Mary Wells was one of the most important artists of the Motown era, with a string of hits that helped establish the legendary label as a force in the music industry. Her powerful voice and soulful delivery made her one of the most beloved singers of her time, and her songs continue to inspire new generations of music lovers. From her early days with Motown to her later solo career, Wells’ music remains an essential part of the American musical canon.
In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the top 10 best Mary Wells songs of all time. From her breakthrough hits to lesser-known gems, we’ll explore the range and depth of Wells’ talent, and celebrate the legacy of this incredible artist. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to her music, this list is sure to provide a fresh perspective on the career of one of the most important voices in Motown history. So sit back, relax, and get ready to groove to the sounds of Mary Wells.
1. My Guy
“My Guy” is a timeless classic that showcases the power and depth of Mary Wells’ incredible voice. Written by Smokey Robinson, the song was a massive hit upon its release in 1964, and remains one of Wells’ most iconic tracks. With its catchy melody and romantic lyrics, “My Guy” is a perfect example of the kind of soulful, upbeat music that made Motown famous. From the opening notes to the soaring chorus, Wells’ vocals are nothing short of stunning, capturing the joy and excitement of falling in love. With its irresistible groove and unforgettable hook, “My Guy” is a song that will continue to inspire and uplift listeners for generations to come.
2. Laughing Boy
“Laughing Boy” is a hauntingly beautiful track that showcases Mary Wells’ incredible range and emotional depth. Written by Smokey Robinson and Marv Tarplin, the song was released in 1963 as the B-side to Wells’ hit single “Your Old Standby”. The song tells the story of a young man who is betrayed by his lover and left to suffer alone, and Wells’ vocals capture the pain and heartbreak of his experience with an honesty and vulnerability that is truly breathtaking. From the opening chords to the powerful climax, “Laughing Boy” is a masterclass in soulful storytelling, and a testament to the enduring power of Mary Wells’ music.
3. Two Lovers
“Two Lovers” is a classic Motown hit that showcases Mary Wells’ incredible talent as a singer and performer. Released in 1962, the song was written by Smokey Robinson and tells the story of a young woman torn between two different men. With its infectious beat and catchy chorus, “Two Lovers” is a perfect example of the kind of upbeat, soulful music that made Motown famous. Wells’ vocals are nothing short of spectacular, bringing to life the joy, confusion, and longing of the song’s central character. From the opening notes to the final refrain, “Two Lovers” is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and delight listeners of all ages.
4. I Don’t Want to Take a Chance
“I Don’t Want to Take a Chance” is a powerful and soulful track that showcases Mary Wells’ incredible vocal range and emotional depth. Written by Motown founder Berry Gordy and released in 1961, the song tells the story of a young woman who is hesitant to enter into a new relationship for fear of getting hurt. With its bluesy melody and powerful lyrics, “I Don’t Want to Take a Chance” is a perfect example of the kind of raw, emotional music that made Wells one of the most beloved singers of her time. From the opening chords to the soaring chorus, Wells’ vocals are nothing short of stunning, capturing the pain and vulnerability of falling in love with an honesty and sincerity that is truly breathtaking.
5. What’s the Matter With You Baby ft. Marvin Gaye
“What’s the Matter With You Baby” is a dynamic duet that showcases the incredible chemistry between Mary Wells and Marvin Gaye. Released in 1964, the song was written by William “Mickey” Stevenson and Ivy Jo Hunter, and features both artists trading verses and harmonizing on the chorus. With its infectious beat and catchy melody, “What’s the Matter With You Baby” is a perfect example of the kind of upbeat, soulful music that made Motown famous. Wells and Gaye’s vocals are nothing short of electrifying, bouncing off each other with an energy and playfulness that is truly infectious. From the opening notes to the final refrain, “What’s the Matter With You Baby” is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and delight listeners of all ages.
6. Bye Bye Baby
“Bye Bye Baby” is a classic Motown hit that showcases Mary Wells’ incredible vocal talent and infectious energy. Written by Motown founder Berry Gordy and released in 1960, the song tells the story of a young woman who is ready to move on from a relationship that has gone sour. With its catchy melody and upbeat tempo, “Bye Bye Baby” is a perfect example of the kind of soulful, joyful music that made Wells one of the most beloved singers of her time. From the opening notes to the soaring chorus, Wells’ vocals are nothing short of spectacular, capturing the joy and freedom of leaving a bad relationship behind with an exuberance and enthusiasm that is truly infectious.
7. What’s Easy for Two Is So Hard for One
“What’s Easy for Two Is So Hard for One” is a soulful and emotive track that showcases Mary Wells’ incredible range and emotional depth. Written by Smokey Robinson and released in 1966, the song tells the story of a woman who is struggling to come to terms with the end of a relationship. With its haunting melody and powerful lyrics, “What’s Easy for Two Is So Hard for One” is a perfect example of the kind of raw, emotional music that made Wells one of the most beloved singers of her time. From the opening chords to the soaring chorus, Wells’ vocals are nothing short of stunning, capturing the pain and heartbreak of lost love with an honesty and sincerity that is truly breathtaking.
8. You Beat Me to the Punch
“You Beat Me to the Punch” is a classic Motown hit that showcases Mary Wells’ incredible talent as a singer and performer. Written by Smokey Robinson and released in 1962, the song tells the story of a woman who is left heartbroken when she learns that her lover has moved on with someone else. With its catchy melody and soulful vocals, “You Beat Me to the Punch” is a perfect example of the kind of upbeat, infectious music that made Motown famous. Wells’ vocals are nothing short of spectacular, capturing the joy, pain, and confusion of lost love with an honesty and vulnerability that is truly breathtaking. From the opening notes to the final refrain, “You Beat Me to the Punch” is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and uplift listeners of all ages.
9. You Lost the Sweetest Boy
“You Lost the Sweetest Boy” is a hauntingly beautiful track that showcases Mary Wells’ incredible vocal range and emotional depth. Written by Smokey Robinson and released in 1964, the song tells the story of a woman who is heartbroken when her lover leaves her for someone else. With its bluesy melody and powerful lyrics, “You Lost the Sweetest Boy” is a perfect example of the kind of raw, emotional music that made Wells one of the most beloved singers of her time. From the opening chords to the soaring chorus, Wells’ vocals are nothing short of stunning, capturing the pain and heartbreak of lost love with an honesty and sincerity that is truly breathtaking.
10. The One Who Really Loves You
“The One Who Really Loves You” is a soulful and powerful track that showcases Mary Wells’ incredible vocal talent and emotional depth. Written by Smokey Robinson and released in 1962, the song tells the story of a woman who is trying to convince her lover that she is the one who truly loves him. With its catchy melody and infectious beat, “The One Who Really Loves You” is a perfect example of the kind of soulful, joyful music that made Wells one of the most beloved singers of her time. From the opening notes to the soaring chorus, Wells’ vocals are nothing short of spectacular, capturing the passion and sincerity of her feelings with an exuberance and enthusiasm that is truly infectious.
Darren Jamison 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.
