The Four Tops Albums (23)
'Christmas Here with You'
Release Date 1/1/1995
Tracks 12
Label Motown
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
This 1995 release, Christmas Here with You, marks the Four Tops' first Christmas album -- features classic holiday songs such as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," "Away in a Manger," "Christmas Song," "Little Drummer Boy," "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," and "Merry Christmas, Baby." Aretha Franklin supplies vocals on two tracks -- "White Christmas" and "Silent Night" -- which just adds to this predictable but festive holiday release. ~ Gina Boldman, All Music Guide
'The Four Tops' Second Album'
Release Date 1/1/1992
Tracks 12
Label Motown
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
The Four Tops followed their fine debut album with an even more magnificent second effort, The Four Tops' Second Album. They landed their first number one pop and R&B hit with "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)." There was also "Something About You," a great uptempo shouter that seemed a disappointment at number 19 on the pop charts (and number nine on the R&B charts), but didn't lack vocal authority or production genius. The album also contained "It's the Same Old Song," a tidy little number that reached number five on the pop chart and number two on the R&B chart, and had one of the greatest lyrical hooks -- and titles -- ever. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
One of the later Four Tops albums, although the group's classic sound remained intact. Levi Stubbs' booming voice still resounded on a set of mostly routine tracks. They did get a little attention from the single "Loco in Acapulco," which was featured in the soundtrack of the film Buster. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The Four Tops returned to Motown in the mid-'80s, although things didn't work out for them in the end. This was the most successful of three albums they cut during their second stay, with two songs doing moderately well, and "Sexy Ways" becoming one of their last chart hits. A duet with Phyllis Hyman also got substantial urban contemporary airplay. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Back Where I Belong marks the Four Tops' return to Motown after stints with ABC and Casablanca Records. The foursome also united with the hit songwriting and production team of Holland-Dozier-Holland on some cuts. The slow, meandering "I Just Can't Walk Away," not one of HDH's best, died upon release, while the much better, shuffling, percolating "Make Yourself Right at Home" suffered from a total lack of promotion. "Hang," a duet with the Temptations, had a good message and sparkling, creative vocals, but got stuck as the B-side of the debut single; few, if any, DJs flipped it over. The duet with Lady Soul Aretha Franklin "What Have We Got to Lose" pales in comparison to earlier duets by the two super acts. Overall, the Four Tops are more mellow and subdued here than in the past. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Only "I Believe in You and Me" b/w "Sad Hearts" emerged from this nine-track album. The other choices from this sedate effort (compared to previous chartbusters on Motown and ABC Dunhill) didn't overwhelm Casablanca enough to release. With One More Mountain failing to provide another step to the Four Tops' long career, the quartet reunited with Motown after a pit stop with the RSO label. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
At The Top is a quality Four Tops album, produced by Norman Harris at Sigma Sound in Philadelphia; the songs, productions, and singing deserved a better fate. Future Temptation Ron Tyson co-wrote five songs: the minor hit "H.E.L.P.," and the beautiful, harmony-filled "Seclusion," "Put It On The News," "This House," and "Just In Time," an excellent ballad. Many found this production formalized, but those listeners miss the essence. The disjointed, jerky, soulful "When Your Dreams Take Wings and Fly" is anything but a formula song, and Levi Stubbs' emotional singing on "Seclusion" is the real deal. This was the Tops' last LP for ABC, which may account for the lightweight promotion. ~ Andrew Hamilton, All Music Guide
