About the song
The Four Tops – I Can’t Help Myself
“I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” is a song written by Holland–Dozier–Holland and originally recorded by The Four Tops in 1965. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number two on the UK Singles Chart. The song is considered to be one of the greatest Motown songs of all time.
The song is a mid-tempo ballad about a man who is in love with a woman. The song’s lyrics are simple but effective, and they perfectly capture the feeling of being in love. The Four Tops’ vocals are smooth and soulful, and they bring the song to life.
Background and writing
“I Can’t Help Myself” was written by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland. The three men were the main songwriting and production team for Motown Records in the 1960s. They wrote and produced many of Motown’s biggest hits, including “I Can’t Help Myself,” “Where Did Our Love Go,” and “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me.”
The song was inspired by the Holland-Dozier-Holland’s love of doo-wop music. They wanted to write a song that had the same feel as the doo-wop songs they listened to as teenagers.
Recording and production
“I Can’t Help Myself” was recorded in 1965 at the Motown Records studio in Detroit, Michigan. The song was produced by the Holland-Dozier-Holland team.
The song was recorded in one take. The Four Tops were so excited about the song that they didn’t need to do any re-recording.
Release and commercial performance
“I Can’t Help Myself” was released in 1965 as a single. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number two on the UK Singles Chart. The song was also a commercial success in other countries, reaching the top ten charts in many countries around the world.
Impact and legacy
“I Can’t Help Myself” is considered to be one of the greatest Motown songs of all time. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. The song has also been used in several films and television shows, including “The Big Lebowski” and “The Sopranos.”
The Four Tops
The Four Tops were an American vocal group that was formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1954. The group’s original lineup consisted of Levi Stubbs (lead vocals), Abdul “Duke” Fakir (baritone), Renaldo “Obie” Benson (tenor), and Lawrence Payton (bass). The Four Tops were one of the most successful Motown groups of the 1960s, and they had a string of hit singles, including “I Can’t Help Myself,” “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” and “Standing in the Shadows of Love.”
The Four Tops were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. The group disbanded in 2011 with the death of Levi Stubbs.
Conclusion
“I Can’t Help Myself” is a classic Motown song that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and moving song about the power of love, and it is a reminder that even the simplest things can be the most meaningful. The Four Tops’ version is the definitive version of the song, and it is considered to be one of the greatest Motown songs of all time.
I hope you enjoyed this introduction to I Can’t Help Myself. If you are a fan of Motown music or if you are simply looking for a beautiful and moving song to listen to, then I highly recommend I Can’t Help Myself.
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