Released: December 1972
After nearly a decade at Motown, the Four Tops signed a new recording deal with ABC/Dunhill records. This first album for the new label—produced by Brian Potter and Dennis Lambert—is barely any better than their last album on Motown, Nature Planned It.
Fortunately for the Four Tops, this album was a commercial success because it had two massive hits: “Keeper of the Castle” (#7 R&B, #10 pop) and “Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got)” (#2 R&B, #4 pop). If you’re keeping track, these were the first top 10 pop hits for the group since 1967, although “Still Water (Love)” came oh so close in 1970.
Well, these would also be the final top 10 pop hits for the Four Tops.
“Keeper of the Castle” is a message song about how men are justified in protesting social ills, but they shouldn’t forget about the responsibilities they have at home. That negelct can breed social problems of their own. It can be a bit chauvinistic, but the message is well taken.
“Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got)” is also a bit chauvinistic, particularly the phrase “It’s my word, my word she’ll obey”. Sure, buddy. It is a smooth vocal performance though.
And the rest of the album is a lot of passable early 70s soul. Nothing that would excite a listener who isn’t deep into this kind of music. And even then the tracks kind of just run together in one blob since the best two songs are the first ones on the album.
Fortunately, the next album would be a major improvement.
ALBUM GRADE: D+
Song Scores
Keeper of the Castle: 7/10
Ain't No Woman (Like the One I've Got): 7/10
Put A Little Love Away: 3/10
Turn On Your Light of Love: 5/10
When Tonight Meets Tomorrow: 5.5/10
Love Music: 5/10
Remember What I Told You To Forget: 4/10
(I Think I Must Be) Dreaming: 3/10
The Good Lord Knows: 5.5/10
Jubilee With Soul: 3/10
Love Makes You Human: 6/10