder's 3rd US #1 single on the Pop chart was the meticulously constructed "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life". He avoids turning the song into a cheesy tune by sticking to the lite-jazz and pop/ soul fusion that is a winning combo. The ballad was soon a standard, topping the AC chart and reaching the Top 10 in Britain, Canada and Australia.

   

41

REFLECTIONS
Diana Ross 
& The Supremes

"Reflections" marks the moment when Motown's leading group adopted the new billing Diana Ross & The Supremes. Along with this historical turning point, the recording raised the bar in terms of production techniques. Holland / Dozier / Holland wrote the song. It reached #2 Pop and 4 R&B in 1967. In the UK, the disc peaked at #5. Brian Holland and Lamont Dozier handled production, incorporating sound effects and elements of psychedelic soul. The songwriters were nearing the cessation of its association with the girl group and Motown.
 

The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week

1 100 Degrees (Still Disco To Me) KYLIE & DANNII MINOGUE  2wks                                    1 4

2 Girls Talk Boys 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER                                                                           3 4

3 Please Don't Go JOEL ADAMS                                                                    8 2

4 Bohemian Rhapsody PANIC! AT THE DISCO                                                                2 4

5 Anything You Can Do BARBRA STREISAND & MELISSA McCARTHY                        NEW

6 Ride TWENTY ONE PILOTS                                                                           NEW

7 Olé JOHN NEWMAN                                                                        NEW

8 Heathens TWENTY ONE PILOTS                                                                              4 4

9 I Got You SHAGGY ftg. JOVI ROCKWELL                                                        6 3

10 Under You NICK JONAS                                                                     7 3

Hear this week's Top 10 songs (now with more hot tracks) as well as other special playlists on spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/user/alanrosscaffelatte

 

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).
 

The History of Motown: The Writer / Producers Part 5 - Ashford & Simpson

Caffe` Latte` presents…

THE 200

MOST ESSENTIAL

MOTOWN

 SONGS

THE MOTOWN SOUND:

 
THE WRITER/PRODUCERS

 Pt. 5

Motown Records was a constant presence on the pop chart throughout the 1960s and continued beyond that golden era with a roster that boasted an abundance of talent. Along with its flagship acts, the label attracted creative artists that played a key role in shaping the 'Motown Sound'. The company was served well by a capable pool of songwriters and producers. Some were key architects of Motown's success and crossover appeal. 

ASHFORD AND SIMPSON

 

Along with chart success in their own right, couple Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson composed several enduring songs for Motown. Ashford & Simpson wrote / produced hits for the likes of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, The Four Tops, The Marvelettes, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Martha & The Vandellas and The Miracles. 
Among their most famous songs for Motown are: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "Destination: Anywhere", "You're All I Need To Get By", "The Boss", "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing", "Reach Out And Touch (Somebody's Hand)", "Your Precious Love", "Didn't You Know You'd Have To Cry Sometime" and "Surrender".
The couple married in 1974. As a recording duo, their biggest hit was "Solid" which reached #12 in 1984. Ashford & Simpson  later wrote for non- Motown acts such as Chaka Khan. "I'm Every Woman" was a hit later covered by Whitney Houston.
 
Ashford died in 2011. The couple's musical creations will be cherished for years to come.
 

Have a listen to the Introduction To Motown playlist on spotify. It includes many of the greats from the legendary record label, including: Diana Ross, The Jackson 5, The Marvelettes, The Four Tops, Lionel Richie, Martha & The Vandellas, Mary Wells and The Miracles.

https://open.spotify.com/user/alanrosscaffelatte

spotify:user:alanrosscaffelatte

Before It Was A Hit Song...VII: I Love Rock 'n Roll.
Continues next week.

BEFORE IT WAS A HIT SONG…

These songs are well known but you may not know about the earlier attempts to score a hit record with prior versions of the same song.

I Love Rock 'n Roll

It was Joan Jett's persistent faith in the song "I Love Rock 'n Roll" that led to its global success in 1981-2. The song was written by Jake Hooker and Alan Merrill, members of the group The Arrrows. Their original version was released in 1975 but flopped. Jett, touring England as a member of The Runaways, caught The Arrows performing the song on TV. She saw potential in the song, but the other members of her group disagreed and so plans to record "I Love Rock 'n Roll" did not come to fruition. When The Runaways split up, Jett assembled The Blackhearts and finally recorded a remake of The Arrows' song. Jett was vindicated: her cover version topped the US, Canadian, Australian and South African charts. It reached #1 in several European countries and peaked at #4 in the UK. 

Britney Spears released a new version of "I Love Rock 'n Roll" in 2001. The song once again scaled the charts in Britain, Europe and Australia. Had it not been for Jett and her belief in the song, the world might have missed out on the rock anthem. 

Each new song will be added to the spotify playlist named: ‘Before It Was A Hit Song’.  You can check out the earlier / original versions of the hit songs you know and love.

Red Red Wine

Tainted Love

Killing Me Softly

The Best

Wind Beneath My Wings

Hanging on the Telephone

The playlist and other Caffe` Latte` selections can be found at:

https://open.spotify.com/user/alanrosscaffelatte

spotify:user:alanrosscaffelatte

100 BEST ALBUM COVERS: #36. Continues next week.

Caffe` Latte` presents…

THE 100 BEST

ALBUM COVERS

36

RAMONES

THE RAMONES (1976)

Before It Was A Hit Song...VI: Hanging on the Telephone.

BEFORE IT WAS A HIT SONG…

These songs are well known but you may not know about the earlier attempts to score a hit record with prior versions of the same song.

Hanging On The Telephone

Blondie made the song famous, including it on the group's 'Parallel Lines' album in 1978. It was issued as a single in many countries and peaked at #5 in Britain. 
The original version of "Hanging On The Telephone" was recorded by The Nerves. This American punk group featured the track on its debut (and only release with new material) EP 'Nerves' in 1976. The group split after. Blondie's cover changed its songwriter Jack Lee's fortunes. 
 

Each new song will be added to the spotify playlist named: ‘Before It Was A Hit Song’.  You can check out the earlier / original versions of the hit songs you know and love.

Red Red Wine

Tainted Love

Killing Me Softly

The Best

Wind Beneath My Wings

The playlist and other Caffe` Latte` selections can be found at:

https://open.spotify.com/user/alanrosscaffelatte

spotify:user:alanrosscaffelatte