Four Tops – Something About You: A Soulful Motown Classic
In the realm of Motown Records, the Four Tops stand as a legendary vocal quartet, their harmonies and soulful melodies etching indelible marks on the landscape of 1960s and 1970s music. Among their vast repertoire of hits, “Something About You” stands out as a timeless classic, a song that perfectly captures the essence of romantic infatuation and the power of love’s allure.
Released in 1965, “Something About You” marked the third single from the Four Tops’ second studio album, Four Tops’ Second Album. The song quickly ascended the charts, reaching number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 9 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart, cementing its status as a Motown favorite.
The song opens with a captivating guitar riff, a departure from the usual piano-driven sound of Motown productions. This distinctive intro sets the stage for the group’s soulful vocals, as they weave a tale of love’s irresistible pull.
Levi Stubbs’ lead vocals take center stage, his voice imbued with a smooth, emotive delivery that perfectly conveys the protagonist’s infatuation. The other members of the Four Tops, Abdul “Duke” Fakir, Lawrence Payton, and Renaldo “Obie” Benson, provide lush harmonies that elevate the song’s emotional resonance.
The lyrics, penned by Holland-Dozier-Holland, capture the universal language of love, speaking of the inexplicable attraction that draws one person to another. The song’s title phrase, “Something About You,” is repeated throughout, emphasizing the protagonist’s inability to pinpoint the exact source of his infatuation, yet acknowledging its undeniable power.
The song’s chorus is particularly memorable, with the Four Tops’ voices soaring as they sing, “I don’t know what it is, but there’s something about you baby/That makes me want to do anything for you.” This heartfelt declaration of devotion resonates with listeners, capturing the intoxicating feeling of new love.
“Something About You” has become a staple of Motown’s legacy, covered by numerous artists across genres, including Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Michael Bublé. The song’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to capture the universal experience of romantic attraction, its message of love’s allure transcending time and cultural boundaries.
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Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was written by Holland-Dozier-Holland, a songwriting trio responsible for many Motown hits.
- It was released in 1965 as the third single from the Four Tops’ second album, Four Tops’ Second Album.
- The song reached number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 9 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart.
- “Something About You” has been covered by numerous artists, including Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Michael Bublé.