Song #168 - "You Can't Hurry Love" - The Supremes

Recorded - June 11 & July 5, 1966

Released - July 25, 1966

#1 for weeks of September 10 and 17, 1966. 

     Once again, we are graced with the presence of The Supremes on this blog. "You Can't Hurry Love" was written by the usual Holland-Dozier-Holland team, and also features Motown session musicians as the backing band. Yet, things are different this time around...

     I mentioned how in 1965, The Supremes music was starting to get a bit samey. Many songs dealt with similar themes, and some of their #1 hits such as "I Hear A Symphony" were musically derivative of their earlier hits. However, by 1966, Motown managed to nip this issue in the bud completely and recorded some very different sounding Supremes songs. The first of those that hit #1 was "You Can't Hurry Love".

     Many earlier Supremes hits were very grounded in Brill Building pop music. With "You Can't Hurry Love", the sound is more grounded in southern gospel. From the rhythm, which accents the 2nd and 4th notes of each measure, to the very uplifting instrumentation, it's easy to compare these sounds to the energetic feeling of gospel music. 

     The lyrics of "You Can't Hurry Love" may once again be grounded in pop-romance, yet this time there is a growing maturity in the words sung. "You Can't Hurry Love" deals with a mother encouraging her daughter to not hurry the relationship of her lover. In a modern era where people get married way too soon, and tie the knot before they fully know their partner, perhaps this song needs to be made famous again. It is certainly a topic that still holds relevance today.

      The Supremes chart success still continued throughout 1966. Not only was there one other #1 of theirs from this year, but it just so happens to be my favorite Supremes song. Stay tuned...

Final Verdict - "You Can't Hurry Love" manages to sound different enough from the early Supremes chart toppers, while still maintaining some of the classic themes and sounds that made America love the trio so much. If you love Motown, you're sure to love "You Can't Hurry Love". 

                    Coming Up Next - "Cherish" by The Association. 

       Until Next Time - I'm Dr. Rock, and you can't hurry these reviews! -