A Journey Through Motown’s Greatest Hits: My Top 5 Personal Favorites

With a well-deserved reputation as one of the most influential music labels of the 20th century, Motown has produced countless timeless hits. As a loyal fan, revisiting these compilations is a cherished experience. Here are my top 5 favorite Motown greatest hits and compilations that have stood the test of time.

1. The Temptations / "Anthology" 1973

When discussing Motown’s greatest hits, The Temptations are often at the forefront. Their sprawling 3-record set not only meticulously documents their first decade of greatness but also provides a treasure trove of great information and ephemera. This collection is a must-have for any fan of classic soul music, capturing the evolution of rock n' roll and soul balanced with the themes of sex and politics.

2. Marvin Gaye / "Super Hits" 1970

Motown's finest hour is undoubtedly captured in Marvin Gaye's "Super Hits". This 16-song compilation, covering the years 1962-1969, was not only Marvin Gaye's greatest achievement, but also Motown's finest hour. From the cover art to the music, this collection is an indispensable masterpiece.

3. The Miracles / "Greatest Hits - The Beginning" 1965

The Miracles have a rich history, evolving from doo-wop groups to great innovators of the Motown sound. Their 22 hits on two records brilliantly document the group's late 50s doo-wop roots to their early-mid 60s blossoming. This collection is a fantastic representation of their development during the Motown era.

4. Smokey Robinson and The Miracles / "Greatest Hits Vol. 2" 1967

Smokey Robinson, according to Bob Dylan, is the greatest poet in rock. This compilation features some of Robinson's most renowned work, including classics like "The Tracks of My Tears," "I Second That Emotion," and "The Love I Saw In You Was Just a Mirage." These songs are so soft and gentle that they make everything else on the AM dial sound brutal and vulgar in comparison.

5. Diana Ross The Supremes / "Greatest Hits" 1967

Diana Ross The Supremes stand tall as the greatest girl group of the Sixties. Their 20-track collection of hits and b-sides is a testament to their chart-topping success. Songs like "Where Did Our Love Go," "Baby Love," "Stop! In the Name of Love," "You Can’t Hurry Love," and "My World Is Empty Without You" remain classics. The enduring popularity of "You Keep Me Hangin' On" has even led some to claim it surpasses The Rolling Stones' "Like a Rolling Stone."

Honorable Mention: The Spinners / "Best of Spinners" 1973

Before Atlantic Records, The Spinners released multiple albums for Motown between 1961-1970. Their transcendent top 20 hit "It's a Shame" alone is reason enough to include this in any Motown compilation, but the album also features other gems that make it worthy of recognition.

These compilations and individual albums offer a profound glimpse into the musical era of Motown, capturing the essence of a golden age in the history of soul music. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the genre, revisiting these classics is always a rewarding experience.