Released: November 1965
Whereas their debut album leaned heavily on the hit “Baby I Need Your Loving”, this album had multiple high points. And not all of them were singles. We’re getting some hidden gems!
The lead track on this album ain’t no hidden gem, though.
“I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” is probably the Four Tops’ signature song. For a song so remarkably cheesy it’s also got depth. Like have you ever really listened to or read the lyrics?
Homie is on the verge of a mental breakdown or ecstasy. He vacillates between the two all song.
And this song is filled with hooks galore. The piano intro is a hook before a word is even spoken. The way the strings do that “duh duh duhduh” is a hook. Then the singers give hooks galore.
Easily a #1 pop and #1 R&B hit.
The follow up single is one of the most clever songs ever recorded. “It’s the Same Old Song” is a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgement of pop music’s tendency to recycle formulas. HDH were no exception as this apes “I Can’t Help Myself”. At least they had fun with it here. The public ate it up. #2 R&B and #5 pop.
The third and final single smashed the Four Tops’ reputation as balladeers. I mean the previous two songs you can dance to, but I wouldn’t call them dance songs.
“Something About You” is LOUD with thumping drum and bass plus an aggressive woolly sax. It’s a dance song. And it rocks. It reached #9 R&B and #19 pop.
And now come the hidden gems!
“I Like Everything About You” and “Since You’ve Been Gone” could have been singles in their own right. The former is a triumphant ballad just singing praises of a great love. The latter is stomper of a poor fool wishing his love would come back.
One final standout song is the album closer, “Stay In My Lonely Arms”. Not quite as good as the others, but still a sterling track.
ALBUM GRADE: B
A big step up from their debut album. Lots of great songs for any lover of 60s music.
SONG SCORES
I Can't Help Myself: 10/10
Love Feels Like Fire: 6/10
Is There Anything That I Can Do: 5.5/10
Something About You: 9/10
It's the Same Old Song: 10/10
Helpless: 6/10
Just as Long as You Need Me: 5/10
Darling, I Hum Our Song: 6/10
I Like Everything About You: 9/10
Since You've Been Gone: 8.5/10
Stay In My Lonely Arms: 7/10
I'm Grateful: 6.5/10