The Importance of Motown

Motown was was founded in 1959 and it quickly became one the most popular successful and influential black owned businesses. In the late 50's, early 60's, the Civil Rights movement was at one of its highest peaks. Motown provided a way for African Americans to express themselves through making music, and it gave other's exciting entertainment. Motown eventually evolved and it has a part in every bit of music that we listen to today. The older Motown used to play actual instruments. Their music was authentic and it had a lot of meaning. You could almost find an older Motown song to listen to for every situation you're in. In the newer Motown, it has transitioned to a lot of music being made electronically. In this playlist, we take a dive from older Motown to the more modern Motown. I hope you enjoy. 

What's Going On - Marvin Gaye 

This song is related to the theme because it talked about the social injustice with African Americans during a lot of the civil rights movement. Frequently, Marvin Gaye makes several references to police brutality, and racism going on in different areas of the country. 

Dancing in the Streets - Martha and the Vandellas

This song was an immaculate song. It was released in 1965 and it was a song that made people dance. The purpose of this song was to bring joy to everyone. For me, this song makes me happier, no matter what mood I'm in. 

September - Earth Wind and Fire

This song is an all time classic. This song came out in 1978. This is indeed another feel good song. This song was big in Motown and it is still a very prominent song today. There was recently remix of that song that came on the radio that was based off of that song. 

My Girl - The Temptations

This song was released in 1965. This song was prominent during the big rise of Motown. It brought another aspect to Motown as far as the romantic aspect of it. The temptations also brought a lot of dancing and movement into their songs. We can see glimpses of it in later groups like New Edition and many other artist. 

Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Marvin Gate & Tammi Terrell

This song is yet another classic that has been reused plenty of times today. This song was good for Motown because it brought a lot of people together. I feel that this song was used to express how far you would go to make sure that a person was alright. This song pushed Motown to another level. 

Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours - Stevie Wonder

This song was a great song because it was catchy and it was during the rise of Stevie Wonder. Stevie Wonder was a household name his music was iconic and I believe that this song relates to the theme because it you could feel the emotions in the instruments that were being used. 

Tracks of My Tears - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

This song is more of a calmer Motown song. Smokey Robinson's voice was more soothing than most of the Motown singers. His group was was smoother. They used a lot of harmony and their pitch was often higher than most. I enjoy this group because it gives me a calm feeling. A lot of Smokey Robinson's instrumentals are often used today. 

My Cherie Amour - Stevie Wonder

This is my favorite song by Stevie Wonder because it has such a beautiful melody. Also the way he talks about the woman in the song should be how all men should talk about their spouse. He talks about her so elegantly and lets himself be vulnerable in the song. 

You Deserve Better - The Isley Brothers

In this song, the brothers talk about how a woman should be treated. This song is also a great example of how a man should treat a woman. It teaches that the dating phase is never over, even when the couple is married. They also give a lot of nice ideas for dates to take a female on.

ABC - The Jackson 5

Arguably their most popular song, this song is very simple, but it gets you moving. The Jackson 5 song a variety of songs. From soul, pop, Christmas, and a couple of more. This group was very influential in the advancement of Motown. 

Billie Jean - Michael Jackson

This iconic song is Michael Jackson's most played song. Michael Jackson changed the game for not only Motown, but for pop music. He is know as the "King of Pop". Michael Jackson's influence was beyond important. Not only was he big for Motown, he was influential in the music industry as a whole. There are countless songs that have his lyrics or that use his songs as the base for their remix. 

End of the Road - Boyz II Men

Boyz II Men is one of the greatest R&B groups of all time. They use a lot of harmony like Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. They also bring a new aspect into some things and sing songs a-cappella . They have a couple of songs that give the vibes like the Isley Brothers, but they remind me a lot of Smokey Robinson. 

We've Got Love - Babyface 

Babyface was an immaculate artist. He used a lot of techniques like Boys II Men and the Isley Brothers. He has the up beat songs, but then he will add in some harmony like Smokey Robinson. I think Babyface is an underrated artist because he uses a lot of element from everyone. 

That's What I like - Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars reminds me a lot of Michael Jackson and the Temptations. He incorporates a lot of movement and a lot of upbeat vibes. Bruno also plays instruments like Earth Wind and Fire. Bruno encompasses all of the aspect from the 70's to the 2000's. 

We Are the World - A lot of Artist

The song we are the world change the music industry as a whole because it showed unity. I saved this one for last because ever since this song, you've seen more joint songs with people of different genres, styles, and races. This song stated that we are the ones that are supposed to make the world a better place and they did exactly that with that song. 

 Link to playlist :

 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ArQo2yPQt8lUHU74Dy0Ta?si=d9534caecd3f481b

\