The Box Tops were an American rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1967. They are best known for their hit single “The Letter,” which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1967.
The band’s lineup consisted of Alex Chilton (vocals), Gary Talley (guitar), John Evans (keyboards), Bill Cunningham (bass), and Danny Smythe (drums). Their music combined elements of rock, pop, and blue-eyed soul, creating a distinctive sound that resonated with audiences during the late 1960s.
“The Letter,” written by Wayne Carson, was the Box Tops’ breakthrough hit and remains their most famous song. Its infectious melody, catchy hook, and soulful vocals propelled it to the top of the charts and earned the band widespread acclaim. The song’s success helped to establish the Box Tops as one of the leading bands of the era.
Following the success of “The Letter,” the Box Tops released several more chart-topping singles, including “Cry Like a Baby,” “Neon Rainbow,” and “Soul Deep.” They also released several albums, including their self-titled debut album and “Cry Like a Baby.”
Despite their relatively short-lived career, the Box Tops left a lasting legacy on the music industry with their soulful vocals, infectious melodies, and memorable hits. Their music continues to be celebrated by fans of 1960s rock and pop, cementing their place in music history.
1. “The Letter”
“The Letter” is a song by The Box Tops, released in 1967. It was written by Wayne Carson and became the band’s most famous and successful single, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“The Letter” features a distinctive combination of rock, pop, and soul elements, characterized by its catchy melody, energetic rhythm, and soulful vocals. Lead singer Alex Chilton’s powerful and emotive delivery helped propel the song to the top of the charts and solidify its status as a classic of the era.
The lyrics of “The Letter” tell the story of a man who receives a letter from his sweetheart, informing him of her decision to leave him. The narrator expresses his anguish and longing for his lost love, pleading with her to come back to him. The song’s relatable theme of heartbreak and longing resonated with audiences, contributing to its widespread popularity.
“The Letter” remains a beloved and enduring classic, with its infectious groove and timeless appeal earning it a permanent place in the pantheon of 1960s rock and pop music. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, further cementing its status as one of the defining songs of its era.
2. “Cry Like a Baby”
“Cry Like a Baby” is a song by the American rock band The Box Tops. It was released in 1968 as the title track of their second studio album. The song was written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham.
“Cry Like a Baby” features a soulful and emotive vocal performance by the lead singer, Alex Chilton. The song’s lyrics convey themes of heartbreak and vulnerability, with the protagonist lamenting over lost love and expressing a desire to cry like a baby to release their pent-up emotions.
The chorus of “Cry Like a Baby” features the repeated refrain, “I wanna cry like a baby,” emphasizing the protagonist’s longing for emotional release and catharsis.
“Cry Like a Baby” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song’s catchy melody, soulful vocals, and relatable lyrics resonated with audiences, making it one of The Box Tops’ most popular and enduring songs.
With its timeless appeal and memorable chorus, “Cry Like a Baby” remains a classic in the realm of 1960s rock music, solidifying The Box Tops’ legacy as one of the era’s most influential bands.
3. “Soul Deep”
“Soul Deep” is a song by the American rock band The Box Tops. It was released in 1969 as a single from their third studio album, also titled “Soul Deep.” The song was written by Wayne Carson Thompson.
“Soul Deep” features a soulful and emotive vocal performance by the lead singer, Alex Chilton. The song’s lyrics convey themes of love and longing, with the protagonist expressing a deep emotional connection to their romantic partner.
The chorus of “Soul Deep” features the repeated refrain, “It goes soul deep, baby, love’s soul deep,” emphasizing the depth of the protagonist’s feelings and the intensity of their romantic relationship.
“Soul Deep” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song’s catchy melody, soulful vocals, and relatable lyrics resonated with audiences, making it one of The Box Tops’ most popular and enduring songs.
With its timeless appeal and memorable chorus, “Soul Deep” remains a classic in the realm of 1960s rock and soul music, solidifying The Box Tops’ legacy as one of the era’s most beloved bands.
4. “Neon Rainbow”
“Neon Rainbow” is a song by The Box Tops, released in 1967. It was written by Wayne Carson Thompson and was included on the band’s debut album, also titled “The Letter/Neon Rainbow.”
“Neon Rainbow” showcases The Box Tops’ signature blend of rock, pop, and blue-eyed soul. The song features a catchy melody, infectious rhythm, and soulful vocals by lead singer Alex Chilton.
The lyrics of “Neon Rainbow” paint a vivid picture of the bustling city streets, filled with neon lights and colorful signs. The narrator reflects on the sights and sounds of the city, expressing a sense of wonder and excitement.
“Neon Rainbow” was not as commercially successful as some of The Box Tops’ other hits, but it remains a fan favorite and a staple of their repertoire. Its infectious energy and catchy hooks make it a memorable addition to the band’s catalog, showcasing their talent for crafting memorable pop-rock songs with a soulful twist.
5. “Choo Choo Train”
“Choo Choo Train” is a song by The Box Tops, released as a single in 1968. It was also included on their second studio album, “Cry Like a Baby.”
In “Choo Choo Train,” The Box Tops deliver an upbeat and catchy tune that incorporates elements of rock and pop. The song’s lyrics are whimsical and playful, likening the protagonist’s emotions to a train journey. The chorus features the repeated refrain, “She’s my little lover, she’s my little friend, she’s my little lover, coming ’round the bend.”
“Choo Choo Train” was a moderate success for The Box Tops, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. While it may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of their other singles, it remains a favorite among fans of 1960s rock and pop music for its infectious melody and fun lyrics.
Overall, “Choo Choo Train” exemplifies The Box Tops’ ability to create catchy and memorable songs that capture the spirit of the era.
6. “Sweet Cream Ladies, Forward March”
“Sweet Cream Ladies, Forward March” is a song by The Box Tops, released in 1968. It was written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham and appeared on the band’s second studio album, “Cry Like a Baby.”
The song features The Box Tops’ signature blend of rock, pop, and blue-eyed soul. It has a catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and soulful vocals by lead singer Alex Chilton.
The lyrics of “Sweet Cream Ladies, Forward March” depict a scene of a parade or procession, with the “sweet cream ladies” marching forward in celebration. The song’s upbeat and lively tone captures the festive atmosphere of the event, making it a fun and enjoyable listen.
While “Sweet Cream Ladies, Forward March” was not as commercially successful as some of The Box Tops’ other hits, it remains a fan favorite and a standout track on the “Cry Like a Baby” album. Its infectious energy and catchy hooks showcase the band’s talent for creating memorable and engaging pop-rock songs.
7. “I Met Her in Church”
“I Met Her in Church” is a song by The Box Tops, released as a single in 1968. The song was also included on their debut album, “The Letter/Neon Rainbow.”
“I Met Her in Church” is a soulful and heartfelt ballad that tells the story of a romantic encounter that takes place in a church. The protagonist meets a woman while attending a church service, and they form a deep connection. The lyrics convey themes of love, faith, and the power of divine intervention in bringing two people together.
The song’s chorus features the repeated refrain, “I met her in church, one Sunday morning,” emphasizing the significance of the setting where the encounter takes place.
While “I Met Her in Church” may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of The Box Tops’ other singles, it remains a favorite among fans of the band for its soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. The song showcases The Box Tops’ versatility as they explore different musical styles beyond their signature rock sound.
Overall, “I Met Her in Church” is a testament to The Box Tops’ ability to deliver memorable and emotionally resonant songs that leave a lasting impact on listeners.
8. “You Keep Tightening Up on Me”
“You Keep Tightening Up on Me” is a song by The Box Tops, released in 1969. It was written by Spooner Oldham and Dan Penn, and it appeared on the band’s third studio album, “Dimensions.”
The song features The Box Tops’ signature blend of rock, pop, and blue-eyed soul. It has a catchy melody, energetic rhythm, and soulful vocals by lead singer Alex Chilton.
The lyrics of “You Keep Tightening Up on Me” explore themes of love, desire, and frustration. The narrator expresses feeling suffocated and overwhelmed by their partner’s clingy behavior, yearning for space and freedom.
While “You Keep Tightening Up on Me” was not as commercially successful as some of The Box Tops’ other hits, it remains a fan favorite and a standout track on the “Dimensions” album. Its infectious energy and soulful delivery showcase the band’s talent for creating memorable and engaging pop-rock songs with a soulful twist.
9. “Turn on a Dream”
“Turn On A Dream” is a song by The Box Tops, featured on their 1969 album “Dimensions.”
In “Turn On A Dream,” The Box Tops deliver a soulful and melodic track that incorporates elements of pop and rock. The song’s lyrics revolve around themes of longing and escapism, as the protagonist yearns for a better life and dreams of a brighter future.
The chorus of “Turn On A Dream” features the repeated refrain, “Turn on a dream, let it fly,” emphasizing the idea of using one’s imagination and aspirations as a means of finding solace and hope.
While “Turn On A Dream” may not have been as commercially successful as some of The Box Tops’ other songs, it remains a favorite among fans for its catchy melody and introspective lyrics. The song showcases the band’s ability to create music that resonates with listeners on an emotional level.
Overall, “Turn On A Dream” is a testament to The Box Tops’ talent and creativity, and it continues to be appreciated by fans of the band’s music.
10. “I Must Be the Devil”
“I Must Be the Devil” is a song by The Box Tops, released in 1969. It was written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham, and it appeared on the band’s third studio album, “Dimensions.”
The song showcases The Box Tops’ distinctive blend of rock, pop, and soul. It features a catchy melody, soulful vocals by lead singer Alex Chilton, and a driving rhythm section.
The lyrics of “I Must Be the Devil” explore themes of self-reflection, guilt, and redemption. The narrator reflects on their own shortcomings and mistakes, questioning their own morality and sense of right and wrong.
While “I Must Be the Devil” was not as commercially successful as some of The Box Tops’ other hits, it remains a fan favorite and a standout track on the “Dimensions” album. Its introspective lyrics, soulful delivery, and infectious groove showcase the band’s talent for crafting memorable and emotionally resonant songs.
Edward Tomlin 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.
