The Temptations Vs The Four Tops

agrahlma · November-03-11, 08:47 PM

Too close to call --- slight, slight, slight, slight edge in favor of the Four Tops -- but that's just me [[LOL)! Your pick?

Ahhh this is so refreshing given the "music" that is produced these days.

**MikeyinBrooklyn** · November-03-11, 08:52 PM

Like there isn't already enough bickering and division on this board! Hmmm... I'd vote Jimmy Ruffin. Seriously though, probably The Four Tops. "Standing in the Shadow of Love" makes it. But damn... all the old Motown artists blow away anything or anyone since 1980. That's why I listen to the old stuff.

**313WX** · November-03-11, 08:56 PM

The Dramatics are better than both of them.

But between the two, The Temptations by far. Though The Four Tops probably have the best song [[Still Waters Run Deep)

**Kathleen** · November-03-11, 09:32 PM

Levi is the man!! I loved his voice and his stylings with the Four Tops!!!

**MidTownMs** · November-03-11, 10:45 PM

Who is that guy standing next to Levi...Is he supposed to be a Temptation....Not!!!

**Cincinnati_Kid** · November-03-11, 11:17 PM

Originally Posted by 313WX

The Dramatics are better than both of them.

But between the two, The Temptations by far. Though The Four Tops probably have the best song [[Still Waters Run Deep)

I agree, the Dramatics were under-rated. But choosing between the Tops and the Tempts, I'd take the Tempts.

**Switchmanjim** · November-03-11, 11:59 PM

It's a TIE! They were BOTH GREAT performers. Each with their own style.

**Steve** · November-04-11, 01:43 AM

Another underrated group of that genre and that period is the Detroit Emeralds.

**Gary** · November-04-11, 07:00 AM

I love me some 4 Tops, but this is a no-brainer...Temptations forever.

**rb336** · November-04-11, 07:48 AM

neither of the faux-groups are even worth listening to. both legacies have been harmed by those recent touring ensembles posing as the temps and tops

bartock · November-04-11, 08:33 AM

I vote for the Funk Brothers.

agrahlma · November-04-11, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by bartock

I vote for the Funk Brothers.

Yeah - Joe Messina

!

**SMRJim** · November-04-11, 09:09 AM

Both were great, but let's not forget, very few of those Motown groups would have made it without Berry Gordy [[a small number may have, Smokey immediately comes to mind), and they sure wouldn't have had all those great songs without those songwriters! Holland, Dozier and Holland got it started [[along with Smokey), and the hits kept coming even after they left. Whitfield and Strong, Ashford and Simpson,... And yes, the Funk Brothers were definitely a big part of it too.

**Detroit Signal** · November-04-11, 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by agrahlma

Yeah - Joe Messina

!

Classy man. He sure could play guitar!!!!

**mercyme** · November-04-11, 10:17 AM

Both as a youngster and as an adult I've seen both of them perform. Four-Tops all the way!!!!

**Pam** · November-04-11, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by SMRJim

...and they sure wouldn't have had all those great songs without those songwriters! Holland, Dozier and Holland got it started [[along with Smokey), and the hits kept coming even after they left. Whitfield and Strong, Ashford and Simpson,... And yes, the Funk Brothers were definitely a big part of it too.

That's why I have trouble telling them apart.