David Ruffin was an American soul singer and songwriter, who rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead vocalist of the legendary Motown group The Temptations. With his distinctive and powerful voice, Ruffin became one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of soul music. His solo career, which began in the early 1970s, further solidified his status as a soul music legend.
In this article, we will be exploring the 10 best David Ruffin songs of all time, showcasing the incredible range and depth of his talent as both a solo artist and a member of The Temptations. From his early Motown classics to his later, more introspective work, these songs represent the very best of David Ruffin’s artistry and legacy. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply someone who appreciates great music, this list is sure to inspire and delight, and remind you why David Ruffin remains one of the most beloved and influential figures in soul music history.
1. Since I Lost My Baby (The Temptations)
“Since I Lost My Baby” is a classic soul song performed by David Ruffin as the lead vocalist of The Temptations. The song was written by Smokey Robinson and Pete Moore and was released in 1965. With its emotive lyrics and Ruffin’s powerful delivery, the song quickly became one of the group’s most popular and enduring hits.
The song features a smooth and upbeat instrumental arrangement, complete with horns, strings, and a catchy rhythm section. Ruffin’s vocals, however, are the true centerpiece of the track, with his raw and soulful delivery perfectly capturing the heartache and despair of lost love. The song remains a beloved classic in the Motown and soul music canon, and continues to inspire and move listeners to this day.
2. (I Know) I’m Losing You (The Temptations)
“(I Know) I’m Losing You” is a dynamic and soulful track sung by David Ruffin as a member of The Temptations. The song was written by Norman Whitfield, Edward Holland Jr., and Cornelius Grant, and was released in 1966. With its driving rhythm section, explosive horn arrangement, and Ruffin’s passionate and emotional vocals, the song quickly became one of the group’s most iconic and enduring hits.
The lyrics of the song deal with the pain and confusion of a failing relationship, with Ruffin pouring his heart and soul into every word. The song’s explosive instrumental break, featuring a blistering guitar solo, is one of the most memorable moments in Motown history. “(I Know) I’m Losing You” remains a classic of the soul genre, and a testament to the incredible talent of David Ruffin and The Temptations.
3. I Wish It Would Rain
“I Wish It Would Rain” is a melancholic and emotional ballad sung by David Ruffin as a member of The Temptations. The song was written by Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong, and Roger Penzabene, and was released in 1967. With its haunting piano melody, delicate string arrangement, and Ruffin’s soulful and plaintive vocals, the song quickly became one of the group’s most beloved and enduring hits.
The lyrics of the song deal with heartbreak and loss, with Ruffin’s vocals conveying a deep sense of pain and longing. The song’s memorable chorus, with its iconic refrain of “I wish it would rain,” has become a classic of the soul genre, and a testament to Ruffin’s incredible vocal range and emotive power. “I Wish It Would Rain” remains a timeless and moving ballad, and a highlight of David Ruffin’s legendary career with The Temptations.
4. Your Love Was Worth Waiting For (The Ruffin Brothers)
“Your Love Was Worth Waiting For” is a soulful and romantic track sung by David Ruffin as part of the duo The Ruffin Brothers, alongside his brother Jimmy. The song was written by David Ruffin himself, along with Don Davis and Faye Hale, and was released in 1970. With its smooth and groovy instrumental arrangement, and the Ruffin Brothers’ soulful and passionate vocals, the song quickly became a fan favorite.
The lyrics of the song deal with the joy and fulfillment of finding true love, with the Ruffin Brothers’ vocals conveying a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation. The song’s memorable chorus, with its catchy melody and uplifting lyrics, has become a classic of the soul genre. “Your Love Was Worth Waiting For” remains a testament to David Ruffin’s incredible talent as a singer and songwriter, and a highlight of his post-Temptations career.
5. My Girl (The Temptations)
“My Girl” is a classic soul song sung by David Ruffin as a member of The Temptations. The song was written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White, and was released in 1964. With its upbeat and catchy instrumental arrangement, and Ruffin’s smooth and soulful vocals, the song quickly became one of the group’s most iconic and enduring hits.
The lyrics of the song deal with the joy and happiness of being in love, with Ruffin’s vocals conveying a deep sense of affection and tenderness. The song’s memorable chorus, with its simple yet unforgettable melody, has become a timeless classic of the soul genre, and a cultural touchstone. “My Girl” remains one of David Ruffin’s most beloved and enduring recordings, and a testament to his incredible talent as a singer and interpreter of classic soul music.
6. My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)
“My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)” is a soulful and emotional track sung by David Ruffin as a solo artist. The song was written by Johnny Bristol, Harvey Fuqua, James Roach, and Pam Sawyer, and was released in 1969. With its haunting and melancholic string arrangement, and Ruffin’s powerful and emotive vocals, the song quickly became one of his most popular and enduring hits.
The lyrics of the song deal with the devastation of lost love, with Ruffin’s vocals conveying a deep sense of heartbreak and despair. The song’s memorable chorus, with its plaintive refrain of “my whole world ended,” has become a classic of the soul genre, and a testament to Ruffin’s incredible vocal range and emotive power. “My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)” remains a timeless and moving ballad, and a highlight of David Ruffin’s solo career.
7. Beauty’s Only Skin Deep (The Temptations)
“Beauty’s Only Skin Deep” is an upbeat and funky soul track sung by David Ruffin as a member of The Temptations. The song was written by Norman Whitfield and Edward Holland Jr., and was released in 1966. With its groovy instrumental arrangement, featuring a catchy guitar riff and a driving rhythm section, and Ruffin’s smooth and soulful vocals, the song quickly became one of the group’s most popular and enduring hits.
The lyrics of the song deal with the shallow nature of physical beauty, with Ruffin’s vocals conveying a message of inner beauty and self-worth. The song’s memorable chorus, with its playful refrain of “beauty’s only skin deep,” has become a classic of the soul genre, and a testament to The Temptations’ ability to deliver socially conscious messages in a fun and accessible way. “Beauty’s Only Skin Deep” remains a beloved and timeless classic of Motown and soul music.
8. Ain’t Too Proud To Beg (The Temptations)
“Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” is a classic soul track sung by David Ruffin as a member of The Temptations. The song was written by Norman Whitfield and Edward Holland Jr., and was released in 1966. With its catchy and upbeat instrumental arrangement, featuring a memorable horn section and a driving rhythm section, and Ruffin’s powerful and soulful vocals, the song quickly became one of the group’s most iconic and enduring hits.
The lyrics of the song deal with the vulnerability and desperation of love, with Ruffin’s vocals conveying a deep sense of passion and intensity. The song’s memorable chorus, with its pleading refrain of “ain’t too proud to beg,” has become a classic of the soul genre, and a cultural touchstone. “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” remains one of David Ruffin’s most beloved and enduring recordings, and a testament to his incredible talent as a singer and interpreter of classic soul music.
9. I’ve Lost Everything I’ve Ever Loved
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq4ynuo66b8
“I’ve Lost Everything I’ve Ever Loved” is a soulful and emotional track sung by David Ruffin as a solo artist. The song was written by James Dean and William Weatherspoon, and was released in 1973. With its haunting and mournful instrumental arrangement, and Ruffin’s powerful and emotive vocals, the song showcases his ability to deliver heart-wrenching performances.
The lyrics of the song deal with the pain and loneliness of lost love, with Ruffin’s vocals conveying a deep sense of despair and sadness. The song’s memorable chorus, with its powerful and evocative refrain of “I’ve lost everything I’ve ever loved,” is a testament to Ruffin’s ability to convey complex emotions through his music. “I’ve Lost Everything I’ve Ever Loved” remains a timeless and moving ballad, and a highlight of David Ruffin’s solo career.
10. I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You) (The Temptations)
“I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)” is a soulful and romantic track sung by David Ruffin as a member of The Temptations. The song was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, and was released in 1968. With its smooth and groovy instrumental arrangement, featuring a memorable horn section and a driving rhythm section, and Ruffin’s powerful and soulful vocals, the song quickly became one of the group’s most popular and enduring hits.
The lyrics of the song deal with the depth and intensity of true love, with Ruffin’s vocals conveying a deep sense of devotion and commitment. The song’s memorable chorus, with its emotive refrain of “I could never love another after loving you,” has become a classic of the soul genre, and a testament to The Temptations’ ability to deliver powerful and heartfelt performances. “I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)” remains a beloved and timeless classic of Motown and soul music.
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.
