These classic Motown love songs are essential for reconnecting with your partner and getting closer to a new love. They’re not just our favorites! Many were recognized as Billboard chart-toppers. Motown Records in Detroit birthed numerous Motown starts that were far too good to be one-hit wonders. Many went on to tour well into the later years of their career and received much praise. At the heart of these musical artists is the soul!
Detroitisit rounded up a diverse list of classic Motown love songs that range in emotions surrounding love. Enjoy nothing, but the legendary stars that started out in the city of Detroit.
STEVIE WONDER-I JUST CALLED TO SAY I LOVE YOU
Let’s start off this star-studded list of class Motown love songs to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a catchy ballad written, produced, and performed by American R&B singer and songwriter Stevie Wonder. Not only was it a major international hit when it was released in 1984, but it’s still Wonder’s best-selling single to date. You may recognize “I Just Called to Say I Love You”, considering it was the lead single from the 1984 soundtrack album The Woman in Red, along with two other songs by Wonder. Crank up the volume and belt out your best rendition of this gorgeous song that scored number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks from October 13 to October 27, 1984.
ARETHA FRANKLIN- THAT’S THE WAY I FEEL ABOUT CHA
All of Aretha Franklin’s A.K.A Detroit’s “Queen of Soul” songs could be seen as classic Motown love songs, considering the passion, power, and tender soul she put into each vocal performance. She has twice been placed ninth in Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Artists of All Time”. This classic Motown love songs playlist certainly made room for this powerhouse American singer and her stripped-down 1973 song, “That’s The Way I Feel About Cha”, produced by her and Quincy Jones. It’s track 7 from her album, Hey Now Hey Now Hey (The Other Side of the Sky). Relax and take the night nice and slow. Reflect on the little things that make you feel with your whole heart.
YOU CAN’T HURRY LOVE-THE SUPREMES
This list of classic Motown love songs for Valentine’s Day in Detroit wouldn’t be complete without a certified supreme song. Although you could make a whole Valentine’s playlist that’s solely The Supremes because they have theatrical several love and heartache-themed hits. In fact, a few became number-one pop hits such as, “Where Did Our Love Go” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” In honor of our love and appreciation for the Detroit music scene in its prime, we had to include one of the most successful groups of all time. Anyone can enjoy this reassuring reminder that love will come! It’s also something to work at regularly to maintain.
THE TEMPTATIONS-MY GIRL
Are you a true Detroiter if you can’t sing and sway along to “My Girl” by The Temptations? Classic Motown love songs like this are a love that stands the test of time. Song written and composed by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White, originally recorded by The Temptations and released in 1964. The song is also a standout because it was the first Temptations single to feature David Ruffin on lead vocals. Enjoy this signature soul music tune with whoever has a special groove in their step and treasures the golden sounds of Detroit.
DIANA ROSS-LOVE HANGOVER
Detroitisit had to include Diana Ross from The Supremes as well as The Supremes because there’s so much love and talent! Ms. Ross really shined went she embarked on a solo career. Classic Motown love songs like “Love Hangover” highlight the versatility of Motown even more with its own signature Disco flair. You’ll want to put this smash single on repeat, along with the rest of her self-titled album, Diana Ross, on which it first appeared in 1976. This lovely groove soared to US No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 making it one of the best records of ’76.
MARVIN GAYE-DISTANT LOVER
Marvin Gaye was one of the brilliant voices of soul/R&B vocalists and one of the most influential. For an interesting ballad twist, hit play on Marvin Gaye’s doo-wop romance song full of all the ups and downs of love on Marvin’s 1973 album, Let’s Get It On. You’ll be just as much in your feels when you listen to the live version on the following year’s Marvin Gaye Live.
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