For most people, wedding days are one of the few days filled with love, joy, and celebration. What better way can you infuse soul and rhythm into your special day than with the classic sounds of Motown?
Well, until recently, Motown was a record label and not a music genre. There’s no doubt why it was and is still seen as a music style. Songs under this category are soulful, and they have enough charm to connect many generations and preferences. Little wonder why there are many hit Motown-themed songs.
The quality of this genre makes Motown a perfect choice for your wedding, as there will be guests from different places and generations. But the big question is, how can you develop a playlist for your big day?
Creating a list of Motown songs can be daunting, so in this article, we’ve curated a list of timeless Motown wedding songs. With these songs on your playlist, your wedding would be anything but not memorable.
28 Motown Wedding Songs to Spice Up Your Big Day
You should also incorporate these other wedding songs to your playlist:
Some of the best Motown songs you can include in your wedding playlist are:
1. “My Girl” by The Temptations
Memorable Lyrics: “I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day. When it’s cold outside, I’ve got the month of May”
The song talks about a man who’s happy to have his lover. Since a wedding is about love, My Girl’s tempo and rhythm make it a great choice for the couple’s first dance or as the background music during the cocktail hour.
2. “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)” by The Isley Brothers
Memorable Lyrics: “This old heart, darling is weak for you. I love you, yes I do, yes I do”
The entire lyrics of this song might not tell the sweetest love story, yet the tempo has so many people hooked. This song is best fit as a background song during your playlist dinner.
3. “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) – Marvin Gaye
Memorable Lyrics: “With sweet love and devotion. Deeply touching my emotions. I want to stop and thank you, baby”
The artist, Marvin Gaye, has a lot of hit songs, and the reason is not far fetched; he is excellently skilled in his craft of soulful songs. His nickname, Prince of Motown, is in place.
This song is romantic, and it explains what kind of joy one feels to be loved by someone dear. It is perfect for any part of your wedding as long as it syncs with other songs in the playlist.
4. “I Second That Emotion” by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Memorable Lyrics: “If you feel like loving me. If you’ve got the notion“
This song is perfect to set the reception party’s pace.
5. “I Just Called to Say I Love You” by Stevie Wonder
Memorable Lyrics: “I just called to say I love you / I just called to say how much I care“
Stevie Wonder is one of the best artists for Motown songs, and his excellence is reflected in every piece he’s on, including this one. This song is slow-paced and touching, so it’ll pair well with slow dances like the couple’s dance or the parents-children dances.
6. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Memorable Lyrics: “Ain’t no mountain high enough, ain’t no valley low enough. To keep me from getting to you, babe”
This song has a vibe that screams energy. The energy and rhythm make it a perfect choice for an energetic couple’s entrance or exit. The energy doesn’t dampen the emotions in the song, as it is just as romantic as any slow-paced romantic song.
The song would also be perfect for a duet.
7. “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5
Memorable Lyrics: “Oh, baby, give me one more chance. (Show you that I love you). Won’t you please let me”
If you and yours would want something out of the norm for your entrance or first dance, this playful dance song should top your list of choices! It is energetic, so if you’re thinking of choreographing, you may want to check this out immediately.
8. “Reach Out I’ll Be There” by Four Tops
Memorable Lyrics: “I’ll be there with a love that will shelter you. I’ll be there with a love that will see you through”
Once you listen to this, you’ll also agree that Four Tops has a knack for giving some of the best songs with the perfect rhythm for heartfelt moments. This song is also an excellent option to dedicate a piece to your loved ones during the wedding.
9. “Heatwave” by Martha and the Vandellas
Memorable Lyrics: “Whenever I’m with him, something inside. Starts to burning, and I’m filled with desire”
The song has enough energy to get your guests up, take them to the dancefloor, and keep them dancing. It’s the actual definition of old but gold.
10. “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes
Memorable Lyrics: “You can’t hurry love / No, you’ll just have to wait”
If you are thinking of making your guests enjoy your wedding with a touch of old-time nostalgia, this song coming up during your reception party will do the trick!
11. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” by Stevie Wonder
Memorable Lyrics: “Signed, sealed, delivered, I’m yours”
Stevie Wonder set the record for one of the most popular self-produced Motown classics ever with this song. The rhythm makes the choice one of your best picks for the reception.
12. “Love Hangover” by Diana Ross
Memorable Lyrics: “I’ve got the sweetest hangover I don’t wanna get over”
This Ross single is one of the best Motown love classics. It’s perfect for the wedding ceremony, cocktail, and reception playlist.
13. “Tracks of My Tears” by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Memorable Lyrics: “People say I’m the life of the party. ‘Cause I tell a joke or two”
The song celebrates a long-lasting love, so it’s perfect to serenade the couple.
14. Best Of My Love by The Emotions
Memorable Lyrics: “Oh oh (oh), you’ve got the best of my love“
This song speaks of the powers of love on a person, as it depicts a kind of love that gives life. Like many Motown classics, this song is perfect for any program during your special event.
15. “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye
Memorable Lyrics: “I’ve been really tryin’, baby / Tryin’ to hold back this feeling for so long”
If you plan a dinner reception, this song should top your wedding dinner playlist. It adds the right dose of sensual and romantic touch to spice your wedding night.
16. “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” by The Four Tops
Memorable Lyrics: “Sugar pie, honey bunch / You know that I love you”
Another beautiful piece by Four Tops to get your guests on their feet dancing.
17. “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5
Memorable Lyrics: “I’ll have faith in all you do. Just call my name and I’ll be there (I’ll be there)“
In case you never knew, this song brought The Jackson 5 into the global limelight. This song discusses partners helping themselves overcome challenges and building something strong together. The tempo is versatile and perfect for any program on your big day.
18. “Still” by The Commodores
Memorable Lyrics: “We were too blind to see. But then most of all. I do love you. Still”
This song is slow-paced. If you want a slow and romantic love classic for your first dance as a couple, “Still,” for me, does it best.
19. “When A Man Loves A Woman” by Percy Sledge
Memorable Lyrics: “When a man loves a woman. Can’t keep his mind on nothing else. He’d change the world. For the good thing he’s found”
Percy Sledge’s “When A Man Loves A Woman” became a famous anthem at some point because of its qualities. The song is unique, and the tempo communicates many emotions, making it one of the most loved and popular Motown classics ever.
20. “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder
Memorable Lyrics: “You are the sunshine of my life. That’s why I’ll always stay around”
This music is best for celebrating the love between the newlyweds, so it’s a great choice for the couple’s dance.
21. “Rescue Me” by Fontella Bass
Memorable Lyrics: “Come on, baby, and rescue me. ‘Cause I need you by my side. Can’t you see that I’m lonely”
22. “My Guy” by Mary Wells
Memorable Lyrics: “Nothing you could say could tear me away from my guy“
Because this song is energetic and lively, it’s best to boost guests’ energy at your reception.
23. “For Once in My Life” by Stevie Wonder
Memorable Lyrics: “For once in my life, I have someone who needs me”
Everything about this song, from its lyrics to the tempo, screams wedding perfection! This song would make one of the best options for the couple’s first dance or any romantic moment as the ceremony progresses.
24. “At Last” by Etta James
Memorable Lyrics: “My lonely days are over. And life is like a song. Oh yeah yeah. At last”
This song is perfect for the couple’s dance during the reception.
25. “Baby Love” by The Supremes
Memorable Lyrics: “Baby love, my baby love. I need you, oh how I need you”
26. “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” by The Temptations
Memorable Lyrics: “I know you wanna leave me, but I refuse to let you go”
This song is energetic. This quality makes the song a great choice to get the reception started.
27. “It Takes Two” by Marvin Gaye & Kim Weston
Memorable Lyrics: “It takes two, baby. To make a dream come true, just takes two“
When you have some of the best Motown singers on a piece, you will surely end up with a hit song. It Takes Two is that hit song.
The rhythm, vocals, and lyrics are excellent, making the song a good option for any part of your wedding program.
28. “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
Memorable Lyrics: “Ain’t nothing like the real thing, baby. Ain’t nothing like the real thing”
If you and your partner have a great voice for the stage, this song is for you to try singing as a duet during your wedding.
And hey, you don’t need the best voice on earth to declare your love for your partner in a song. As long as you can deliver excellently on a stage, you are good, and you should give this a try.
Final Thoughts
Motown classics have been around for years, and they are yet to lose their savor. These songs are the songs you can trust to fill the hearts of your guests with love anytime.
However you incorporate these songs into your wedding playlist, it doesn’t matter as long as your guests feel the love. Enjoy Motown’s timeless tunes anytime, any day, anywhere.
FAQs
Here are some questions to round off our list of Motown wedding songs!
What is Motown music?
Motown music is a music genre that originated from the Motown record label in the 1960s. These songs have soulful tunes that many people find attractive.
Is It Okay to Incorporate Motown Songs Into Different Parts of My Wedding?
Sure, you can incorporate Motown songs into any part of your wedding, as there are different rhythms perfect for any program on your big day. For the ceremony, however, slower instrumental versions are preferable, while for the reception, energetic songs are preferred.
Are There Contemporary Artists With Motown-Themed Songs That Are Great for Weddings?
Yes, many modern artists give Motown songs a new feel. Examples include Michael Bublé, John Legend, Amy Winehouse, and Adele.
