the four tops- just seven number (can straighten out my life)

For reasons I could never figure out, this Four Tops song has always seemed to have a bit of sadness to it- a sadness that had nothing at all to do with the subject of the song- of trying to win back someone.

I believe the sadness for me has always come from the fact that this sounds like the last great hurah for the classic "Motown Sound." I'm sure there were plenty of other songs that came out around this time that still had some of that great Detroit Studio A sound, but for me personally, this has always just sounded like a swan song for the Detroit era sound.

Pamela Sawyer and Gloria Jones wrote it, David Van DePitte arranged it and Frank Wilson produced it.

Levi Stubbs sounds as raging and powerful as always, but there is also a sort of ironic effect of that powerful voice effecting a sense of near-defeat- there is the feeling that poor Levi won't be seeing his love again anytime soon.

Listen on the first reading of the line "If I only knew where you were..." at :47 is there no more sadder and heartbreaking sound than Levi singing this plea?

Listen closely also to the backing vocals. Though not througout the song, it seem (and I can't verify it) the vocals of the Andantes can be heard mixed in only on the choruses. Even more interesting is that it seem the Tops' were double tracked- singing two backing parts. At points :37 and 1:15 you'll notice the Tops are heard on one channel singing a "HA! Ahhhhhh" part while on the other channel, they sing a sustained vocal backing part. Very cool.

While Levi has to rely upon seven numbers to rectify his lonely turn of events, we can rely upon listening to this marvelous classic as many times as we like to enjoy one of the best of the Four Tops' releases.

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[LORRIEVIVALASVEGAS]

I was living in ATL. and this song was always playing on the radio in the 70s :)

Years later I saw the Tops in Las Vegas and they were Fabulous!!!!!

Lov`n Olskool!!

[tomovox]

@LORRIEVIVALASVEGAS Hi Lorrie! Well that's pretty cool to hear that the sond was getting played on the radio! I think it's a great song! I envy you that you saw the group performing live- EXCELLENT! Thanks for the comment!

[kman3455]

You are on POINT! One of my favorites.

[tomovox]

@kman3455  :-)

[tomovox]

@mrob75 I'm scratching my head over that too. It's funny how some songs, no matter how brilliant just don't seem to catch on with the general public. This one was definitely overlooked.

[tomovox]

@MrRaiderfan1000 That's nice to know it was indeed played and enjoyed in certain markets. I'm learning that even though a song may not have done especially well chart-wise, it still may have been a hit in different regions. I'm glad to read your memories of this getting good play in Souther California because I think it's a great tune. Thanks for the comment!

[MrRaiderfan1000]

@tomovox This song got good air play in Southern California, released Christmas of 1970. It might not get air play on those so called oldies stations but I sure remember it.

[useverlastin]

@watchtyme I'm not sure but as was Four Tops tradition the usual suspects would most likely be The Andantes,these lovely and talented ladies often gave the Tops some ooohs,ahhhs and doo-wops

[watchtyme]

I wished I could remember who the female in the background is on this song.

[tomovox]

@useverlastin I like your opinion and I agree with you too! :-)

[tomovox]

@watchtyme I don't know how I missed this comment of yours but I agree so much with your opinion that this was a nice change for the group. For some reason, it seems when a group is experiencing a lull on the charts, that's when you'll find some of their best and innovative material.

How long were you a dj? I agree with you too, youtube has brought a LOT of music of so much value to everyone!