Four Tops – Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over): A Soulful Plea for Emotional Awakening
In the annals of soul music, the Four Tops stand as iconic figures, their voices and harmonies weaving a tapestry of enduring classics. Among their many gems, “Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over)” holds a special place, a soulful ballad that captures the rawness of heartbreak and the desperate longing for emotional release.
Background
Released in 1966, “Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over)” marked a turning point in the Four Tops’ career, cementing their status as soul music royalty. The song soared to number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 5 on the R&B Singles chart, establishing itself as a timeless favorite.
The song’s narrative centers on a man grappling with the aftermath of a broken relationship, his emotional turmoil laid bare in his impassioned plea. He yearns to be shaken from his state of despair, to awaken from the dream of a love that has shattered.
Levi Stubbs’ lead vocals are the driving force behind the song’s emotional intensity. His voice, imbued with a raw vulnerability, perfectly conveys the protagonist’s anguish and desperate longing. The backing vocals of Abdul “Duke” Fakir, Renaldo “Obie” Benson, and Lawrence Payton intertwine seamlessly, creating a rich tapestry of sound that amplifies the song’s emotional resonance.
The lyrics, penned by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland, capture the essence of heartbreak with poetic poignancy. They paint vivid imagery of a man lost in a fog of despair, desperately seeking a way to break free from his emotional prison.
The song’s chorus serves as a powerful refrain, with Stubbs’ voice soaring as he sings, “Shake me, wake me when it’s over/Shake me, wake me when it’s over/Shake me, wake me when it’s over/Shake me, wake me when it’s over.”
“Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over)” has become a soul music staple, covered by numerous artists and earning a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Four Tops’ original rendition remains the definitive version, a testament to their vocal prowess and their ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level.
Video
Here are some additional details about the song:
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- The song was written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland.
- It was released in 1966 as the lead single from the Four Tops’ album On Top.
- The song reached number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 5 on the R&B Singles chart.
- “Shake Me, Wake Me (When It’s Over)” has been covered by numerous artists, including Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Aretha Franklin.