The Drifters are one of the most influential R&B and soul groups of all time, with a string of timeless hits that have captivated audiences for decades. Here are 10 of their best songs:
“Save the Last Dance for Me”: A beautiful ballad that became one of the group’s biggest hits, featuring gorgeous harmonies and a memorable melody.”Under the Boardwalk”: A classic R&B song that describes a romantic encounter under a boardwalk, featuring a catchy melody and a memorable saxophone solo.”Up on the Roof”: A soulful ballad that describes finding peace and solace on a rooftop, featuring beautiful harmonies and a memorable piano intro.”This Magic Moment”: A powerful love song that features soaring vocals and a memorable chorus.”Stand by Me”: A timeless classic that has been covered by countless artists, featuring a beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics.”On Broadway”: A classic R&B song that describes the struggles and dreams of aspiring performers, featuring a memorable piano intro and powerful vocals.”There Goes My Baby”: A soulful ballad that became one of the group’s signature songs, featuring beautiful harmonies and a memorable bass intro.”Saturday Night at the Movies”: A catchy, upbeat song that describes the joy of going to the movies on a Saturday night, featuring a memorable chorus and infectious energy.”Some Kind of Wonderful”: A soulful love song that features beautiful harmonies and a memorable saxophone solo.”Like Sister and Brother”: A classic soul song that describes a close relationship between two people who are as close as siblings, featuring a beautiful melody and soulful vocals.These 10 songs represent the best of The Drifters’ music, showcasing their powerful vocals, beautiful harmonies, and memorable melodies. They continue to be beloved classics that resonate with audiences of all ages.
1. Money Honey
“Money Honey” is a popular song by Elvis Presley, written by Jesse Stone. The song was released in 1956 as the B-side to “Heartbreak Hotel,” which went on to become Presley’s first number one hit. “Money Honey” is a rock and roll song with a strong rhythm and blues influence. It features a catchy piano riff and Presley’s powerful vocals, which are both energetic and soulful.The song’s lyrics describe a man who is willing to do anything for his lover, even if it means working hard and making sacrifices to provide for her. He sings, “You know, the landlord rang my front door bell / I let it ring for a long, long spell / I went to the window, peeked through the blind / And asked him to tell me what was on his mind / He said, Money honey, oh, money honey / Money honey, if you want to stay here with me.”
The song’s message resonated with many people at the time of its release, as the post-World War II era was marked by economic growth and increased consumerism. “Money Honey” became a popular hit, reaching number two on the Billboard R&B charts and number 76 on the Hot 100.
2.Some Kind of Wonderful
“Some Kind of Wonderful” is a classic rock song by Grand Funk Railroad, written by John Ellison. It was released in 1974 as a single and became a top 10 hit in the United States, reaching number seven on the Billboard Hot 100.The song has a catchy melody and features a strong guitar riff and a driving beat. The lyrics describe a man who is deeply in love with a woman who is “some kind of wonderful.” He sings, “I don’t need a whole lot of money / I don’t need a big fine car / I got everything that a man could want / I got more than I could ask for.”The song’s message is one of pure love and admiration for a partner, emphasizing that material possessions are not important when compared to the joy and fulfillment that come from being in love. This sentiment resonated with many people at the time of its release and has remained a beloved classic rock song for decades.
3.There Goes My Baby
“There Goes My Baby” is a classic R&B song by The Drifters, written by Ben E. King, Lover Patterson, and George Treadwell. It was released in 1959 and became a major hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the R&B charts.
The song has a smooth, soulful sound and features beautiful harmonies and a memorable piano intro. The lyrics describe a man who is heartbroken after his lover has left him. He sings, “There goes my baby / Movin’ on down the line / Wonder where, wonder where / Wonder where she is bound.”The song’s emotional lyrics and beautiful melody struck a chord with listeners, and it quickly became a classic R&B hit. It has been covered by many artists over the years, including Michael Jackson, who included a cover of the song on his 1979 album, “Off the Wall.”
Overall, these three songs are beloved classics that have stood the test of time. They each capture a different aspect of love and relationships, from the sacrifices we make for the ones we love to the pain of heartbreak. Their catchy melodies, powerful vocals, and emotional lyrics have made them enduring favorites among music lovers of all ages.
4.Sweets for my Sweet
“Sweets for my Sweet” is a classic rock and roll song originally recorded by The Drifters in 1961. Written by the songwriting team of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, it was a top 20 hit in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The song has a catchy melody, with a driving beat and a memorable guitar riff.The lyrics describe a man who is deeply in love with his partner and wants to shower her with gifts and affection. He sings, “Sweets for my sweet, sugar for my honey / Your first sweet kiss thrilled me so / Sweets for my sweet, sugar for my honey / I’ll never ever let you go.”The song’s message of love and devotion resonated with audiences at the time of its release, and it has remained a beloved classic rock song for decades.
5.Save the Last Dance for Me
“Save the Last Dance for Me” is a classic R&B song by The Drifters, written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. It was released in 1960 and became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the R&B charts.The song has a beautiful melody and features a memorable piano intro and soaring vocals. The lyrics describe a man who is attending a party with his lover, but is insecure about her interactions with other men. He sings, “But don’t forget who’s taking you home / And in whose arms you’re gonna be / So darling, save the last dance for me.”The song’s emotional lyrics and beautiful melody struck a chord with listeners, and it quickly became a classic R&B hit. It has been covered by many artists over the years, including Michael Bublé, who included a cover of the song on his 2005 album, “It’s Time.”
6. I Don’t Wanna Go On Without You
“I Don’t Wanna Go On Without You” is a classic R&B song by The Drifters, written by Bert Berns. It was released in 1962 and became a minor hit, reaching number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100.The song has a soulful sound and features beautiful harmonies and a memorable saxophone solo. The lyrics describe a man who is heartbroken after his lover has left him. He sings, “I don’t wanna go on without you / It’s so bad to be alone / Oh baby, come home / I need you, my darling.”The song’s emotional lyrics and beautiful melody struck a chord with listeners, and it has remained a beloved classic R&B song for decades. It has been covered by many artists over the years, including The Beatles, who included a cover of the song on their 1963 album, “Please Please Me.”Overall, these three songs are beloved classics that have stood the test of time. They each capture a different aspect of love and relationships, from the joy of showering a partner with affection to the pain of heartbreak. Their catchy melodies, powerful vocals, and emotional lyrics have made them enduring favorites among music lovers of all ages.
7.Like Sister and Brother
“Like Sister and Brother” is a classic soul song by The Drifters, released in 1973. The song was written by Roger Greenaway and Roger Cook, and it features a beautiful melody and soulful vocals.The lyrics describe a close relationship between two people who are not related by blood but are as close as siblings. The singer says, “We’re like sister and brother / Together like hand in glove / We’ll be together forever / Like a hand in a velvet glove.”The song’s message of love and companionship resonated with audiences at the time of its release, and it has remained a beloved classic soul song for decades. It has been covered by many artists over the years, including The O’Jays, who included a cover of the song on their 1977 album, “Travelin’ at the Speed of Thought.”
8.Honey Love
Honey Love” is a classic doo-wop song by The Drifters, released in 1953. The song was written by Clyde McPhatter and Rudy Toombs, and it features a catchy melody, beautiful harmonies, and a memorable saxophone solo.The lyrics describe a man who is deeply in love with his partner and wants to shower her with affection. He sings, “Honey love, honey love / You’re my candy girl / And you got me wanting you.”The song’s message of love and devotion resonated with audiences at the time of its release, and it has remained a beloved classic doo-wop song for decades. It has been covered by many artists over the years, including Elvis Presley, who included a cover of the song on his 1956 self-titled album.
9.On Broadway
“On Broadway” is a classic R&B song by The Drifters, released in 1963. The song was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, and it features a memorable piano intro, powerful vocals, and a catchy chorus.The lyrics describe a man who dreams of making it big in show business and becoming a star on Broadway. He sings, “They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway / They say there’s always magic in the air / But when you’re walkin’ down that street / And you ain’t had enough to eat / The glitter rubs right off and you’re nowhere.”The song’s message of the struggles and dreams of aspiring performers resonated with audiences at the time of its release, and it has remained a beloved classic R&B song for decades. It has been covered by many artists over the years, including George Benson, who included a cover of the song on his 1978 album, “Weekend in L.A.”Overall, these three songs are classic examples of The Drifters’ contributions to the world of music. Each song features a distinct sound and message, from the soulful message of “Like Sister and Brother” to the catchy doo-wop sound of “Honey Love” and the aspirational message of “On Broadway.” The Drifters’ powerful vocals, beautiful harmonies, and memorable melodies have made them enduring favorites among music lovers of all ages.
10.Under The Boardwalk / Up On The Roof
“Under the Boardwalk/Up on the Roof” is a medley of two classic songs by The Drifters, released in 1964. The medley was arranged by Stan Applebaum, and it features a smooth transition between the two songs, seamlessly blending their melodies and harmonies.”Under the Boardwalk” is a classic R&B song that describes a romantic encounter under a boardwalk. The song features a catchy melody and a memorable saxophone solo. “Up on the Roof” is a soulful ballad that describes a peaceful retreat from the world’s troubles on a rooftop. The song features beautiful harmonies and a memorable piano intro.The medley’s message of finding solace and connection in unexpected places resonated with audiences at the time of its release, and it has remained a beloved classic for decades. The Drifters’ powerful vocals and memorable melodies have made them enduring favorites among music lovers of all ages.
Jared Parker is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
