Is there a better era of music than Motown? This genre of sentimental songs boasts a golden age of music from roughly 1961 to 1971 with bands who knew how to harmonize and swing and songwriters who knew how to capture your heart and enliven your mind. Even today, more than five decades later, there are few that match the Detroit-born sound.
Here below, we wanted to explore three timeless songs from that era that prove that very point. Three numbers that feel like golden sunshine on listeners’ ears thanks to Motown founder Berry Gordy. In fact, these are three timeless Motown songs that will soothe your soul forever.
[RELATED: 5 Fascinating Berry Gordy Facts]
“My Girl” by The Temptations from The Temptations sing Smokey (1965)
As soon as the opening guitar line kicks in, you know what you’re about to hear. And then The Temptations’ sweet and mesmerizing melodies flutter into your heart. This love poem, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, written by the great Smokey Robinson and Ronald White will go on forever and a day. Even after the earth explodes, this song will still ring out across the universe. The lead singer, David Ruffin, sings.
I’ve got sunshine, on a cloudy day
When it’s cold outside, I have May (oh)
I think you’re going to say
What could possibly make me feel this way?
My girl, my girl, my girl
Talking about my girl, my girl, my girl
I have so much honey, the bees envy me
I have a song sweeter than the birds in the trees
Well, I guess you would say
What could make me feel this way?
My girl, my girl, my girl
Talking about my girl, my girl, my girl
“Whoa! In the Name of Love” by The Supremes from More visits from the Supremes (1965)
If Motown struck gold with The Temptations, they struck diamonds with The Supremes. The Diana Ross-led group launched song after song, and perhaps the track at the top of the list is the 1965 number one hit, the pleading “Stop! In the Name of Love” from More Visits by Superstars. The song that went to number one on the Billboard The pop singles chart asks the listener to think before they act. So as not to break another heart. In fact, on the show Ross sings.
Whoa! In the name of love
Before you break my heart
Baby, baby, baby, I know where you’re going
Every time you leave my door
I watch you walk down the street
Knowing your other love you will meet him
But this time before you run to her
He left me alone and in pain
(Think about it) after I did you a favor
(Think about it) after I was nice to you
“No Mountain is High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell from United (1967)
This song was originally written for Tamla Records, which was a division of Motown. Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell released their version in 1967 and the song saw a revival in 1970 when it was recorded by Diana Ross. It then became her first No. 1 single on the Billboard charts Billboard Hot 100 and received a Grammy nomination. But when Jay and Terrell sing it, the song’s energy soars thanks to their superb vocal blending. On the tune, the duo sings
Listen, baby, there ain’t no high mountain
There’s no low valley, no river wide enough, baby
If you need me call me, no matter where you are
No matter the distance, don’t worry dear
Just call my name, I’ll be there in a hurry.
Don’t worry
Because, honey, no mountain is high enough
No valley is low enough
No river is wide enough
to keep me from reaching you, baby.
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