In your opinion, what is THE single most iconic Motown song?

[thanxal]

I don't know if any version of this question has been asked recently, but I've been thinking about how so few young people know any Motown song or artist at all. I was thinking, if there was just one song I could play for them, which would one would it be? Any help here?
[[Edit: only one. No lists or ties for first).

[TomatoTom123]

well thanxal, I'd normally be indecisive and list several songs but, as requested, here is my sole suggestion!

"My Girl" — The Temptations

[Quinn]

"Dancing In The Street". I would say that song is the epitome of Motown's impact on the world. You hear this everywhere, doesn't matter where you go. For me, this is their signature song in the same fashion " Try A Little Tenderness " is for Stax Records.

[motownlover1964]

I Can't Help Myself -- The Four Tops

[midnightman]

Just one song? That's hard... but since Quinn took my first guess, this is my second:

What's Going On.

[PeaceNHarmony]

Stop! In The Name of Love

[mysterysinger]

I'm surprised at how much the younger people regard Motown product but it tends to be the individual artists and songs they grew up liking rather than the "old guard" that most of us here know and love.

"Reach Out I'll Be There" from the Four Tops would be the most iconic Motown song for me.

[arr&bee]

Good question,as i talk to youngsters about music and motown,one song that they all seem to know and love is...get ready-the temps.

[marv2]

It is "Reach Out, I'll Be There" by the Four Tops.

[thanxal]

Thanks to everyone so far. One point of clarification: it doesn’t necessarily have to be your favorite Motown song, just the one you think it most ICONIC.

[daviddh]

I would vote DANCING IN THE STREET . I just feel that's what Motown music makes me feel , I cant even dance unless I am drunk

[arr&bee]

i would vote dancing in the street . I just feel that's what motown music makes me feel , i cant even dance unless i am drunk

hey daviddh,then you should come hang with me...you'll dance alot,hehehehehe!!

[jobeterob]

I would pick most of the ones you've picked - one of these:

My Girl
Dancing in the Street
Stop in the Name of Love

[sophisticated_soul]

Take Me In Your Arms [[Rock Me A Little While) - Kim Weston

[kenneth]

well thanxal, I'd normally be indecisive and list several songs but, as requested, here is my sole suggestion!

"My Girl" — The Temptations

I agree. It might not be the pic for my most iconic Motown song, but I think to most people, this record signifies Motown at its best.

[thommg]

Two come to my mind:

Stop, In The Name Of Love
Heatwave

[midnightman]

Another one:
Ain't No Mountain High Enough [[the Marvin & Tammi version)

[theboyfromxtown]

Martha & The Vandellas - Dancing In The Street

[motony]

Dancing In The Street

[MIKEW-UK]

This Old Heart Of Mine - Isley Brothers

This record should be played whilst the Motown Junkies extensive and superlative review is up on a screen alongside....

https://motownjunkies.co.uk/2015/06/29/688/

[lakeside]

"When The Love Lights Starts Shining".....it just seems to have all the bells and whistles of Motown. Lots of energy, very driving and wasn't everyone in Detroit singing on it?
But....'Dancing in the Street' surely meets that Motown criteria.

[Circa 1824]

Stop! in The Name of Potatoes

[longtimefan]

Stop! In the Name of Love

[144man]

FEMALE: Heat Wave - Martha & Vandellas

MALE: Reach Out I'll Be There - Four Tops

Has to be an HDH track.

[Roberta75]

Dancing in the Streets - Martha Reeves.

[Jimi LaLumia]

"Where Did Our Love Go" by the real Supremes worked it's magic on 12 year old me at the time and apparently a million others; for me, at least, that was Motown's 'beach head' main stream invasion..hands down..

[RanRan79]

Thanxal I don't think there is any one song that could be designated Motown's most iconic. I think the label's most iconic songs were huge hits, easily recognizable by even non fans, and would be a very exclusive list. "Heat Wave", "Baby Love", "Dancing In the Street", "Stop In the Name of Love", "I Can't Help Myself", "My Girl", "The Way You Do the Things You Do", "I Heard It Through the Grapevine". All of these are among the most recognized songs in the world and in my mind easily make the grade of Motown icons.

[sansradio]

I’m surprised no one’s cited “Uptight [[Everything’s Alright).” It’s usually mentioned when the question of what is quintessentially Motown is raised. That intro alone screams Motown.

[thanxal]

Thanxal I don't think there is any one song that could be designated Motown's most iconic. I think the label's most iconic songs were huge hits, easily recognizable by even non fans, and would be a very exclusive list. "Heat Wave", "Baby Love", "Dancing In the Street", "Stop In the Name of Love", "I Can't Help Myself", "My Girl", "The Way You Do the Things You Do", "I Heard It Through the Grapevine". All of these are among the most recognized songs in the world and in my mind easily make the grade of Motown icons.

I know but that’s what makes this hard. I can only play ONE song. That’s my quota. I’m really torn.

[Luciano]

This is one tough question! My opinion today, it would be "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell.

[robb_k]

"My Girl" - The Temptations

[Ozmo]

Dancing In The Street - Martha and the Vandellas.

A few years ago I attended a Motown concert in Sydney, Australia which featured the Temptations, Four Tops, Miracles, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Mary Wilson, Joan Osborne and a couple of Australian acts all performing one iconic Motown song after another which were warmly received by the audience.

However, when Martha launched into 'Dancing In The Street' the whole stadium erupted and just went crazy singing [[and dancing) along. It was without doubt the high point of the concert and Martha was clearly ecstatic with the response.

[luke]

I think it’s definitely Dancing in the Street....the most associated with Motown song. It’s not my fave by a mile but it’s the most Motown related tune.

[Boogiedown]

I'd say DANCING IN THE STREET is the song about the Motown sound .

While HEATWAVE is the Motown sound .

[daviddesper]

Objectively speaking, I would agree with all the picks for Dancing in the Street. In a way it was ahead of its time because it was the first message song for Motown.

But in terms of pure musical magic, and that feeling that makes you want to get up out of your seat and move, I don't think you can beat "Ain't Too Proud to Beg."

[copley]

Best Motown single ever. The Marvelettes 'The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game'.

[snakepit]

This Old Heart Of Mine - Isley Brothers

This record should be played whilst the Motown Junkies extensive and superlative review is up on a screen alongside....

https://motownjunkies.co.uk/2015/06/29/688/

I'll second that.

[jobucats]

My Girl-Temptations

[jobeterob]

Best Motown single ever. The Marvelettes 'The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game'.

I kind of agree with you, especially the extended version. But whenever I play Don't Mess With Bill I might change my mind. And I also enjoy Playboy a lot.

[Levi Stubbs Tears]

Money [[That's What I Want)

[Motown4Ever518]

Ain't To proud To Beg

[Buttered Popcorn and so forth]

I asked my partner what he thought was the most iconic Motown song, before telling him what my choice was, and we both picked the same song!

The Supremes - "You Keep Me Hangin' On"

I also love the music video that came out on their Reflections DVD:

[Motown Eddie]

Very tough call but my choice is Martha & the Vandellas' "Dancing In The Street".

[midnightman]

Dancing in the Street seems to be the answer for most folks here.

It's definitely integral for an "introduction" to Motown.

Marvin, Ivy & Mickey wrote a masterpiece there.

[sup_fan]

hmmm if i had to pick just one, You Can't Hurry Love

but i'll also break it up by "era"

Early Motown - Heatwave
Classic Motown [[besides YCHL) - I Can't Help Myself
Late 60s motown - I Heard it through the grapevine [[marvin)
Early 70s motown - I Want You Back
Mid 70s motown - superstition
Disco motown - Don't leave me this way
early 80s motown - Upside Down
mid 80s motown - all night long

[marybrewster]

The first one that came to mind for me was "I Can't Help Myself". The intro just screams MOTOWN.

[lakedistrictlad1]

FEMALE: Heat Wave - Martha & Vandellas

MALE: Reach Out I'll Be There - Four Tops

Has to be an HDH track.

I'm totally with you on song choices and H.D.H

[smallworld]

Heatwave - Martha & the Vandellas

[thanxal]

Thanks everyone for all your thoughts. My first thought was "Stop!" but then I immediately went to "This Old Heart of Mine". But it looks from everyone's comments below that "Dancing in the Street" is the most iconic Motown song. I have a couple weeks until I have to play it and I'll let you know the reaction.

[daviddh]

this old heart of mine is my second choice
you keep me hanging on 3rd
just so many great classics.....