The Four Tops
The Four Tops are a legendary American vocal quartet from Detroit, pivotal in defining the Motown sound during the 1960s.
The group formed in 1953 when high school friends Levi Stubbs (lead vocals), Abdul "Duke" Fakir (first tenor), Renaldo "Obie" Benson (baritone/bass), and Lawrence Payton (tenor) performed together at a party, initially as The Four Aims. They changed to The Four Tops in 1956 to avoid confusion with the Ames Brothers and spent nearly a decade performing jazz standards in clubs while recording for small labels without major success.
Signed to Motown in 1964 by Berry Gordy, they worked primarily with the Holland-Dozier-Holland team, yielding hits like "Baby I Need Your Loving" (1964), the #1 "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" (1965), and "Reach Out I'll Be There" (1966). Their polished soul-R&B style, alongside acts like The Supremes and Temptations, epitomized Motown's pop-friendly production.
Stubbs, Fakir, Benson, and Payton stayed intact for over 40 years until 1997, a rare feat in music history, releasing hits across genres including doo-wop, disco, and showtunes. After Holland-Dozier-Holland's 1967 departure, producers like Frank Wilson helmed further successes, though chart peaks waned by the 1970s.
Payton died of cancer in 1997; his son Lawrence Payton Jr. joined. Benson passed in 2005, Stubbs in 2008 (after retiring due to illness); replacements included Theo Peoples, Ronnie McNeir, and others. As of 2025, the lineup features Michael Brock, Ronnie McNeir, Theo Peoples, and Lawrence Payton Jr., with Fakir (the last original) retiring in 2024.
They earned a Hollywood Walk of Fame star and influenced soul music profoundly, charting hits into the 1980s on labels like ABC and Arista. Their endurance and versatility across decades remain iconic.
4 For The Road
2 Shake Me, Wake Me (Wake Me When It's Over) (Holland/Dozier/Holland)
3 Baby I Need Your Lovin' (Holland/Dozier/Holland)
4 In The Still Of The Night (Carmichael)
5 Ain't No Woman (Like The One I Got) (Lambert/Potter)
6 When She Was My Girl (Gottlieb, Blatte)
7 Ask The Lonely (Hunter, Stevenson)
8 I've Got You Under My Skin (Cole)
9 Bernadette (Holland/Dozier/Holland)
10 It's The Same Old Song (Holland/Dozier/Holland)
11 Walk Away Renee (Calili, Brown, Sansone)
12 Reach Out, I'll Be There (Holland/Dozier/Holland)
13 Standing In The Shadows Of Love (Holland/Dozier/Holland)
14 I Can't Help Myself (Holland/Dozier/Holland)
15 (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction (Jagger/Richards)
16 Jumpin' Jack Flash (Jagger/Richards)
Label: Sunset Blvd Records – CD-SBR-7940
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2019
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul, Motown
The album 4 For The Road by the Four Tops is a live concert recording featuring the original lineup performing a collection of their greatest hits and some popular covers. Released in 2019 by Sunset Blvd Records, it has been generally well-received by fans for showcasing the group's enduring vocal talent and stage presence, though it is not a traditional studio album from their prime Motown era.
Reviews and fan discussions indicate that the album is valued primarily as a memento of the Four Tops' live performances, with several key points emerging:
Critics and fans praise the superb vocal performances, with Levi Stubbs' powerful lead vocals and the group's sophisticated, tight harmonies being a consistent highlight.
The album is essentially a "greatest hits live" package, featuring many of their most iconic Motown singles like "Reach Out I'll Be There," "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)," and "Bernadette". It also includes covers such as "MacArthur Park," "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," and "Jumpin' Jack Flash".
The album is noted for its clear, remastered audio quality, which enhances the listening experience of a live recording.
It is considered a must-have for serious fans of the Four Tops and Motown music, offering a different perspective on their classic tracks compared to the studio versions.
4 For The Road is a solid live album that successfully captures the energy and vocal prowess of the Four Tops in a concert setting. While it may not offer new studio material, it serves as an excellent showcase of the group's timeless appeal and their ability to perform their extensive catalog of hits masterfully for decades.
Keeper Of The Castle
Arranged By [Strings] – Jimmie Haskell
Lead Vocals – Levi Stubbs, Jr.
Written-By – B. Potter, D. Lambert
3:00
A2 Ain't No Woman (Like The One I've Got)
Arranged By [Woodwind & Strings] – Dennis Lambert, Don Hockett
Electric Guitar – Larry Carlton
Lead Vocals – Levi Stubbs, Jr.
Written-By – B. Potter, D. Lambert
3:04
A3 Put A Little Love Away
Arranged By [Woodwind & Strings] – Jimmie Haskell
Lead Vocals – Levi Stubbs, Jr.
Written-By – B. Potter, D. Lambert
3:03
A4 Turn On The Light Of Your Love
Arranged By [Horns] – Jimmie Haskell
Lead Vocals – Renaldo "O.B." Benson
Written-By – A. Fakir, Len Perry, L. Stubbs, Jr., R. Benson
3:36
A5 When Tonight Meets Tomorrow
Arranged By [Strings & Horns] – Gil Askey
Lead Vocals – Levi Stubbs, Jr.
Written-By – A. Cleveland, Len Perry, R. Benson
3:41
A6 Love Music
Arranged By [Strings & Horns] – Dennis Lambert, Don Hockett
Lead Vocals – Levi Stubbs, Jr.
Soloist, Trumpet – Tony Terran
Written-By – B. Potter, D. Lambert
3:35
B1 Remember What I Told You To Forget
Arranged By [Strings & Horns] – Jimmie Haskell
Lead Vocals – Levi Stubbs, Jr.
Written-By – B. Potter, D. Lambert
3:50
B2 (I Think I Must Be) Dreaming
Arranged By [Strings & Horns] – Jimmie Haskell
Lead Vocals – Levi Stubbs, Jr.
Written-By – B. Potter, D. Lambert
2:55
B3 The Good Lord Knows
Arranged By [Strings & Horns] – Gil Askey
Lead Vocals – Renaldo "O.B." Benson
Written-By – Len Perry, R. Benson
4:04
B4 Jubilee With Soul
Arranged By [Horns] – Gil Askey
Lead Vocals – Renaldo "O.B." Benson
Written By – J. Smith, R. Benson, V. Benson
3:20
B5 Love Makes You Human
Arranged By [Strings & Horns] – Gil Askey
Lead Vocals – Lawrence Payton, Jr.
Written-By – Len Perry, R. Benson, V. Benson
4:42
B6 Keeper Of The Castle (Reprise)
Written-By – B. Potter, D. Lambert
1:25
Label: Dunhill – DSX 50129
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Meeting Of The Minds
Arranged By – Michael Omartian
Lead Vocals – Levi Stubbs
Written-By – D. Lambert / B. Potter 4:29
A2 Midnight Flower
Arranged By – Michael Omartian
Lead Vocals – Levi Stubbs
Written-By – M. Jackson, R. Dozier 4:03
A3 The Well Is Dry
Arranged By – Michael Omartian
Lead Vocals – Levi Stubbs
Written-By – D. Lambert / B. Potter 3:48
A4 Love Ain't Easy To Come By
Arranged By – Dennis Lambert, Don Hockett
Lead Vocals – Levi Stubbs
Written-By – D. Lambert / B. Potter 3:38
A5 No Sad Songs
Arranged By – Gil Askey
Lead Vocals – Lawrence Payton
Written-By – C. Leonard, L. Perry, R. Foster 5:14
B1 Right On Brother
Arranged By – Jimmie Haskell
Lead Vocals – Levi Stubbs
Written-By – D. Lambert / B. Potter 4:05
B2 Tell Me You Love Me (Love Sounds)
Arranged By – Gil Askey
Lead Vocals – Lawrence Payton
Vocals [Female Vocal] – Sylvia Smith
Written-By – A. Cleveland, L. Payton 3:30
B3 All My Love
Arranged By – Gil Askey
Lead Vocals – Lawrence, Levi, Obie
Written-By – R. Benson, V. Benson 4:29
B4 I Found The Spirit
Arranged By – McKinley Jackson
Lead Vocals – Lawrence Payton
Written-By – R. Benson, V. Benson 3:54
B5 Meeting Of The Minds
Arranged By – Michael Omartian
Lead Vocals – Levi Stubbs
Written-By – D. Lambert / B. Potter 4:22
Label:
Probe – SPBA 6283, Probe – 0C 064 ? 95401
Format:
Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Meeting of the Minds is the fourteenth studio album by American soul music vocal group the Four Tops, released in 1974 on the Dunhill label. It primarily features funk and soul styles, continuing their post-Motown sound established with Keeper of the Castle.
The album attempts to extend the pop/R&B sound the Four Tops were exploring at the time but was met with some criticism for having formulaic songs and listless production. Despite this, it features some standout tracks and is noted by some fans for a touch of an "acid experimental sound" that differs slightly from their earlier work. Unlike many previous Four Tops efforts, this album features other group members, such as Lawrence Payton and Renaldo Benson, singing lead vocals on certain songs, rather than solely Levi Stubbs.
Key Tracks and Themes:
"One Chain Don't Make No Prison": The opening track starts with a promising guitar riff but suffers from weak lyrics, testing Levi Stubbs' credibility according to one review.
"Midnight Flower": This song has a faint Oriental motif and features mature, gritty lyrics about having a hots for a prostitute.
"The Well Is Dry": Reminiscent of their dramatic work with Holland-Dozier-Holland, but with a perfunctory arrangement that makes it sound somewhat artificial.
"Tell Me You Love Me (Love Sounds)": Considered the best track by some, it features Lawrence Payton on lead vocals with a breezy L.A. pop/R&B arrangement.
"I Found the Spirit": Co-written by Renaldo "Obie" Benson, this is one of several soul gems on the album, which also includes funky and slow jam tips.
The album was produced by Dennis Lambert, Brian Potter, and Steve Barri. The Four Tops members at the time were Renaldo "Obie" Benson, Abdul "Duke" Fakir, Lawrence Payton, and Levi Stubbs.
A decent album for Four Tops fans, but not a massive seller, considered by some as a continuation of the sound from Keeper of the Castle, but feeling a bit listless at times.
In summary, Meeting of the Minds captures The Four Tops evolving in the mid-70s, delivering solid soul with some strong moments but lacking the consistent magic of their earlier work.
Nature Planned It
Written-By – N. Ashford - V. Simpson
4:30
A2 (It's The Way) Nature Planned It
Written-By – F. Wilson, P. Sawyer
3:50
A3 I'll Never Change
Written-By – K. Wakefield, L. Caston
2:43
A4 She's An Understanding Woman
Written-By – W. Hutch
2:54
A5 I Can't Quit Your Love
Written-By – K. Wakefield, L. Caston
3:35
A6 Walk With Me, Talk With Me, Darling
Written-By – C. McMurray, J. Dean, J. Glover
2:35
(B1 Medley)
B1a Hey Man
Written-By – F. Wilson, L. Payton, L. Caston, R. Benson
B1b We Got To Get You A Woman
Written-By – T. Rundgren
7:14
B2 You Got To Forget Him Darling
Written-By – D. Jones, J. Bristol, W. Brown
2:38
B3 If You Let Me
Written-By – F. Wilson
2:50
B4 Happy (Is A Bumpy Road)
Written-By – F. Wilson, P. Sawyer
2:56
B5 How Will I Forget You
Written-By – A. Cleveland, L. Payton, C. Green, R. Benson
2:47
Label: Motown – M 748L
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Motown
Released in April 1972, Nature Planned It is a critically regarded, soulful swan song for The Four Tops at Motown, showcasing a mature, cohesive, and artistically strong departure from their earlier pop-heavy sound. Produced by Frank Wilson, the album features standout tracks like the title song and "I Can't Quit Your Love," highlighting Levi Stubbs' powerful vocals and the group's solid, modern 1970s soul style.
Moving away from the Holland-Dozier-Holland era, this album delivers straight-up soul with impressive, modern arrangements by David Van DePitte. It features top-notch musicians, including guitarists Dennis Coffey and Wah Wah Ragin.
Standout Tracks:
"(It's the Way) Nature Planned It": Described as a beautiful, languid masterpiece and a highlight of the group's later career.
"I Can't Quit Your Love" & "I'll Never Change": Showcase Levi Stubbs' emotive, high-register vocals.
"She's Such An Understanding Woman": Noted for having a pleasant, Jackson 5-esque, chirpy, and buzzing sound.
"We Got To Get You A Woman": A Latin-funk take on the Todd Rundgren track.
While some viewed it as a "sad conclusion" with filler tracks, many critics and fans consider it a "return to form" and one of the group's most cohesive albums.
It serves as the final Motown studio album for the original lineup before their move to ABC/Dunhill Records, marking a creative peak in their latter-day Motown years.
Overall, Nature Planned It is viewed as a high-quality soul album that successfully modernized the Four Tops' sound, avoiding cabaret cliches for a more genuine, mature artistic statement.
Night Lights Harmony
Written-By – J.R. Bailey, K. Williams, R. Clark
3:02
A2 Mama You're All Right With Me
Written-By – B. Potter, D. Lambert
3:16
A3 Is This The Price?
Written-By – Deke Richards
3:12
A4 We All Gotta Stick Together
Written-By – Fred Bridges, Lawrence Payton, Richard Beasley, Richard Knight
4:50
A5 I've Got What You Need
Written-By – G. Byrd, H. Huggins, J. Wilson
4:36
B1 I Can't Hold On Much Longer
Written-By – Fred Bridges, Lawrence Payton, Ron Benson, Willie Thomas
3:59
B2 (It Would Almost) Drive Me Out Of My Mind
Written-By – Fred Bridges, Lawrence Payton, Richard Beasley
3:40
B3 I'm Glad You Walked Into My Life (Dedicated To Stevie)
Written-By – Gil Askey, Lawrence Payton, Leonard Lee
6:03
B4 Let Me Know The Truth
Written-By – C. Carter
5:52
Label: ABC Records – ABCD-862
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
One More Mountain
Written-By – Gottlieb, Blatte
2:52
A2 One More Mountain To Climb
Written-By – David Wolfert, Sandy Linzer
4:57
A3 Givin' It Up
Written-By – Gottlieb, Blatte
3:14
A4 I Believe In You And Me
Written-By – David Wolfert, Sandy Linzer
4:02
B1 I'm The One
Written-By – Johnny Slate, Larry Henley
4:10
B2 Keep On Lightin' My Fire
Written-By – Renaldo Benson, Ronnie McNaire
5:29
B3 Nobody's Gonna Love You Like I Do
Written-By – Joe Stubbs, Lawrence Payton, Levi Stubbs, Jr.
3:58
B4 Dream On
Written-By – Geoff Leib, John Keller
3:34
B5 Whatever It Is
Written-By – Eddie Setser, Jerry Michael, Mark Gray
4:46
Label: Casablanca – NBLP 7266
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1982
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Eighties Soul
Reach Out
Written-By – Holland, Dozier, Holland
2:58
A2 Walk Away Renee
Written-By – B. Calilli, M. Brown, T. Sansone
2:42
A3 7 - Rooms Of Gloom
Written-By – Holland, Dozier, Holland
2:31
A4 If I Were A Carpenter
Written-By – Hardin
2:47
A5 Last Train To Clarksville
Written By [Miscredited] – G. Goffin, C. King
Written-By [Uncredited] – Boyce & Hart
2:38
A6 I'll Turn To Stone
Written-By – Holland, Holland, Dozier, R. Dean Taylor
2:38
B1 I'm A Believer
Written-By – N. Diamond
2:39
B2 Standing In The Shadows Of Love
Written-By – Holland, Dozier, Holland
2:36
B3 Bernadette
Written-By – Holland, Dozier, Holland
2:59
B4 Cherish
Written-By – T. Kirkman
3:00
B5 Wonderful Baby
Written-By – Wm. Robinson
2:32
B6 What Else Is There To Do (But Think About You)
Written-By – C. Paul, M. Broadnax, S. Wonder
2:30
Label: Motown – M-660
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1967
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Motown
Soul Spin
Written-By – H. Cleveland, F. Wilson
2:57
A2 Barbara's Boy
Written-By – J. Hinton, P. Sawyer
2:55
A3 Lost In A Pool Of Red
Written-By – B. Verdi, P. Sawyer
3:35
A4 Got To Get You Into My Life
Written-By – Lennon & McCartney
2:37
A5 Stop The World
Written-By – F. Gorman, I Hunter, J. Goga
2:59
A6 Nothing
Written-By – A. Cleveland, Wm. Robinson
2:40
B1 This Guy's In Love With You
Written-By – H. David, B. Bacharach
3:50
B2 Light My Fire
Written-By – Morrison, Densmore, Manzarek, Krieger
3:35
B3 Honey
Written-By – B. Russell
3:50
B4 The Look Of Love
Written-By – B. Bacharach, H. David
4:10
B5 California Dreamin'
Written-By – Phillips
3:10
Label: Motown – MS 695
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Soul, Pop
Style: Sixties Soul, Motown