The Contours
The Contours were one of the early African-American soul singing groups signed to Motown Records. The group is best known for its classic chart-topping 1962 hit, Do You Love Me, a million-selling single that became a major hit all over again in 1988.
Dancing the Night Away with The Contours
When it comes to the Motown sound, few groups have the same level of energy and charisma as The Contours. Formed in Detroit in the early 1960s, this vocal quintet was known for their stunning harmonies and performances that were equal parts singing and dancing. But what made The Contours truly special was their ability to capture the spirit of the times, creating music that was both uplifting and reflective of the era's social issues. In this article, we'll take a look at The Contours' musical biography, explore their best songs, and dissect their unique genre-blending style.
The Contours got their start in 1960, signing to Motown Records after performing at a local Detroit talent show. Their first release, Whole Lotta Woman, showcased their upbeat, dancing style and quickly became a hit. Over the next few years, the group had several notable releases, including Do You Love Me, First I Look at the Purse, and Can You Jerk Like Me. These songs were known for their catchy hooks and driving beats, often punctuated by call-and-response vocals and sharp instrumental breaks.
One of the things that set The Contours apart was their genre-blending approach to music. They drew inspiration from a range of styles, including doo-wop, rock and roll, and the emerging soul sound. This allowed them to create a sound that was both familiar and fresh, blending classic harmonies with contemporary rhythms. This approach is perhaps best exemplified in their cover of The Four Tops' It's the Same Old Song. The Contours' rendition featured a harder-hitting beat and an extended instrumental section, giving the song a new lease on life.
Another hallmark of The Contours' live performances was their energetic dance routines. They were known for their synchronized moves and acrobatic flips, which added an extra element of excitement to their shows. Perhaps the most famous performance of this nature was their appearance in the 1988 film Dirty Dancing, where their hit Do You Love Me was prominently featured. The scene, which saw lead singer Billy Gordon leading a group of dancers in a high-energy routine, solidified The Contours' status as party starters and dancefloor legends.
Of course, no discussion of The Contours would be complete without a rundown of their best songs. Do You Love Me is undoubtedly their biggest hit, but other songs like Just a Little Misunderstanding and Shake Sherry showcased their tight harmonies and driving rhythms. For fans looking to hear a deeper cut, First I Look at the Purse is a great example of the group's genre-blending approach, featuring a funky bassline and expressive vocals.
In terms of critical reception, The Contours were often praised for their infectious energy and live performances. However, some critics felt that their music was not as socially relevant as other Motown groups like The Temptations or The Supremes. Still, there is no denying the impact that The Contours had on the Motown sound, and their ability to get audiences dancing remains impressive to this day.
The Contours were more than just a Motown group – they were a force of nature, blending genres and delivering unforgettable performances that filled dancefloors around the world. While their time in the spotlight was relatively brief, their impact on music cannot be overstated. From Do You Love Me to Shake Sherry, their music remains as irresistible as ever, and their legacy as party starters is firmly entrenched in the history of American popular music.
The Contours were more than just a Motown group – they were a force of nature, blending genres and delivering unforgettable performances that filled dancefloors around the world. While their time in the spotlight was relatively brief, their impact on music cannot be overstated. From Do You Love Me to Shake Sherry, their music remains as irresistible as ever, and their legacy as party starters is firmly entrenched in the history of American popular music.
Dancing the Night Away with The Contours
When it comes to the Motown sound, few groups have the same level of energy and charisma as The Contours. Formed in Detroit in the early 1960s, this vocal quintet was known for their stunning harmonies and performances that were equal parts singing and dancing. But what made The Contours truly special was their ability to capture the spirit of the times, creating music that was both uplifting and reflective of the era's social issues. In this article, we'll take a look at The Contours' musical biography, explore their best songs, and dissect their unique genre-blending style.
The Contours got their start in 1960, signing to Motown Records after performing at a local Detroit talent show. Their first release, Whole Lotta Woman, showcased their upbeat, dancing style and quickly became a hit. Over the next few years, the group had several notable releases, including Do You Love Me, First I Look at the Purse, and Can You Jerk Like Me. These songs were known for their catchy hooks and driving beats, often punctuated by call-and-response vocals and sharp instrumental breaks.
One of the things that set The Contours apart was their genre-blending approach to music. They drew inspiration from a range of styles, including doo-wop, rock and roll, and the emerging soul sound. This allowed them to create a sound that was both familiar and fresh, blending classic harmonies with contemporary rhythms. This approach is perhaps best exemplified in their cover of The Four Tops' It's the Same Old Song. The Contours' rendition featured a harder-hitting beat and an extended instrumental section, giving the song a new lease on life.
Another hallmark of The Contours' live performances was their energetic dance routines. They were known for their synchronized moves and acrobatic flips, which added an extra element of excitement to their shows. Perhaps the most famous performance of this nature was their appearance in the 1988 film Dirty Dancing, where their hit Do You Love Me was prominently featured. The scene, which saw lead singer Billy Gordon leading a group of dancers in a high-energy routine, solidified The Contours' status as party starters and dancefloor legends.
Of course, no discussion of The Contours would be complete without a rundown of their best songs. Do You Love Me is undoubtedly their biggest hit, but other songs like Just a Little Misunderstanding and Shake Sherry showcased their tight harmonies and driving rhythms. For fans looking to hear a deeper cut, First I Look at the Purse is a great example of the group's genre-blending approach, featuring a funky bassline and expressive vocals.
In terms of critical reception, The Contours were often praised for their infectious energy and live performances. However, some critics felt that their music was not as socially relevant as other Motown groups like The Temptations or The Supremes. Still, there is no denying the impact that The Contours had on the Motown sound, and their ability to get audiences dancing remains impressive to this day.
The Contours were more than just a Motown group – they were a force of nature, blending genres and delivering unforgettable performances that filled dancefloors around the world. While their time in the spotlight was relatively brief, their impact on music cannot be overstated. From Do You Love Me to Shake Sherry, their music remains as irresistible as ever, and their legacy as party starters is firmly entrenched in the history of American popular music.
The Contours were more than just a Motown group – they were a force of nature, blending genres and delivering unforgettable performances that filled dancefloors around the world. While their time in the spotlight was relatively brief, their impact on music cannot be overstated. From Do You Love Me to Shake Sherry, their music remains as irresistible as ever, and their legacy as party starters is firmly entrenched in the history of American popular music.
Genres:
LISTEN THE BEST THE CONTOURS SONGS IN STREAMING
Next Concert
2024-04-19
h: 22:00
The Bar Stage, Band on the Wall
Manchester, UK
2022-01-01
The Contours: Good or Bad for Music?
For nearly 60 years, The Contours have captured the hearts of multiple generations with their classic Motown sound. Synonymous with dance halls and vintage record collections, songs like “Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance)” and “The Stretch” are now timeless classics. But while these genre-defining hit singles continue to bring joy to listeners from all walks of life over the decades, there have also been a few criticisms stemming from this group's success which raises the question: Is The Contours good or bad for music fans? In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at both sides of the coin and investigate whether artists like The Contours deserve more recognition for their musical achievements or less so that other genres can breathe.
With a classic Motown sound that has captured the hearts of multiple generations for nearly 60 years, The Contours are a household name in the music industry. Songs like “Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance)” and “The Stretch” are timeless classics that continue to fill dance halls and vintage record collections. But as with any successful artist, there have been some criticisms of The Contours over the years. Some argue that artists like The Contours have had an adverse effect on the music industry, while others believe they deserve more recognition for their accomplishments. In this blog post, let’s take a closer look at both sides of the coin and explore whether or not The Contours are good or bad for music fans.
On one hand, it can be argued that The Contours have had a detrimental effect on the music industry. Some feel that their success has overshadowed other genres and artists that deserve recognition, leading to a lack of variety in the music scene. Additionally, some critique their music for being formulaic and derivative, relying on tried-and-true techniques without truly innovating beyond the Motown sound.
However, others contend that The Contours should be celebrated for their musical achievements. They broke barriers as a predominantly Black group, solidifying themselves as trailblazers in the music industry. Their music also represented the changing times, appealing to a diverse audience and creating a cultural phenomenon that still resonates today.
Moreover, The Contours paved the way for other successful acts, showcasing the potential of the Motown sound and influencing generations of artists that followed. To deny their place as influential and important figures in music history would be shortsighted.
One could also argue that the criticism of The Contours is misplaced. They were merely a product of their time, creating music that was meant to be enjoyed and appreciated for what it was, not for what it could or should have been. There is a time and place for innovation, but there is also value in recognizing and appreciating the accomplishments of those who came before.
In conclusion, the question of whether or not The Contours are good or bad for music fans is a complex one. On one hand, there are valid criticisms of their style and influence on the music industry. On the other hand, they paved the way for many successful acts and made undeniable contributions to music history. Ultimately, it is up to individual listeners to decide how they feel about The Contours and their impact on the music scene. But regardless of where one stands on the issue, it is important to recognize and appreciate the artistry and accomplishments of these influential musicians and the impact they have had on generations of music lovers.
With a classic Motown sound that has captured the hearts of multiple generations for nearly 60 years, The Contours are a household name in the music industry. Songs like “Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance)” and “The Stretch” are timeless classics that continue to fill dance halls and vintage record collections. But as with any successful artist, there have been some criticisms of The Contours over the years. Some argue that artists like The Contours have had an adverse effect on the music industry, while others believe they deserve more recognition for their accomplishments. In this blog post, let’s take a closer look at both sides of the coin and explore whether or not The Contours are good or bad for music fans.
On one hand, it can be argued that The Contours have had a detrimental effect on the music industry. Some feel that their success has overshadowed other genres and artists that deserve recognition, leading to a lack of variety in the music scene. Additionally, some critique their music for being formulaic and derivative, relying on tried-and-true techniques without truly innovating beyond the Motown sound.
However, others contend that The Contours should be celebrated for their musical achievements. They broke barriers as a predominantly Black group, solidifying themselves as trailblazers in the music industry. Their music also represented the changing times, appealing to a diverse audience and creating a cultural phenomenon that still resonates today.
Moreover, The Contours paved the way for other successful acts, showcasing the potential of the Motown sound and influencing generations of artists that followed. To deny their place as influential and important figures in music history would be shortsighted.
One could also argue that the criticism of The Contours is misplaced. They were merely a product of their time, creating music that was meant to be enjoyed and appreciated for what it was, not for what it could or should have been. There is a time and place for innovation, but there is also value in recognizing and appreciating the accomplishments of those who came before.
In conclusion, the question of whether or not The Contours are good or bad for music fans is a complex one. On one hand, there are valid criticisms of their style and influence on the music industry. On the other hand, they paved the way for many successful acts and made undeniable contributions to music history. Ultimately, it is up to individual listeners to decide how they feel about The Contours and their impact on the music scene. But regardless of where one stands on the issue, it is important to recognize and appreciate the artistry and accomplishments of these influential musicians and the impact they have had on generations of music lovers.
Tag: The Contours, music artist, best songs, artist career
SONGS OF THE CONTOURS - THE BEST SONGS OF THE ARTIST
1 - Do You Love Me
2 - First I Look At The Purse
3 - Determination
4 - The Stretch
5 - Whole Lotta Woman
6 - Can You Jerk Like Me
7 - Shake Sherry
8 - This Old Heart Of Mine
9 - Flashback
10 - Just A Little Misunderstanding
11 - Baby Hit And Run
12 - Do You Love Me - Mono Single
13 - Can You Do It
14 - What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted
15 - First I Look At The Purse - Single Version
16 - Don't Let Her Be Your Baby
17 - Loose Wood - Ross From Friends Remix
18 - Do You Love Me - Single Version; Mono
19 - Funny
20 - I Like Everything About You
21 - Shake Sherrie
22 - You Better Get In Line
23 - Danger, Heartbreak Dead Ahead
24 - Baby Hit And Run - Alternate Vocal
25 - It's So Hard Being A Loser
26 - It Must Be Love
27 - Move Mr. Man
28 - Do You Love Me - 1966 Version
29 - You Get Ugly
30 - That Day When She Needed Me
31 - Searching For A Girl
32 - I'll Stand By You
33 - Do You Love Me - Edit
34 - Seven Arched Tongues
THE CONTOURS: NEXT EVENTS
Concert
2024-04-19
h: 22:00
The Bar Stage, Band on the Wall
Manchester, UK
Concert
2024-06-22
h: 18:30
Soup
Manchester, UK