The Box Tops were an American rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1967. They are best known for their hits “The Letter,” “Cry Like a Baby,” and “Soul Deep.” The band’s sound was characterized by a mix of rock, pop, and blue-eyed soul, with a distinctive sound featuring lead singer Alex Chilton’s gritty vocals.
“The Letter” was the band’s biggest hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1967. The song’s infectious melody and Chilton’s soulful vocals helped establish the Box Tops as one of the leading bands of the late 1960s.
“Cry Like a Baby” was another major hit for the Box Tops, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1968. The song’s soulful sound and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with listeners and solidified the band’s reputation as masters of blue-eyed soul.
The Box Tops went through several lineup changes over the years, with Chilton leaving the band in 1970 to pursue a solo career. Despite this, the band continued to release music and tour, maintaining a dedicated fan base.
The Box Tops’ music has had a lasting impact on rock and pop music, with their songs being covered by numerous artists over the years. Their soulful sound and catchy melodies continue to resonate with listeners and are fondly remembered as classics of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
1. The Letter
“The Letter” is a classic rock song by The Box Tops, released in 1967. It was written by Wayne Carson Thompson and became the band’s most successful single, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In “The Letter,” the narrator writes a letter to his lover, expressing his longing to return home and be with her. The song’s catchy melody and energetic rhythm, coupled with lead singer Alex Chilton’s soulful vocals, helped propel it to the top of the charts.
“The Letter” is known for its distinctive sound, featuring a blend of rock, soul, and pop elements. The song’s memorable chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Gimme a ticket for an aeroplane,” has made it a timeless classic and a staple of oldies radio stations.
“The Letter” remains one of The Box Tops’ most enduring and iconic songs, celebrated for its infectious energy and irresistible groove. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years and continues to captivate audiences with its timeless appeal.
2. Cry Like a Baby
“Cry Like a Baby” is a song by The Box Tops, released in 1968. It was written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham, and it became one of the band’s biggest hits.
In “Cry Like a Baby,” the narrator reflects on the pain of heartbreak and longing for lost love. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and emotional turmoil, with the narrator expressing a desire to cry and release the pent-up emotions caused by the breakup.
Musically, “Cry Like a Baby” features a soulful and bluesy sound, with lead singer Alex Chilton delivering a heartfelt and impassioned vocal performance. The song’s catchy melody, driving rhythm, and memorable chorus helped propel it to commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in the United States.
“Cry Like a Baby” remains one of The Box Tops’ most beloved and enduring songs, celebrated for its emotive lyrics and soulful delivery. It has been covered by various artists over the years and continues to resonate with listeners as a timeless classic.
3. Neon Rainbow
“Neon Rainbow” is a song by The Box Tops, released in 1967. It was written by Wayne Carson Thompson and produced by Dan Penn.
In “Neon Rainbow,” the narrator reflects on the allure and excitement of the city, with its neon lights and bustling nightlife. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of wonder and fascination with urban life, as the narrator dreams of leaving their small-town roots behind and experiencing the thrills of the city.
Musically, “Neon Rainbow” features a catchy melody and upbeat rhythm, with lead singer Alex Chilton delivering an energetic and dynamic vocal performance. The song’s driving guitar riffs, pulsating bassline, and lively horn section contribute to its infectious and lively sound.
“Neon Rainbow” was a commercial success for The Box Tops, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It remains one of the band’s most recognizable and enduring songs, celebrated for its catchy hooks and nostalgic depiction of city life in the 1960s.
4. Sweet Cream Ladies, Forward March
“Sweet Cream Ladies, Forward March” is a song by The Box Tops, released in 1968 on their album *Cry Like a Baby*. The song was written by Mark James and Ed Warren.
“Sweet Cream Ladies, Forward March” features a catchy melody and upbeat tempo, typical of the Box Tops’ sound. The lyrics tell the story of a young man who is captivated by the “sweet cream ladies” marching by, describing them as “a sight to see.” The song’s chorus contains the lines “Sweet cream ladies, forward march / Think I’ll join them in their arch,” expressing the singer’s admiration and desire to be part of the spectacle.
The song showcases the Box Tops’ ability to blend rock, pop, and soul influences, with lead singer Alex Chilton’s soulful vocals shining through. While not as big a hit as some of their other songs, “Sweet Cream Ladies, Forward March” remains a fan favorite and a reminder of the Box Tops’ unique sound and style.
5. Choo-Choo Train
“Choo Choo Train” is a song by The Box Tops, released in 1968 as a single and later included on their album “Cry Like a Baby.” It was written by Wayne Carson Thompson.
In “Choo Choo Train,” the narrator compares the ups and downs of a relationship to the movements of a train. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of excitement and anticipation, as the narrator expresses a desire to hop on board and ride the “choo choo train” of love.
Musically, “Choo Choo Train” features a catchy melody and energetic rhythm, with lead singer Alex Chilton delivering a spirited vocal performance. The song’s driving guitar riffs, pulsating bassline, and upbeat tempo contribute to its infectious and lively sound.
“Choo Choo Train” was a commercial success for The Box Tops, reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It remains one of the band’s most beloved and enduring songs, celebrated for its catchy hooks and playful lyrics.
6. Soul Deep
“Soul Deep” is a song by The Box Tops, released in 1969 on their album *Dimensions*. The song was written by Wayne Carson Thompson and was a departure from the band’s earlier sound, featuring a more polished and orchestrated production.
“Soul Deep” is a soulful ballad that showcases lead singer Alex Chilton’s emotive vocals. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a man who is deeply in love and willing to do anything for his partner. The chorus contains the lines “It’s a love that comes from the heart / Not just from the mind / That’s why I feel so fine.”
“Soul Deep” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s smooth melody and heartfelt lyrics resonated with listeners, helping to solidify the Box Tops’ reputation as one of the leading bands of the late 1960s.
“Soul Deep” remains one of the Box Tops’ most popular songs and is considered a classic of the era. Its soulful sound and Chilton’s passionate vocals have made it a favorite among fans of 1960s pop and soul music.
7. I Met Her in Church
“I Met Her in Church” is a song by The Box Tops, released in 1968. It was written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham, two prolific songwriters who contributed to the band’s repertoire.
In “I Met Her in Church,” the narrator reflects on meeting a romantic interest in a church setting. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of innocence and reverence, as the narrator describes the purity and serenity of the encounter.
Musically, “I Met Her in Church” features a soulful and gospel-inspired sound, with lead singer Alex Chilton delivering a heartfelt vocal performance. The song’s gentle melody, lush instrumentation, and melodic harmonies contribute to its uplifting and spiritual atmosphere.
“I Met Her in Church” was well-received by fans and critics alike, showcasing The Box Tops’ versatility as a band and their ability to explore different musical styles. Though not as commercially successful as some of their other hits, the song remains a fan favorite and a testament to the band’s talent and creativity.
8. People Gonna Talk
“People Gonna Talk” is a song by James Hunter, a British R&B musician and singer-songwriter. The song is the title track from his 2006 album. James Hunter’s music is known for its vintage sound, drawing heavily from rhythm and blues, soul, and rock and roll influences.
In “People Gonna Talk,” Hunter sings about gossip and rumors, and the inevitability of people talking about you no matter what you do. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of resignation and acceptance, with Hunter singing, “People gonna talk, whether you’re doing bad or good.”
“People Gonna Talk” showcases Hunter’s soulful vocals and his ability to evoke the sound and style of classic R&B music. The song features a tight rhythm section, bluesy guitar riffs, and a horn section that adds to the song’s retro feel.
“People Gonna Talk” was well-received by critics and helped to establish James Hunter as a talented and authentic voice in the world of R&B and soul music. The song’s timeless sound and relatable lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a standout track in Hunter’s catalog.
9. I Shall Be Released
“I Shall Be Released” is a song written by Bob Dylan, which was first recorded by The Band in 1967. It has since been covered by numerous artists, including The Box Tops.
In “I Shall Be Released,” the narrator expresses a longing for freedom and liberation from imprisonment, both physical and metaphorical. The song’s lyrics convey themes of redemption, salvation, and the hope for a brighter future.
Musically, “I Shall Be Released” is characterized by its soulful melody and poignant lyrics, with The Box Tops delivering a heartfelt and emotive rendition of the song. Lead singer Alex Chilton’s soulful vocals add depth and emotion to the performance, capturing the essence of Dylan’s original composition.
While The Box Tops’ version of “I Shall Be Released” may not be as well-known as some of their other songs, their interpretation of the song remains a testament to their versatility as a band and their ability to breathe new life into classic material.
10. Turn On a Dream
“Turn On a Dream” is a song by The Box Tops, released in 1969 on their album *Dimensions*. The song was written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham, who were prolific songwriters and producers in the Southern soul music scene.
“Turn On a Dream” features a soulful and melodic sound, characteristic of The Box Tops’ style. The song’s lyrics speak to the power of dreams and imagination, with the singer expressing a desire to “turn on a dream” and escape from the troubles of the world. The chorus contains the lines “Turn on a dream, and see how it glows / Just close your eyes, and away you go.”
“Turn On a Dream” showcases The Box Tops’ ability to blend rock, pop, and soul influences into their music. Lead singer Alex Chilton’s emotive vocals are a highlight of the song, conveying a sense of longing and hopefulness.
While not as well-known as some of their other songs, “Turn On a Dream” remains a fan favorite and a testament to The Box Tops’ musical versatility and creativity. The song’s timeless message of the power of dreams continues to resonate with listeners.