The Box Tops were an American rock band formed in Memphis in 1967. They’re best known for their hit single “The Letter,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1967. The song’s distinctive sound, featuring lead singer Alex Chilton’s soulful vocals and a catchy horn riff, became an iconic representation of the era’s pop-rock sound. Though they’re often associated with “The Letter,” the Box Tops had other hits as well, including “Cry Like a Baby” and “Soul Deep.” They disbanded in 1970 but left an indelible mark on the music of the late 1960s.
1. The Letter
“The Letter” is a classic hit 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. The song features Alex Chilton’s distinctive lead vocals and a memorable horn riff, creating a unique blend of rock, soul, and pop. “The Letter” has endured as a timeless classic and remains a beloved part of pop music history.
2. Cry Like a Baby
“Cry Like a Baby” is another notable hit by The Box Tops, released in 1968. Like “The Letter,” it features lead singer Alex Chilton’s soulful vocals and catchy melodies. The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became one of the band’s signature songs. “Cry Like a Baby” showcases The Box Tops’ ability to blend rock, pop, and soul influences into a catchy and emotionally resonant track. It’s considered one of the standout songs from their discography and remains popular among fans of 1960s music.
3. Neon Rainbow
“Neon Rainbow” is a song by The Box Tops, released in 1967 as the follow-up single to their hit “The Letter.” While it didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as “The Letter,” “Neon Rainbow” still managed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 24. The song features the band’s signature sound, with Alex Chilton’s soulful vocals accompanied by catchy instrumentation. “Neon Rainbow” is notable for its psychedelic-tinged lyrics and reflects the experimentation with different musical styles that characterized the late 1960s. Though not as well-known as some of their other hits, “Neon Rainbow” remains a favorite among fans of The Box Tops and 1960s rock music.
4. Sweet Cream Ladies, Forward March
“Sweet Cream Ladies, Forward March” is a lesser-known song by The Box Tops, released in 1968. It was included on their album “Cry Like a Baby.” While it didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as some of their other singles, it’s still notable for its catchy melody and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Alex Chilton. The song showcases The Box Tops’ ability to blend elements of rock, pop, and soul into their music, with its upbeat tempo and energetic instrumentation. Though not as widely recognized as their more famous hits, “Sweet Cream Ladies, Forward March” remains a hidden gem in the band’s discography, appreciated by fans of their music.
5. Choo-Choo Train
“Choo-Choo Train” is a song by The Box Tops, released in 1968. It was featured on their album “Cry Like a Baby.” While not as widely recognized as some of their other hits like “The Letter” or “Cry Like a Baby,” “Choo-Choo Train” still showcases the band’s signature sound, with Alex Chilton’s soulful vocals and catchy melodies. The song has a lively rhythm and incorporates elements of rock and pop typical of the era. While it may not have reached the same level of commercial success as some of their more well-known singles, “Choo-Choo Train” remains a beloved track among fans of The Box Tops and 1960s music in general.
6. Soul Deep
“Soul Deep” is another notable song by The Box Tops, released in 1969. It was written by Wayne Carson Thompson, who also wrote their hit “The Letter.” “Soul Deep” features lead singer Alex Chilton’s soulful vocals and showcases the band’s ability to blend rock, pop, and soul influences into their music. The song was a commercial success, reaching number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a staple of classic rock radio playlists. “Soul Deep” further solidified The Box Tops’ reputation as one of the standout acts of the late 1960s.
7. I Met Her in Church
“I Met Her in Church” is a song by The Box Tops from their album “Non Stop” released in 1968. The track features a catchy melody and showcases the band’s ability to blend pop and rock influences. While not as well-known as some of their other hits, it still reflects The Box Tops’ signature sound and their knack for crafting memorable tunes. The song tells the story of meeting a romantic interest in a church setting, adding a unique twist to their repertoire.
8. People Gonna Talk
“People Gonna Talk” is a song by The Box Tops, included on their album “Dimensions” released in 1969. It’s a soulful track that showcases lead singer Alex Chilton’s emotive vocals and the band’s ability to blend elements of rock, pop, and soul. The song features a catchy melody and poignant lyrics about gossip and judgment, reflecting the social themes prevalent in much of the band’s music. While not as commercially successful as some of their other singles, “People Gonna Talk” remains a favorite among fans of The Box Tops for its infectious groove and Chilton’s passionate delivery.
9. I Shall Be Released
“I Shall Be Released” is a song originally written by Bob Dylan and first recorded by him in 1967. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Box Tops. Their rendition of “I Shall Be Released” was included on their 1969 album “Dimensions.” The Box Tops’ version of the song showcases their ability to interpret and infuse their own style into well-known tracks. While perhaps not as famous as Dylan’s original version, The Box Tops’ rendition of “I Shall Be Released” remains a notable contribution to their catalog and a testament to the enduring appeal of Dylan’s songwriting.
10. Turn On a Dream
“Turn On a Dream” is a song by The Box Tops, released in 1969 on their album “Dimensions”. The track has a dreamy and psychedelic vibe, characteristic of much of the music produced during the late 1960s. “Turn On a Dream” features Alex Chilton’s distinctive vocals and showcases the band’s versatility in experimenting with different musical styles. While not as commercially successful as some of their other singles, “Turn On a Dream” remains a notable part of The Box Tops’ discography, appreciated by fans of their music and enthusiasts of the psychedelic rock era.
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.
