Mary Wells: The Queen of Motown
Mary Wells was a talented American vocalist who gained fame and recognition with her heartfelt melodies and unique voice. Born in 1943 in Detroit, Wells began her music career at a young age, writing and recording her own material.
However, it wasn’t until she signed with Motown Records that she catapulted to stardom. Wells’ contributions to Motown are immeasurable.
She was the first female artist to achieve a top 10 hit on Billboards’ Hot 100 chart, with her song “Two Lovers” in 1962. Wells’ warm and soulful voice, coupled with her relatable lyrics, quickly made her a fan favorite.
Here are the top 10 best Mary Wells songs that every music lover should know:
1. “My Guy”
2.
“Two Lovers”
3. “You Beat Me to the Punch”
4.
“The One Who Really Loves You”
5. “What Love Has Joined Together”
6.
“Bye Bye Baby”
7. “Your Old Standby”
8.
“The Laugh’s on Me”
9. “You Lost the Sweetest Boy”
10.
“Operator”
“My Guy”
“My Guy” is arguably the most famous and enduring of all Mary Wells’ songs. Released in 1964, it became a chart-topper and a fan favorite, winning over audiences immediately thanks to its upbeat rhythm and heartfelt lyrics.
The song was written by Smokey Robinson, who was one of the most prominent songwriters at Motown at that time. The lyrics of “My Guy” express the devotion and trust that Wells had for her lover.
She sings about how he’s always there for her when she needs him the most, and how she’s grateful for the love they share. The song’s catchy melody and Wells’ soulful delivery make it a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today.
Robinson’s songwriting skills shine through in “My Guy,” creating a perfect combination with Wells’ vocals. The Motown sound was known for its catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms, as well the emotional depth of the lyrics.
These elements are what made Mary Wells’ music so special – it was joyful and uplifting, but also sincere and heartfelt. In conclusion, Mary Wells will forever be remembered as a trailblazer in the world of music, blazing a path for other female artists, and contributing to the glory and legacy of Motown.
Through her music, Wells touched the hearts of millions, and her songs continue to inspire new generations of fans. “My Guy” remains the ultimate testament to her talent, and a defining moment in her career.
3) “Laughing Boy” – Hauntingly Beautiful Track and Emotional Depth
Mary Wells’ musical career is well known for her upbeat and catchy tracks like “My Guy” and “Two Lovers,” songs that are still popular decades after their release. However, Wells recorded many soulful ballads that showcased her emotive range, including one of her lesser-known tracks, “Laughing Boy.” Written by Motown songwriter Marv Tarplin, the song is a hauntingly beautiful and melancholic tune with significant emotional depth.
“Laughing Boy” tells the heartbreaking story of a young man who breaks the singer’s heart and leaves her to pick up the pieces. Through the song, Wells conveys the emotional pain she is feeling, highlighting the depth and complexity of the human experience.
The lyrics are poignant, and the music is melancholic, with haunting instrumentation that expresses the song’s emotional depth. The song showcases Wells’ nuanced voice, and the way she blends the perfect amount of sensuality and pain into her delivery is impeccable.
She manages to convey different emotional states, including the pain of heartbreak and the power of reflection. Marv Tarplin’s genius as a songwriter is apparent in the instrumental arrangement of the song.
The piano background and the soaring violins add a hint of sadness to the track. Combined with Wells’ soulful delivery, “Laughing Boy” is an introspective masterpiece.
4) “Two Lovers” – Upbeat Track Exemplifying Motown’s Style
“Two Lovers” is one of Mary Wells’ most successful songs and an embodiment of the Motown sound. Written by the legendary Smokey Robinson, the song perfectly captures the spirit of Motown and the rhythm and blues music that defined the era.
The upbeat track tells the story of a girl who has two lovers. Despite loving them both, she can’t deny that one has captured her heart more.
The lyrics are uncomplicated, but the upbeat rhythm of the song keeps listeners moving and grooving. With “Two Lovers,” Wells showcases her vocal abilities to the fullest, demonstrating her passion and joy.
Her incredible range allows her to hit every one of the high notes in the song. Moreover, her spirited performance is accompanied by exuberant strings, a groovy bassline, and tight horns, all that makes the song an instant classic.
Smokey Robinson’s songwriting skills are demonstrated in his deft use of harmonies and melodies, which forms a delightful blend with Wells’ vocals. It’s hard not to dance to the infectious beat of “Two Lovers,” and it’s easy to see why the track still retains its place in music history.
In conclusion, Mary Wells was one of the most prominent musicians of Motown’s golden age, and her music continues to inspire generations. Though her career was brief, she managed to produce an extraordinary pop catalog that transcends age and still speaks to new audiences today.
With the varied range of songs she recorded, Wells showcased her incredible talent as an artist. “Laughing Boy” and “Two Lovers” represent two different perspectives of her musical range, showcasing the emotive depth for which she was celebrated, and the excitement, joy, and infectious rhythms of the Motown sound.
5) “I Don’t Want to Take a Chance” – Raw and Emotional Soulful Track
“I Don’t Want to Take a Chance” is a soulful track written by Motown founder Berry Gordy. The song tells the story of a woman who’s been down on her luck in love.
Wells’ passionate delivery exposes the raw emotions of the character in the story, and the song itself carries an element of sad truthfulness. The song’s instrumentation – the piano melodies, strings, and backing vocals – are carefully crafted to complement Wells’ emotive vocals.
The opening piano riff establishes the song’s melancholic tone, while the organ solo provides a compelling counterpoint. Wells delivers the song with a sense of purpose, drawing out every ounce of emotion with her profoundly soulful voice.
Gordy’s songwriting prowess shines in the narrative and candid lyrics, making the track an exceptionally accomplished piece of music. 6) “What’s the Matter With You Baby” ft.
Marvin Gaye – Dynamic Duet and Unique Chemistry
Mary Wells and Marvin Gaye’s collaboration on the track “What’s the Matter With You Baby” is an excellent example of their incredible talent to combine Pop and R&B while creating a unique chemistry between the two. The song was written by William “Mickey” Stevenson and Ivy Jo Hunter, and released in 1964.
The track is a lively and upbeat number that exemplifies Motown’s classic sound. Wells and Gaye’s chemistry was evident in their harmonized call-and-response style lyrics, as well as their lively vocal interplay throughout the song.
Gaye’s singing injected a dynamic energy into the track, which added another layer of appeal to the already catchy melody. “What’s the Matter With You Baby” features Gaye’s recognizable smooth and soulful voice, and Wells’ captivating delivery.
They complement each other perfectly, demonstrating their natural chemistry. The song’s instrumental arrangement of percussion, guitar riffs, and horns reflect the infectious energy between the two singers.
In conclusion, Wells left a deep legacy in the music industry with her Motown classics. “I Don’t Want to Take a Chance” and “What’s the Matter With You Baby” are two excellent examples of the different styles of music that Wells mastered during her career.
The unique dynamics and vocal interplay between Wells and Gaye in “What’s the Matter With You Baby” have made it an unforgettable duo, while “I Don’t Want to Take a Chance” highlighted Wells’ exceptional talent at bringing raw emotion to her performances. The lasting legacy of Mary Wells continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians, ensuring that her groundbreaking contribution to the Motown legacy will never be forgotten.
7) “Bye Bye Baby” – Classic Motown Hit and Joyful Track
“Bye Bye Baby” is one of Mary Wells’ most bubbly and energetic tracks, showcasing Motown’s upbeat sound that made them a worldwide sensation. The song was written by Berry Gordy and released in 1960.
The song’s cheerful melody transports audiences to a happy place, encouraging them to sing and dance along to the delightful rhythm. Wells’ infectious energy and incredible vocal abilities elevate the track, making it one of her most memorable hits.
Gordy’s songwriting skills are on full display, as the lyrics echo the playful rhythm, talking about the fun of a new relationship and the excitement of starting anew. The song features a catchy hook, a lively beat, and a fantastic blend of backing vocals and percussion that flawlessly complement Wells’ voice.
“Bye Bye Baby” is an excellent example of why Motown’s music has always been the epitome of happiness and joy. It has continued to be a popular track, and it’s easy to see why, even half a century later.
8) “What’s Easy for Two Is So Hard for One” – Soulful and Emotive Track
“What’s Easy for Two Is So Hard for One” is a soulful track written by the legendary Smokey Robinson. The song explores the theme of heartbreak and the emotional ache that comes with unrequited love.
The lyrics are candid and compelling, delivered with Wells’ characteristic soulful touch. Her vocals express the despair and sadness that comes after a failed romance, creating a sincere and intense atmosphere.
“Whats Easy for Two is So Hard for One” is a great example of Robinson’s penchant for crafting deep and thoughtful lyrics. The instrumental arrangement of the song is also expertly crafted, featuring an impressive combination of strings and piano that complement Wells’ soulful delivery.
The song’s emotional depth is palpable, a testament to the skills of both Robinson as a writer and Wells as a talented vocalist. The track stands as a moving portrait of love, heartbreak, and the pain of holding on to an unattainable love.
In conclusion, Mary Wells was a music pioneer whose contributions to the Motown era were indispensable. “Bye Bye Baby” and “What’s Easy for Two Is So Hard for One” are prime examples of the versatility of Wells’ music, showcasing the different facets of her talent.
The diversity of her catalog was a testament to her ability to combine happiness and joy with sadness and pain with a fiery passion that made her immortal. Her music continues to inspire new generations of artists, reminding us all of the enduring power of Mary Wells’s soulful sound.
9) “You Beat Me to the Punch” – Upbeat and Infectious Motown Hit
“You Beat Me to the Punch” was one of Mary Wells’ biggest singles, released in 1962. The song’s infectious melody and upbeat rhythm exemplify the Motown sound, and the track was a chart-topping sensation.
Smokey Robinson was the writing genius behind the song. The lyrics are simplistic, yet the story they tell is relatable, highlighting the frustration of being left behind when someone you like has already moved on.
Wells’ charismatic delivery of the track adds to its charm, conveying the song’s energy and emotions. Her excellent vocal range brings the song to life, backed with the excellent instrumentation of the Funk Brothers.
The song’s exceptional melody, combined with Robinson’s poetic writing, made it an unforgettable hit. You can’t help but fall in love with the upbeat and lively rhythm, making it an instant classic.
10) “You Lost the Sweetest Boy” – Hauntingly Beautiful and Emotional Track
Mary Wells had a talent for delivering soulful ballads, and “You Lost the Sweetest Boy” is a hauntingly beautiful love lament. Written by Smokey Robinson, the track is one of Wells’ lesser-known tracks, but no less impactful.
The song expresses the pain one feels after losing a loved one, recollecting all the memories of happiness they shared. Wells’ voice is emotive and haunting in equal measure, with the lyrics providing a soulful narrative of brokenhearted love.
Robinson’s poetic lyrics, combined with the song’s instrumentation, create a melancholic and introspective atmosphere that captivates the listener. Its soft and tender melody is filled with resonating piano keys and the emotive sound of a wailing saxophone, making it one of Wells’ most beautiful and heartrending tracks.
“You Lost the Sweetest Boy” may not have been as popular as her other hits but demonstrates the incredible depth of her talent. Wells’ impeccable delivery of Robinson’s lyrics digs deep into the listener’s emotional response, making this one of her most outstanding performances.
In conclusion, Mary Wells’ music was not only about joyful melodies and foot-tapping rhythms, but also about emotional depth and complexity. “You Beat Me to the Punch” and “You Lost the Sweetest Boy” represent the unprecedented quality of Wells’ music and her diverse range in genres, from infectious Motown numbers to heartbreaking ballads.
The soulful and emotive lyrics of Robinson, blended with Wells’ heartfelt delivery, continue to inspire fans and artists around the world, ensuring that their legacy endures for generations to come. 11) “The One Who Really Loves You” – Soulful and Powerful Track
Written by the legendary Smokey Robinson, “The One Who Really Loves You” is one of Mary Wells’ most soulful and powerful tracks.
Released in 1962, it was a top 10 hit on both the R&B and pop charts, cementing her status as one of the top female vocalists of the time. The track’s upbeat rhythm intertwines perfectly with Wells’ passionate delivery, creating a song that showcases both the range of her voice and the depth of emotion in Robinson’s lyrics.
The song begins with a catchy hook, announcing the arrival of a love that’s true and genuine. “The One Who Really Loves You” talks about the struggle of finding true love, and the importance of recognizing someone who cares for you more than anyone else.
The song’s theme is relatable yet complex, with Robinson’s poetic lyrics properly conveying the idea of resonating love. Wells’ soulful delivery of the track adds gravitas to the lyrics making it one of her most memorable hits.
Her vocal control and emotive execution mesh together, creating an evocative and potent anthem of love. The song’s instrumental arrangement is an excellent example of Motown’s unique sound.
The sweeping horns and percussion, sets the ideal framework for the song’s passionate vocal delivery. In conclusion, “The One Who Really Loves You” is a soulful yet catchy track that demonstrates how Wells and Robinson were a match made in heaven.
Mary Wells’ incredible talent was in full focus on this track. Her passionate delivery combined with Robinson’s skilled songwriting, makes this track a timeless classic of the Motown era.
The track remains a testament to the enduring power of Wells’ music, which continues to inspire, uplift, and entertain audiences worldwide. In conclusion, Mary Wells was an incredibly gifted artist who made an immense contribution to the Motown era