Berry Gordy took the world by storm in 1959 when he established Motown Records. He brought together the most brilliant musicians from the Detroit area, developing legendary musical icons, including Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Ross, and shaped the 1960s through music. Through the spirit of Motown, and with these top 25 Motown songs, Gordy bridged racial divides and created a musical genre that lives on.
The top 25 Motown songs of all time include: “I Heard it Through The Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye, “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder. “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5, and “All Night Long” by Lionel Richie.
Here is the full list
- “I Heard it Through The Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye.
- “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder.
- “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5.
- “All Night Long” by Lionel Richie.
- “Dancing in the Street” by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.
- “Reach Out (I’ll Be There)” by The Four Tops.
- “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” by The Temptations.
- “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.
- “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye.
- “Super Freak” by Rick James.
- “Hello” by Lionel Richie.
- “My Girl” by The Temptations.
- “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” by The Supremes.
- “War” by Edwin Starr.
- “Living for the City” by Stevie Wonder.
- “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder.
- “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes.
- “What’s Going On?” by Marvin Gaye.
- “Higher Ground” by Stevie Wonder.
- “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men.
- “Ball of Confusion” by The Temptations.
- “My Guy” by Mary Wells.
- “Tracks of My Tears” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles.
- “Baby I Need Your Lovin’” by The Four Tops.
- “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted?” by Jimmy Ruffin.
Motown blends rhythm and blues with pop and music styles, varying from electric to acoustic for their unique sound. The vocals closely resemble those found in gospel music. There are hundreds of Motown hits since its beginnings in the early 1960s, and I’m sure you’ll recognize more than just a few of them.
The Spirit of Motown’s Top Hits
The top 25 Motown songs of all time include the most memorable, thought-provoking, and unique tunes that have stood the test of time.
1. Marvin Gaye – “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”
Originally recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” didn’t become a huge Motown classic until Gaye released his version in 1966. It flew to the top of the charts, staying there for seven straight weeks.
The song features a more blues-type vibe with a fun, upbeat tempo. This is interesting considering the storyline focuses on a man finding out his woman cheated on him. However, even with the exciting melody, Gaye’s strained-yet-soulful vocals and passion creates a deeply emotional rendition.
Listen to Marvin Gaye, “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” here on YouTube:
2. Stevie Wonder – “Superstition”
Stevie Wonder wrote “Superstition” for guitarist Jeff Beck, which explains the funky riff, but Motown executives encouraged Wonder to include it on his next album instead. Wonder released “Superstition” on his album in 1972 as a lead single. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973. Today, it’s considered one of the top 25 Motown songs in history.
Despite its rock-like vibe, the trumpet, saxophone, and Wonder’s gospel-like high notes and soulful singing keep the song in-line with the Motown feel.
Listen to Stevie Wonder, “Superstition” here on YouTube:
3. The Jackson 5 – “I Want You Back”
“I Want You Back” told the story of a man who realised too late that letting go of his lover was a mistake — yet Michael Jackson, a 10-year-old at the time, was the lead vocalist.
Motown worked around this by opting for a colourful melody and uptempo beat. This created a more lighthearted sound. This made the lyrics seem more like he was singing about “puppy love” instead of an adult romance.
After its release in 1969, “I Want You Back” went on to become their first number-one hit single.
Listen to The Jackson 5, “I Want You Back” on YouTube:
4. Lionel Richie – “All Night Long (All Night)”
“All Night Long” was released on Richie’s second album. It has a calypso touch, and includes various positive phrases in several languages.
Due to the Caribbean sound, even Motown thought Richie was out of his mind for wanting to release it. He insisted, however, that the sound compelled people to dance — and he was right. “All Night Long” topped the Hot 100 for four weeks
Listen to Lionel Richie, “All Night Long” here on YouTube:
5. Martha Reeves and the Vandellas – “Dancing in the Street”
Marvin Gaye, well-known for several of the top 25 Motown songs, was one of the writers of “Dancing in the Street.” He was also the man who selected Martha Reeves for the song.
The song hit number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964 and remains one of Motown’s signature songs.
Listen to Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, “Dancing in the Street” on YouTube:
6. The Four Tops – “Reach Out (I’ll Be There)”
When The Four Tops recorded “Reach Out (I’ll Be There),” they didn’t expect the song to become such a hit. It was released as a single in 1966 and went on to become the group’s signature song.
The song spent two weeks on the Rhythm and Blues chart as number one and two weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also featured on Rolling Stone’s “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” at number 206.
Listen to The Four Tops, “Reach Out (I’ll Be There)” here:
7. The Temptations – “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”
“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” is one of the most well-known top 25 Motown songs. It was originally recorded by The Undisputed Truth, but later released by The Temptations to critical acclaim. It was the last major hit produced in Motown’s Detroit studio.
The moody, blues-like song includes a long instrumental with a strong bass line, violin, guitar, and trumpet which emits a funky feel despite the melancholic vibe.
The Temptations version landed on the Billboard Hot 100, won three Grammys in 1973, and landed at 169 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” The Temptation soundtrack lasted for 12 minutes.
Listen to The Temptations, “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”:
8. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell first recorded “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” in 1967. The song went on to become a top 29 hit.
At the heart of the song is a message of love. The duet alternates between sharing parts of each verse, giving “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” a fun, conversational feel. They harmonise on the chorus, jointly expressing their undying love and dedication to one another. There’s a heartfelt feeling behind the slow rhythm as the two explain how nothing can keep them apart.
Listen to Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”:
9. Marvin Gaye – “Let’s Get It On”
After its release in 1973, the smooth soul, doo-wop style, and sexually suggestive lyrics of “Let’s Get It On” marked Gaye as a legendary musician with a knack for creating love-making tunes. The song also helped pioneer new styles of music, including “slow jams.”
Gaye’s voice expresses extreme desire in the song. You can feel his emotions through his wailing and feverish sound. These wild vocals combine with his smooth, sweet voice during the chorus. Gaye maintains a gospel-like delivery of the song, despite its lyrical content.
Listen to Marvin Gaye, “Let’s Get It On” here on YouTube:
10. Rick James – “Super Freak”
In 1981, Rick James and Alonzo Miller co-wrote “Super Freak.” The song blends different genres of music and various techniques, and The Temptations sung the background vocals.
The song became a mega-hit and went on to become one of James’s most popular songs.
It ranked 477 on the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” It was also nominated for a Grammy in 1982 for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.
Listen to Rick James, “Super Freak”:
11. Lionel Richie – “Hello”
Lionel Richie released “Hello” in 1984. The song features electronic ripples, a Spanish guitar solo, and woodwind instruments. It went on to become one of the top 25 Motown songs of all time.
This song was number one on the Billboard music charts as a pop favourite for two weeks, the R&B chart for three weeks, and the Adult Contemporary chart for six weeks. “Hello” was Motown’s first ever UK million selling single.
Listen to Lionel Richie, “Hello” on YouTube:
12. The Temptations – “My Girl”
Released on The Temptations’ 1965 album, “The Temptations Sing Smokey,” “My Girl” went on to become the group’s first number-one hit in the United States and is considered their signature song.
When you hear the guitar at the beginning of “My Girl,” it’s simple, light, and uses only two notes. Still, it’s distinctive and memorable — you know exactly what song it is.
Listen to The Temptations, “My Girl”:
13. The Supremes – “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”
The Supremes recorded “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” in 1966, where it went on to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song talks about a man who can’t let go after the woman ends the relationship. He won’t stop coming around and she’s had enough. The message is conveyed somewhat through the melody. It’s a bit frenzied, likely how the woman in the song feels.
Listen to The Supremes, “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”:
14. Edwin Starr – “War”
Starr’s rendition of “War” was released in 1969. It’s wailing, hard, choppy, and merciless. It starts off with an ominous drum roll and sharp horns. There’s a rhythmic march to the beat and there are guitar accents and saxophones throughout. Starr’s vocals are baritone and funky, but also serious and church-like, giving the song a commanding feel.
It went on to become one of the top 25 Motown songs, and the most popular protest song ever recorded.
Listen to Edwin Starr, “War”:
15. Stevie Wonder – “Living for the City”
Released in 1973 as a single, “Living for the City” is a blues-like song with an uncomplicated rhythm. It includes a steady bass with a piano that closely follows the bass line. Stevie Wonder played all of the instruments on the track himself. The song is believed to send a political message.
It reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the R&B charts. It was listed as number 104 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Listen to Stevie Wonder, “Living for the City”:
16. Stevie Wonder – “Sir Duke”
Another hit by Stevie Wonder, this one was included in his 1976 album “Songs in the Key of Life.” It was then released as a single in 1977 and topped the Billboard Hot 100 at number 18.
On the track, there’s a lovely balance between simplicity and complexity. There’s a memorable Motown melody, keeping it true to the Motown spirit, and making it one of the top 25 Motown songs of all time.
Listen to Stevie Wonder, “Sir Duke”:
17. The Supremes – “You Can’t Hurry Love”
In 1966, the Motown production team wrote and produced “You Can’t Hurry Love.” The Supremes recorded the song, which went on to top the Billboard Pop Singles Chart.
The Supremes bass riff is a single note, followed by the shaking of tambourines. As the song continues on, it becomes boisterous and bubbly, with the beat becoming the song’s core. Diana Ross and the Supremes’ vocals come only second to the orchestral sound, as their words dance effortlessly across the melody.
Listen to The Supremes, “You Can’t Hurry Love”:
18. Marvin Gaye – “What’s Going On?”
Renaldo “Obie” Benson, Al Cleveland, and Marvin Gaye collaborated to write “What’s Going On?” and Gaye produced the track himself. He recorded and released the song under Motown Records in 1971.
The lyrics of the song come from the perspective of a war veteran witnessing the country’s division, and touches on poverty, drug abuse, and social injustices. The song lives on as one of the top 25 Motown songs.
Listen to Marvin Gaye, “What’s Going On?”:
19. Stevie Wonder – “Higher Ground”
During the 1970s, the United States was experiencing a spiritual and social awakening. So, when Stevie Wonder released “Higher Ground” in 1973, it quickly reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot R&B Singles chart.
Wonder spent only three hours writing and singing the song, leading to one of his most successful tracks. The iconic clarinet riff with instrumentation played all by him led to Platinum status and the winning of two Grammys in 1993.
Listen to Stevie Wonder, “Higher Ground”:
20. Boyz II Men – “End of the Road”
In 1992, Boyz II Men released “End of the Road,” and it went on to achieve worldwide success. The track broke records and spent thirteen weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
The smooth, slow, soulful instrumental creates a simple sound. Due to the sparse backing track and elemental melody, there’s an almost acapella feel, with each member expressing their vocal ability through varying run styles.
Listen to Boyz II Men, “End of the Road”:
21. The Temptations – “Ball of Confusion”
“Ball of Confusion” was released by The Temptations under Motown Records. Motown’s in-house band, The Funk Brothers, created the instrumental for the song, recording over eleven minutes of sound. However, only four minutes were used for the released version.
The Temptations expressed a strong political message through the lyrics. This was a time when problems were rampant, including racial segregation, drug abuse, poverty, and war. There’s an ominous baseline, harsh musical accents, and a fast tempo that sends a clear message that the world was experiencing much confusion during these times of turmoil.
Listen to The Temptations, “Ball of Confusion”:
22. Mary Wells – “My Guy”
Smokey Robinson wrote and produced “My Guy,” telling the story of a woman who rejects sexual advances out of loyalty to her boyfriend. It became Wells’ biggest hit after its release in 1964 and reached the Billboard Hot 100 the same year.
Wells’ voice is soft and throaty, and there’s a seductiveness that is difficult to deny. Despite this, she never boasts about her partner or claims him to be more than ordinary; she is humble and sweet, yet clearly expressing her devotion and love for this “average” man.
The intro to the song features a simple bass line, piano glissando, and guitar, beautifully blended together in a fun, upbeat, memorable tune that would go on to become one of the top 25 Motown songs.
Listen to Mary Wells, “My Guy”:
23. Smokey Robinson and the Miracles – “Tracks of My Tears”
Tracks of My Tears was recorded by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles under the Tamla label in 1965.
Lyrically, the song tells the story about a man’s former lover who’s finally moved on. He can’t hide the heartache he feels knowing she no longer loves him, nor can he conceal the tracks of his tears.
The song itself is incredibly catchy, with a memorable melody that easily gets stuck in one’s head. This song is considered one of the group’s best works and sold over one million copies within two years.
Listen to Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, “Tracks of My Tears”:
24. The Four Tops – “Baby I Need Your Lovin’”
“Baby I Need Your Lovin’” was the first hit single by The Four Tops, released in 1964. It ranked number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.
There is an uptempo melody in the song which contradicts the message: the man is lonely, sick, and heartbroken — desperate for a love that’s never coming back.
Listen to The Four Tops, “Baby I Need Your Lovin’”:
25. Jimmy Ruffin – “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted?”
Released in the summer of 1966, this ballad sung by Jimmy Ruffin tells of the pain felt by a man as he is brokenhearted after his lost love.
The ballad features many differences in tonality and instability in the bass line. Interestingly, this somewhat reflects the theme of pain in the lyrics. The instability of the bass line comes from a lack-of-root trick also used in the “Reach Out (I’ll Be There)” song by The Four Tops.
“What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Eight years later, a B side was added to the single and re-released. It surpassed its original chart position and reached number 4.
Listen to Jimmy Ruffin, “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted?”:
