Rubbered Soul: Weak for Motown

Of all the musical events and releases due in 2009, none can be as important as the anniversary of possibly the greatest American record label. 50 years ago this year, Berry Gordy opened the doors of Motown Records in Detroit, Michigan, and popular music was changed forever. With a roster of artists that would include Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and the Supremes - to name but a few - Motown created a sound that built on African American musical traditions, yet was universally accessible to all colours and races.

Much has been, and subsequently will be, written about the history of the label and the importance and cultural relevance of the Motown catalogue. Yet a common theme accompanying this important anniversary appears to revolve around one question: 'What is the greatest Motown song ever recorded?'

It is not an easy question to answer. I was lucky enough to grow up with Motown playing in the background - my old man's favourite song of all time is Smokey's 'Tears of a Clown' - and fortunately adopted a taste for such music myself. I own plenty of Marvin, Stevie, Diana Ross (even though I can't stand her voice!). I've seen Motown's house band, The Funk Brothers, live in concert, as well as The Four Tops and The Temptations (albeit modern incarnations). So where do I start?!

Common consensus generally gives the vote to Martha Reeves and the Vandellas' 'Dancing In The Street', a truly great song, and one which I can understand the reasons behind the number of votes it receives. But it's not for me. Personally, my favourite Motown recording is The Isley Brothers' 'This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You), which rather goes against the grain when you consider that it was the only major hit the group had on the Motown label.

For a song that was passed over by The Four Tops - who deemed it inferior to the rest of their output - it has everything: one of the most memorable intros in pop music, that simply makes you want to dance; a vocal delivery from Ronald Isley that is full of passion and emotion; poignant lyrics concerning the subtler sides of romance (the breaking of a heart just from the breaking of an embrace); and above all a chorus that every man, woman and child is compelled to sing along to. A part of me even wishes that I didn't like the song so much, for my masculine pride would like to think that if a woman left me 100 times, I would not take her back once, let alone all 100 times! But the song permeates any defences, enters the soul and lifts you up to say 'Here, this is me, this is who I am'.