David Ruffin is one of the most iconic and influential soul singers of all time. As the lead vocalist for The Temptations in the 1960s, Ruffin’s distinctive voice and passionate performances helped define the Motown sound and cemented his place as a true musical legend. After leaving the Temptations in 1968, Ruffin went on to have a successful solo career, producing an impressive array of hits that showcased his undeniable talent.
In this article, we’ll be counting down the top 10 best David Ruffin songs of all time. From the soulful classic “My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)” to the funky jam “I Can’t Stop the Rain,” we’ll explore the music that has defined Ruffin’s legacy as one of the greatest soul singers of all time. We’ll take a closer look at the stories behind the songs, examine their impact on popular culture, and analyze what makes them enduring classics. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering his music for the first time, join us as we celebrate the music and legacy of David Ruffin.
1. (I Know) I’m Losing You (The Temptations)
This hit single 'I'm Losing You' by The Temptations featuring David Ruffin showcases his soulful vocals and intense energy. With its catchy rhythm and blues beats, this song became one of Ruffin's most iconic releases of all time. In the track, Ruffin captures his audience's attention with his raw emotion and heartfelt delivery. He brought something new to the table which helped establish him as one of Motown's most respected performers.
Continuing with David Ruffin’s greatest hits, 'Walk Away From Love' is another classic tune that deserves recognition. This song is about leaving a relationship that isn't working out despite having strong feelings for someone. It showcases his vocal range, conveying a great deal of pain through lyrics that speak to listeners on an emotional level.
'Rode By the Place (Where We Used To Stay)' is a lesser-known gem from Ruffin's discography but still deserves recognition for its hauntingly beautiful melody and message. The track explores the themes of nostalgia after seeing a place where used to live and spend time with loved ones, highlighting Ruffin’s ability to connect emotionally with his listeners.
For music enthusiasts who want to discover more of David Ruffin's work, 'Common Man' is definitely worth checking out. He captures the essence of being an ordinary person facing everyday struggles with great sincerity, providing listeners with comfort and relatability when they are going through hard times in their life.
To feel the full impact of David Ruffin’s musical legacy, we suggest listening to these songs on vinyl or high-quality digital platforms. This way, you can appreciate the nuances in his voice and really delve into the heart behind each track. Music fans owe it to themselves to explore this Motown legend’s catalog beyond just these ten songs as he has so much more yet left undiscovered.
David Ruffin proves that good things come to those who wait with 'Your Love Was Worth Waiting For' – something his fans know all too well.
2. Your Love Was Worth Waiting For (The Ruffin Brothers)
This track is a soulful ballad that touches on the theme of love. "Your Love Was Worth Waiting For" was written by David Ruffin and his brother, Jimmy Ruffin, for their collaborative album titled 'I Am My Brother's Keeper.' The track showcases David's rich and powerful vocals, complemented by harmonizations with his brother. It is one of the lesser-known tracks in Ruffin’s discography but remains a fan favorite for its sentimental value.
The song speaks to the emotions that come with patiently waiting for someone you love. The lyrics convey the message that true love is worth waiting for even though the wait may be long and difficult. This theme resonates with audiences across all generations, making it a timeless classic.
David Ruffin's performance on this track is exceptional as he pours out his heart in every note. The song was produced by Van McCoy, who added his touch of genius to make it a masterpiece.
Overall, "Your Love Was Worth Waiting For" is a beautiful addition to David Ruffin's collection of songs, showcasing yet another side to his incredible talent. It deserves more recognition and attention from fans of soul music.
Don't miss out on discovering this gem among Ruffin's discography. Give "Your Love Was Worth Waiting For" a listen today, and let David's soulful voice transport you to an era where music spoke straight to the heart.
David Ruffin may have left The Temptations, but he certainly didn't leave his ability to make us swoon with hits like 'My Girl'.
3. My Girl (The Temptations)
This track by The Temptations, featuring David Ruffin, is an all-time classic loved by millions. 'My Girl' features a fantastic blend of soulful vocals and catchy melodies, which have helped to make it one of the most recognizable Motown tracks ever recorded. With its upbeat tempo and timeless lyrics, 'My Girl' is undoubtedly one of David Ruffin's most defining performances.
Incredibly, this song was written by members of The Temptations themselves: Smokey Robinson and Ronald White initially composed it as a slower track with a different title, but the group quickly recognized its potential and transformed it into the hit we know today. David Ruffin's soulful delivery contributes significantly to 'My Girl's' success, cementing his iconic status within the genre.
Interestingly, despite being such an unmitigated success for The Temptations (and later for Ruffin as a solo artist), 'My Girl' was not initially meant to be a single release – it was only after radio DJs began playing it heavily in May 1965 that the song become officially released as a single! Nevertheless, it went on to become an immediate smash hit, holding down the top spot on Billboard's Hot 100 chart for two weeks straight.
Pro Tip: If you're new to David Ruffin's work with The Temptations or haven't listened to them in some time, then this soulful classic is definitely worth revisiting. It has stood the test of time magnificently and remains a touchstone of American music history. Listening to 'I Wish It Would Rain' is like having a massive storm of emotions soak you to the core, but don't worry, David Ruffin is your umbrella.
4. I Wish It Would Rain
The soulful track, "4. The yearning for Rain," by David Ruffin is a lamentation of a man missing his lover, hoping that the rain would wash away his pain. The melancholic ballad showcases Ruffin's vocal prowess and ability to evoke emotions with ease. The bassline and instrumentation add depth to the song, making it a memorable experience for listeners. This timeless classic has been covered by several artists over the years, cementing its place as one of Ruffin's best works.
Furthermore, "The yearning for Rain" was released during Ruffin's stint with The Temptations, where he established himself as one of the most significant voices in Motown history. His solo career after leaving the group was successful with this song being one of his most popular hits. The lyrics resonate with many people who are going through tough times and serve as a reminder that they are not alone.
It is interesting to note that Ruffin co-wrote this track with Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, who were instrumental in shaping his career. Their collaboration produced some of Ruffin's best work, including this song.
For fans of soul music or those discovering Ruffin's work for the first time, "The yearning for Rain" is an essential addition to any playlist. Don't miss out on experiencing one of David Ruffin's greatest hits.
Even if beauty is only skin deep, David Ruffin's soulful voice could still penetrate through to your heart.
5. Beauty’s Only Skin Deep (The Temptations)
This entry on the list showcases David Ruffin's exceptional talent through his performance in 'Beauty's Only Skin Deep' by The Temptations. Ruffin's voice stands out among the group and adds a unique flavor to the song. The lyrics delve into superficial beauty and how it can be deceiving, making it a relevant and timeless classic.
Listeners are drawn to Ruffin's soothing voice, infused with elements of soulful rhythm. Through his captivating delivery, he commands attention, painting a vivid picture of the dangers of judging people solely based on their appearance. 'Beauty’s Only Skin Deep' is an ode to empowerment centered around loving one's self for who they are and not what they look like.
This entry highlights David Ruffin's vocal prowess in this iconic piece that remains relevant even today.
A little-known fact about The Temptations is that their original name was The Elgins before eventually changing to the name we know them as today.
Even David Ruffin couldn't resist the temptation of singing with The Temptations in 'Ain't Too Proud To Beg'
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6. Ain’t Too Proud To Beg (The Temptations)
This Temptations hit is one of David Ruffin's finest contributions to Motown's music catalog. 'Ain't Too Proud To Beg' was released in 1966 and is a perfect example of Ruffin's ability to convey raw emotion through his voice. The song embodies the classic sound of Temptations' music, with catchy hooks and harmonies that have become synonymous with Motown. It shines as a testament to David Ruffin's impeccable talent, especially in his use of vocal range and control.
Ruffin delivers the lyrics, which depict his willingness to be vulnerable for love, in a powerful manner that showcases his expertise as a singer. His impeccable articulation and dynamic range are undeniable characteristics that add depth to the lyrics.
What sets 'Ain't Too Proud To Beg' apart from other hits of its time is its unique blend of rhythm and blues with rock & roll sensibilities, which makes it a timeless piece of music that has not lost its luster.
To fully appreciate this song's beauty, we suggest listening to it on high volume while appreciating the subtle nuances within each member's instrumentals. Don't forget to pay extra close attention to David Ruffin's vocals, which make this song truly unforgettable.
Looks like David Ruffin lost more than just his baby in this heart-wrenching Temptations classic.
7. Since I Lost My Baby (The Temptations)
This particular track, performed by The Temptations and released in 1965, showcases David Ruffin's exceptional vocals. It is a soulful ballad that speaks about the pain of losing a lover. The song is known for its slow tempo, mesmerizing harmonies, and poignant lyrics that highlight the depths of heartbreak. Ruffin's emotional delivery is one of the reasons why this track remains popular among fans and has stood the test of time.
Since I Lost My Baby exemplifies Ruffin's versatility as a singer and his ability to capture raw emotions. The song was written by Smokey Robinson and Pete Moore and showcases their incredible talent as songwriters. It became an instant hit and peaked at number four on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. Ruffin's voice perfectly complements the overall melancholic tone of the song.
What sets this track apart from others in Ruffin's career is the vocal performance he delivers in every line of the song. You can hear his anguish and distress when he sings lines like "life without love is oh so lonely" or "I don't seem to care". This single showcases Ruffin's range as a singer and a performer.
Interestingly enough, this track was not originally intended for The Temptations, but Stevie Wonder was supposed to perform it instead. However, after hearing Ruffin sing during a recording session, they decided to give him lead vocals instead.
Overall, Since I Lost My Baby stands out as one of David Ruffin's best performances. It remains an iconic soul classic that still resonates with audiences today due to its powerful melody and emotive lyrics.
Looks like David Ruffin's love life wasn't as smooth as his soulful voice, but at least we got some great songs out of it.
8. I’ve Lost Everything I’ve Ever Loved
Losing precious things in life can be devastating for anyone, and David Ruffin's portrayal of 'I've Lost Everything I've Ever Loved' depicts this perfectly. The song highlights the emotions one goes through after a loss, showcasing how love, hope, and faith diminishes over time. The melody helps listeners resonate with their feelings of loss, making it a relatable song for many.
David Ruffin's vocals in 'I've Lost Everything I've Ever Loved' are noteworthy, as he articulates the emotions of someone who has felt deep pain and sorrow. The lyricism of the song adds to its depth as Ruffin talks about losing everything from his home to his family and even his mind. Though it's a heartbreaking tune to listen to, it encourages one to look beyond the materialistic aspects of life and appreciate what they have now.
While other songs in David Ruffin's portfolio address heartbreak and anguish, not one is similar to 'I've Lost Everything I've Ever Loved'. It showcases a sense of vulnerability that isn't apparent in most love ballads as the singer admits defeat against the inevitable process of change.
Don't miss out on listening to this classic track by David Ruffin on repeat as it speaks volumes about the intricacies of life. David Ruffin's vocals on this Temptations track are so powerful, he could make a heartless robot fall in love!
9. I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You) (The Temptations)
This track, performed by The Temptations, is a soulful ballad that showcases David Ruffin's impressive vocal range. Its lyrics depict a man who can never love another after experiencing the love of his life. The song's emotional impact comes from Ruffin's passionate delivery and the exquisite arrangement of strings and horns.
"I Could Never Love Another" was released in 1967 as part of The Temptations' album "Greatest Hits II". It quickly became a fan favorite and one of their greatest hits, cementing David Ruffin's position as one of the best soul singers of his time. The song has since been covered by various artists, but none have matched the original's raw intensity.
One unique aspect of this song is its use of repetitive lyrics to emphasize its main message – "I could never love another". This technique adds to the emotional weight of the song and makes it easy for listeners to remember and sing along to.
Listeners who enjoy "I Could Never Love Another" may also appreciate other tracks that showcase David Ruffin's emotive vocals, such as "My Girl" and "Ain't Too Proud To Beg". These songs share similar themes with "I Could Never Love Another", such as love lost and heartbreak. Overall, these tracks exemplify why David Ruffin is considered one of the best soul singers in history.
David Ruffin sings about heartbreak with the same skill a surgeon uses to remove a spleen.
10. My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)
The tenth on our list, this classic David Ruffin song 'My World Came Crashing Down' portrays a profound sense of loss and heartache through the power of his soulful voice. The lyrics are a lament about a love lost, and how it left him feeling incomplete and alone. It's a moving ballad that showcases Ruffin's impressive vocal range and ability to convey deep emotions.
In this heartbreaking song, Ruffin's incredible voice melts hearts with its sincerity, as he explores the depths of despair caused by losing someone he loves. The hauntingly beautiful melody complements the melancholy lyrics perfectly and makes 'My World Came Crashing Down' one of the most memorable tracks from David Ruffin's illustrious career. It stands out as a prime example of Ruffin's artistry, as well as his unique ability to connect with his audience on an emotional level.
David Ruffin was known for his powerful vocals, which could fill a room with soulful energy – even more so when paired with Motown legend Mary Wells. Their duet "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" became iconic in music history. This was just one of many outstanding moments in David's life.
Ruffin was known for being demanding and difficult to work with later in his career, but he remained one of the most influential figures in Motown history despite these personal struggles. His innovative style inspired countless others to pursue music careers and continues to live on today through his timeless hits like "My World Came Crashing Down".
Samuel Moore 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.
