Released: September 1981
After three years away from recording, the Four Tops struck paydirt with “When She Was My Girl”, which wound up having lots of firsts and lasts for the group. Reaching #1 on the R&B chart, the song was their first top 10 R&B hit of any kind since “Catfish” in 1976 and their first #1 hit since “Reach Out I’ll Be There” in 1966. It was also their final #1 and top 10 R&B hit. Topping out at #11 on the pop chart, this would be the group’s first top 20 pop single since “Are You Man Enough?” in 1973. It would also be their last.
Things at least looked better in the UK, where the Tops had always been a bit more popular than with American pop audiences. “When She Was My Girl” hit #3 in Britain and the group would scrounge up another top 10 UK later in the decade.
(All said and done, the Four Tops had 23 top 40 pop hits in the US versus 30 top 40 UK hits.)
As for the song itself, “When She Was My Girl” was a piece of nostalgia. Shit, just look at the title. Given that a popular group from the 1960s and early 1970s gave it a very professional performance no wonder this song caught on with its yacht soul vibes.
The only other song here that catches hints of fire is “Don’t Walk Away”, which continues the yacht soul vibery. The song wasn’t released as a single in the US, but climbed to #16 in the UK with its toe-tapping mid-temponess. Certainly better than the follow up US singles…
“Tonight I’m Gonna Love You All Over” is an okay ballad, especially the ending where it turns a cappella, but I wouldn’t have made it no single (#32 R&B, no action on the pop chart). “Let Me Set You Free” also failed miserably (#71 R&B).
There’s also an alright cover of Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do”. Obviously doesn’t hold a torch to the original.
Speaking of covers, they get in a Kenny Loggins tune (“Who’s Right, Who’s Wrong”)!
Yep, the Four Tops went full yacht on this one.
ALBUM GRADE: C+
This is legitimately a fine album for a group entering their fourth decade in the music business. A big ole hit for them in “When She Was My Girl”; some decent album tracks; and no songs here cause embarrassment.
Song Scores
When She Was My Girl: 8/10
Don't Walk Away: 7/10
Tonight I'm Gonna Love You All Over: 6/10
Who's Right, Who's Wrong: 6/10
Let Me Set You Free: 6/10
From A Distance: 4/10
Something to Remember: 5/10
All I Do: 6/10
I'll Never Ever Leave Again: 4/10