Last week we talked about the universal appeal of Motown, and we’re back on that glorious kick again here this week with Four Tops self-titled 1965 debut album. The Four Tops were a part of the Motown Sound that took the world by storm in the 60’s alongside other iconic groups like The Temptations, The Supremes, and The Miracles.
What stood out to me in this album was the strength of the vocals from lead singer Levi Stubbs. His rich baritone was somewhat atypical in relation to his Motown contemporaries, who typically featured a tenor on lead vocals, and his flair for the dramatic made Four Tops unique in the world of Motown. There’s just a little more gas in the tank vocally on this record, a more primal emotive component compared to a wistful beauty. It’s something I found really compelling all the way through.
Standout Songs: “Baby I Need Your Loving”, “Where Did You Go”, “Ask The Lonely”, “Tea House in China Town”
