[ ]   [ ]   [ ]                        [ ]      [ ]   [ ]
Four Tops — Reach Out I'll Be There
Album: Ultimate Collection
Avg rating:
8.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2010









Released: 1997
Length: 2:53
Plays (last 30 days): 0
share tweet wikiwebsitesearchamg
cd
mp3
search
Now if you feel that you can't go on ''(can't go on)''
Because all of your hope is gone ''(all your hope is gone)''
And your life is filled with much confusion ''(much confusion)''
Until happiness is just an illusion ''(happiness is just an illusion)''
And your world around is crumbling down, darlin'

''(Reach out)'' Come on girl reach on out for me
''(Reach out)'' Reach out for me
Hah, I'll be there with a love that will shelter you
I'll be there with a love that will see you through

When you feel lost and about to give up ''(to give up)''
'Cause your best just ain't good enough ''(just ain't good enough)''
And your feel the world has grown cold ''(has grown cold)''
And your drifting out all on your own ''(drifting out on your own)''
And you need a hand to hold, darlin'

''(Reach out)'' Come on girl, reach out for me
''(Reach out)'' Reach out for me
Hah, I'll be there to love and comfort you
And I'll be there to cherish and care for you

''(I'll be there to always see you through)
(I'll be there to love and comfort you)''

I can tell the way you hang your head ''(hang your head)''
You're not in love now, now you're afraid ''(you're afraid)''
And through your tears you look around ''(look around)''
But there's no peace of mind to be found ''(no peace of mind to be found)''
I know what your thinking
You're a loner, no love of your own, but darling

''(Reach out)'' Come on girl reach out for me
Reach out, just look over your shoulder
I'll be there to give you all the love you need
And I'll be there you can always depend on me
I'll be there
Comments (151)add comment
 awhfman wrote:

That bass!!




YES!!   
Posted 4 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 GingerandMe wrote:

Levi Stubbs was The Man.
What a voice.




YES!!   
Posted 4 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
That bass!!
Posted 9 months ago by awhfman    [ Reply ]
Levi Stubbs was The Man.
What a voice.
Posted 9 months ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
An amazing song.  The beautiful flute/piccolo (Dayna Hartwick) in the intro sets off three minutes of pure joy for me.
Posted 9 months ago by Jayesea    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:

The Ultimate Collection was released in 1997 and the this single was released in 1966.  

Had me confused for a second because I knew I had listened to this song on CFRA AM radio in 1960s. 




Yes.  1966 release date.
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
That 1957 year is def not correct. 
Posted 1 year ago by mediamarv    [ Reply ]
Levi Stubbs, my all time favourite male voice. So, so missed and forever loved.
Be there to meet us my friend.
Posted 1 year ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
THE BASS!! THE BASS!!
Posted 1 year ago by awhfman    [ Reply ]
The perfect 10. Just look over your shoulder!
Posted 1 year ago by Zep    [ Reply ]
ah my friend , i remember when we were like 10 or so. lol.  then we started to listen music... what record. thanks.
Posted 1 year ago by enkomao    [ Reply ]
The Ultimate Collection was released in 1997 and the this single was released in 1966.  

Had me confused for a second because I knew I had listened to this song on CFRA AM radio in 1960s. 
Posted 1 year ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
 curtlichter wrote:

What a track!  The flutes and bass guitar at the beginning have a tempo and melody that have one anticipating the rhythm section coming in. And the Funk Brothers deliver.  The tempo falls into a pocket groove that continues through the remainder of the song.  Great stuff.



The ultimate rhythm section; James Jamerson, Benny Benjamin, Richard 'Pistol' Allen and Uriel Jones smile from on high ...along with the rest of the crew.  

2648 West Grand awaits your presence.   Hitsville USA, a pilgrimage well worth your time.

Hitsville USA - Hitsville U.S.A. - Wikipedia
Posted 2 years ago by DW4554    [ Reply ]
As someone who came of age in Detroit in the 60's this song gave me goose bumps.  Thanks Bill.
Posted 2 years ago by szasz9595    [ Reply ]
I thought I was listening to Bernadette... Ok... 
Posted 2 years ago by xrdstv    [ Reply ]
 cosmicjoe wrote:

Something a lot of people don't realize is that Motown radio was actually based in Windsor ON. WKBW was famous for Motown music.




Actually CKLW was the call-sign. I live in Windsor...
Posted 2 years ago by Fiddlefye    [ Reply ]
A hymn of rejoice to us all!
Posted 2 years ago by (former member)    [ Reply ]
 cosmicjoe wrote:

Something a lot of people don't realize is that Motown radio was actually based in Windsor ON. WKBW was famous for Motown music.



Any radio station licensed to Canada would have call letters starting with a 'C'.  WKBW was a Buffalo, NY station. 
Posted 2 years ago by roadie    [ Reply ]
Something a lot of people don't realize is that Motown radio was actually based in Windsor ON. WKBW was famous for Motown music.
Posted 3 years ago by cosmicjoe    [ Reply ]
I remember hearing this as a kid and over the years. I took it for granted. The quality is really there isn't it? Love it.
Posted 3 years ago by nickferrante10    [ Reply ]
Bands like this kickin' it on the Ed Sullivan Show.  
Sunday night was always my favourite television night as a kid!
A "10" just for the transport back in time for me!
Posted 3 years ago by dandueck07    [ Reply ]
 mach-hog wrote:
I did. And she reached back. 😎
 

Look after the king of R n R please 
Posted 3 years ago by 69Grace_M    [ Reply ]
great song!
Posted 3 years ago by Poopsey    [ Reply ]
What a track!  The flutes and bass guitar at the beginning have a tempo and melody that have one anticipating the rhythm section coming in. And the Funk Brothers deliver.  The tempo falls into a pocket groove that continues through the remainder of the song.  Great stuff.
Posted 3 years ago by curtlichter    [ Reply ]
I did. And she reached back. 😎
Posted 4 years ago by mach-hog    [ Reply ]
My neighbor back in the 70's & 80's used to have a license plate "EVJ TOPS" which were his initials and the word TOPS because he was such a Four Tops fan.  Brings back memories.
Posted 4 years ago by rpdevotee    [ Reply ]
Outstanding set list creation following Phoenix (a song lamenting an absent father) with this!
Posted 4 years ago by ProjectGemini07    [ Reply ]
Some music just bring an automatic smile.   This is one of those rare treats.  
Posted 4 years ago by countryrds    [ Reply ]
they just don't make music like this anymore
passionate lyrics
interesting chord changes and melody
(and rough recording--gives it a documentary feel!)
Posted 5 years ago by LaurieinTucson    [ Reply ]
Long Live                                                                                                                                      Radio Paradise
My rating:                                                                                                                              9 -OUTSTANDING
Posted 5 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
Always thought they were singing "I'll be back." Now that I sing in a church choir, I've learned (still learning actually) not to close the 'r' on words that end in that letter. Prime example it is.
Posted 5 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
Posted 5 years ago by sunflowerbee    [ Reply ]
Those "Ha!" and "Ruff!" noises he makes are just SO PERFECTLY PLACED IN THIS EPOCH MASTERPIECE OF GROOVE!!!  HA!
Posted 6 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
It was the final song in a movie from the seventies "Cooley high" it was so great to see the heroe running on this beat, just after "it's so hard to say goodbye..."! Great memory!
Posted 6 years ago by Ptijoc    [ Reply ]
TIMELESS and Guaranteed to Please... Yeah, it's kinda dated, but wow, how gloriously so! Dig the stereo separation on this recording!
Posted 7 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
This is one of my favs from childhood, about 20 years after it was released, it was included on a series of cassette tapes by the Shell corp and sold at their gas stations.  My dad bought each of the tapes (50s &early 60s, late 60s,&  early 70s, late 70s & early 80s) 5 tracks per side, one per year, something like that....anyways, this was one of those tracks and I'll always have fond memories of hearing this in the backseat.  Good stuff!  10!
Posted 7 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
Those "Ha!" and "Ruff!" noises he makes always seemed so out of place in this song to me.
Posted 7 years ago by mrselfdestruct    [ Reply ]
High Quality Music
Posted 7 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
I think most people would agree with you. I certainly do.

gjr wrote:
motown really f***in' kicked it in their heyday......there were just too many artists, songwriters and musicians from smokey to marvin and the four tops and temptations and everyone in between......just an unbelievable confluence of talent and energy.  how do you rate the "motown sound"?  it was pop-funk-soul-r n b-jazz-gospel-blues all wrapped up in one dynamo of a recording studio.  some of the best american music ever made cam out of that tiny studio between '62 and '75.  if you dont believe me just watch "standing in the shadows of motown" sooo many great songs and sooo many great musicians....
jmoho 

 


Posted 8 years ago by clwguy    [ Reply ]
 Skydog wrote:
got any records with Florence Ballard singing back up (hint, hint, hint)

 
There's only one which gets occasional play.
Posted 8 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 Yea..I used to collect 'money bottles' and cash em in for gems like this.  verner wrote:
At 10 yrs. old, one of the first 45s I ever bought with my saved up allowance. Played it incessantly on my portable suitcase record player.  So many bebop memories. Great song.

 


Posted 8 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
At 10 yrs. old, one of the first 45s I ever bought with my saved up allowance. Played it incessantly on my portable suitcase record player.  So many bebop memories. Great song.
Posted 8 years ago by verner    [ Reply ]
got any records with Florence Ballard singing back up (hint, hint, hint)
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
sweet, nice surprise
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
So, so good. What else is there to say?
Posted 8 years ago by Wilfrue    [ Reply ]
Levi Stubbs kills it with the vocals!
Posted 9 years ago by g3diego    [ Reply ]
4 x's GODLIKE      Rrrrrrrrrrrr Aah!!!
Posted 9 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Got my head bobbing!  :-)
Posted 9 years ago by grahamdillabough    [ Reply ]
The_Walrus wrote:
Stop you in your tracks good.

 
{#Yes}{#Clap}
Posted 9 years ago by Pedro1874    [ Reply ]
 The_Walrus wrote:
Stop you in your tracks good.

 
Yep  {#Clap}
Posted 9 years ago by DanFHiggins    [ Reply ]
 gjr wrote:
motown really f***in' kicked it in their heyday......there were just too many artists, songwriters and musicians from smokey to marvin and the four tops and temptations and everyone in between......just an unbelievable confluence of talent and energy.  how do you rate the "motown sound"?  it was pop-funk-soul-r n b-jazz-gospel-blues all wrapped up in one dynamo of a recording studio.  some of the best american music ever made cam out of that tiny studio between '62 and '75.  if you dont believe me just watch "standing in the shadows of motown" sooo many great songs and sooo many great musicians....
jmoho 

 
and I was "stuck" in Punk Rock City.  Darn. 
Posted 9 years ago by Bobert_ParkCity    [ Reply ]
 PopKombo wrote:
when i was a kid i took much of this music for granted, as i listen to it now i appreciate just how good it was and still is

 
Well said!
Posted 9 years ago by mattrettig    [ Reply ]
This song is the reason I started playing bass 20-something years ago..thanks James!
Posted 9 years ago by mattrettig    [ Reply ]
The unmistakable, inimitable James Jamerson on bass.
Posted 10 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Outstanding!!!  Always loved this song.
Posted 10 years ago by RBarberio    [ Reply ]
total classic. I don't care if it's corny, dated, cliched, or has aged like a can of beer. It's priceless. 
Posted 10 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 The_Walrus wrote:
Stop you in your tracks good.

 

ABSOLUTELY !!!

 
Posted 10 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
The Funk Brothers!
Posted 10 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
      Iconic    {#Crown} {#Crown} {#Crown} {#Crown}  
Posted 10 years ago by Jannne    [ Reply ]
when i was a kid i took much of this music for granted, as i listen to it now i appreciate just how good it was and still is
Posted 10 years ago by PopKombo    [ Reply ]
Anything by The Four Tops. Seriously.
Posted 10 years ago by Deckard    [ Reply ]
James Jameson on bass! MMmmm
Posted 10 years ago by Mojo_LA    [ Reply ]
 gjr wrote:
motown really f***in' kicked it in their heyday......there were just too many artists, songwriters and musicians from smokey to marvin and the four tops and temptations and everyone in between......just an unbelievable confluence of talent and energy.  how do you rate the "motown sound"?  it was pop-funk-soul-r n b-jazz-gospel-blues all wrapped up in one dynamo of a recording studio.  some of the best american music ever made cam out of that tiny studio between '62 and '75.  if you dont believe me just watch "standing in the shadows of motown" sooo many great songs and sooo many great musicians....


jmoho 

 

Thank God I was here throughout it all. Motown was ubiquitous...
Posted 10 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
Stop you in your tracks good.
Posted 10 years ago by The_Walrus    [ Reply ]
besides barry ryan's Eloise one of my favorites in those days on my "new mc player"
Posted 10 years ago by Pitjes    [ Reply ]
Now we're talkin {#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 10 years ago by GreggH    [ Reply ]
Not much for oldies - but the Four Tops transcend that. I was in the music business when they were making these hits and they were one of the few groups I always made sure I saw. Levi Stubbs was Motown's most outstanding voice, IMHO.
Posted 10 years ago by jimcummings    [ Reply ]
Unmistakable James Jamerson bass line.
Posted 10 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
{#Bananapiano}{#Bananapiano}{#Bananapiano} I'm Dancing I'm Dancing
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]

Saw them a couple of summers ago at Wolftrap with The Temptations.  Truth be told though, if you went by the orginal members, it was really The Temptation and One Top.


Posted 11 years ago by Jeffrey    [ Reply ]
{#Bananasplit}One of the many reasons I love RP!  Just when it starts to become just background music to my work, you play something that gets my attention and gets me moving.  Happy Happy!!
Posted 11 years ago by diannemck56    [ Reply ]
Ahhh...the memories....they were rockin' from 1953 to 1997 with the original team (according to Wikipedia). We danced with them all through high school (55-59) and college (64-68) and over the years. Wow, was it that long ago. Thanx RP.
Posted 11 years ago by marty88210    [ Reply ]
motown really f***in' kicked it in their heyday......there were just too many artists, songwriters and musicians from smokey to marvin and the four tops and temptations and everyone in between......just an unbelievable confluence of talent and energy.  how do you rate the "motown sound"?  it was pop-funk-soul-r n b-jazz-gospel-blues all wrapped up in one dynamo of a recording studio.  some of the best american music ever made cam out of that tiny studio between '62 and '75.  if you dont believe me just watch "standing in the shadows of motown" sooo many great songs and sooo many great musicians....


jmoho 
Posted 11 years ago by gjr    [ Reply ]
Every time I hear this song now I expect to hear someone start talking about the DMC...
Its a Detroit thing.
Posted 11 years ago by Bacadiar    [ Reply ]
 Stratocaster wrote:

That's what I say to my 28 year old son, who is a rabid fan of current music, especially indie stuff.  Amazingly, he agrees.

There is a lot of good current music, but it's not like this.

 
I do not disagree but remember, people who were over 40 in the 1960s probably voiced the same sentiments about the music of that era.
Posted 11 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Levi Stubbs is the greatest, and perhaps the most underrated, vocalist of all time.  The best.
Posted 11 years ago by Sideorder    [ Reply ]
awesome!!
Posted 11 years ago by clwguy    [ Reply ]
Oh hell yes!!!
Posted 11 years ago by big_gare    [ Reply ]
Try to listen to this like it´s the first time you hear it. If you can, a 10 is inevitable. Unfortunately I can´t and leave this song unrated.
Posted 11 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
The Funk Brothers are Beatles level in terms of influence and talent, imho.
Posted 12 years ago by ycb661    [ Reply ]
More Motown!  {#Dancingbanana}
Posted 12 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
 EditorTom wrote:
I am so sick of this song.    Repetitive, tedious, barely musical.     Please stop playing this.
 
Please go back under your rock, I think you will like it better under there.  Thank you.
Posted 12 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
 eswiley2 wrote:
What songs from today are going to sound this good 45 years from now?

{#Ask}

 
That's what I say to my 28 year old son, who is a rabid fan of current music, especially indie stuff.  Amazingly, he agrees.

There is a lot of good current music, but it's not like this.


Posted 12 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
As Bill says: "and now for something completely different":

Monty Python screenshot
Posted 12 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
I was 13 when this came out. It sounds as sweet as ever.
Posted 12 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]

Posted 12 years ago by n4ku    [ Reply ]
I'll beeeee damned!
Posted 12 years ago by hubcapsally    [ Reply ]
 eswiley2 wrote:
What songs from today are going to sound this good 45 years from now?

{#Ask}
 
Absolutely.

Posted 12 years ago by BBOGDA    [ Reply ]
greatest....++++++++++++++++
Posted 12 years ago by 24noir    [ Reply ]
Sweeeet!
Posted 12 years ago by BBOGDA    [ Reply ]
Brings back a lot of memories...love the way it segues into "Bitter Sweet Symphony".
Posted 13 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
Is there a rating high enough?

Perfection...the passion almost drips out of the speakers
Posted 13 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
The great Levi Stubbs - who later voiced the man eating plant in the musical film version of Little Shop of Horrors
Posted 13 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
What songs from today are going to sound this good 45 years from now?

{#Ask}
Posted 13 years ago by eswiley2    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:
Great song, but man this just may be the most played song in the history of the world? Can someone look into that?{#Stupid}
 
More than "Stairway to Heaven" or "White Christmas?" {#Lol}

Posted 13 years ago by SinisterDexter    [ Reply ]
 sirdroseph wrote:
Great song, but man this just may be the most played song in the history of the world? Can someone look into that?{#Stupid}
 
It's THAT good

I'll be there...

Posted 13 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
Great song, but man this just may be the most played song in the history of the world? Can someone look into that?{#Stupid}
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Classic!
Posted 13 years ago by Dinges,_the_Dude    [ Reply ]
 buddy wrote:
This always takes me back to when I had a paper route at 3am in the morning and this was a huge hit in heavy rotation, playing at least once everr hour while I rolled and then threw papers in the wee hours, my mom driving me around, my sister coming along for the ride.
 
What a great memory...and an awesome mom and sister for supporting you.  Amazing what comes to mind when "old" music (from any era) is played, eh?

Posted 13 years ago by Tim_in_N_FL    [ Reply ]
Still love it! {#Music}
Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Stunning tune, on the soundtrack of my youth. MAGIC.
Posted 14 years ago by hbs47    [ Reply ]
This song will always make me think of the film "Cooley High." That film, and what it had to say about race, had such a huge impact on me as a child/teen.
Posted 14 years ago by sandyclaws    [ Reply ]
One of the greatest songs and greatest bands I've ever heard.
Posted 14 years ago by Chuckaluphagus    [ Reply ]
 DoctorHooey wrote:
rrrrrrrrrAUGH!

This is the stuff! A modern classic. 
 

Yes. Levi was the man!
Posted 14 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
Saw these guys live in '85? @ a Holiday Star in IN ~ loved it

Reach Out...
Posted 14 years ago by peacockangel    [ Reply ]
rrrrrrrrrAUGH!

This is the stuff! A modern classic. 
Posted 14 years ago by DoctorHooey    [ Reply ]
They believed in the music.  I love this song, and will always love it... {#Sunny}
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
blast from the past... haven't heard this since I was like 8 years old.
Posted 14 years ago by soulcollision    [ Reply ]
I am so sick of this song.    Repetitive, tedious, barely musical.     Please stop playing this.
Posted 14 years ago by EditorTom    [ Reply ]
Maybe this sounds ok from old car speakers but not on a nice hifi! Anyway, i am not a fan of it!!
Posted 14 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
LOVE IT! {#Bananasplit}
Posted 15 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
wow...wow...wow!!!!  timeless!
Posted 15 years ago by LongGoneDaddy    [ Reply ]
hard to top god what a 10
Posted 15 years ago by lophrequa    [ Reply ]
{#Eek}

{#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 15 years ago by MsJudi    [ Reply ]
YES !!!!!!  HA !!!!

Posted 15 years ago by HazzeSwede    [ Reply ]

Back to KHJ, KRLA and when KFWB used to play music.

Muchas Graciass.

10

Posted 15 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
10.
Posted 15 years ago by lophrequa    [ Reply ]
Words still ring true today!!
Posted 15 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
  Q: Why did Paul McCartney emulate James Jamerson?

A: Rent Standing in the Shadows of Motown to learn the Funk Brothers story (click image)!

Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Damn!  Just missed it...{#Cry}
Posted 15 years ago by pinklife    [ Reply ]