Top 10 Box Tops Songs

Photo: Philippe Brizard, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Our Top 10 Box Tops Songs article looks back at the band formed in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1967. They were led by the brilliant Alex Chilton, who would also later form the band Big Star. The Box Tops were a band that fused elements of soul, pop, and soft rock into a style that many found very captivating. They were an instant success in the United States with their debut album, thanks to the popularity of their number one single, “The Letter.” The band only released a handful of albums in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They had a few more hit singles, such as “Soul Deep, “Cry Like A Baby,” and a few others. The band recorded many cover versions of classic songs, putting their own stamp on them.

# 10 – I Met Her In Church

We open our Top 10 Box Tops songs with the great gospel-style song “I Met Her In Church.” The song was released on the Box Tops’ third album, entitled Non-Stop. The album was released in 1968. This great song, which starts with some soulful gospel piano and is surrounded by an excellent choir, was released as the second single from the album. The song became a top 40 hit for the band. It peaked at number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968

# 9 – I Shall Be Released

Continuing with our Top 10 Box Tops songs list, we present a soft rock pop version of Bob Dylan’s classic song “I Shall Be Released.” The song was released on the Box Tops’ third album, entitled Dimensions. It was the second single released from the album.

# 8 – You Keep Me Hanging On

There have been many versions of this classic song, “You Keep Me Hanging On.” From The Supremes ‘ Motown-infused classic version to Vanilla Fudge’s progressive rock masterpiece, the song has infiltrated culture on a mass level. The Box Top’s version tilts more towards the Vanilla Fudge arrangement, but just not as heavy and much shorter. Love the scream at the end!

# 7 – Sweet Cream Ladies, Forward March

Moving along on our Top 10 Box Tops songs list, we take a listen to the interestingly titled song “Sweet Cream Ladies, Forward March.” A song in which they rhyme the word March with starch. Hmmm…. Well, nonetheless, this is a fun one. A fun march with a groove and some nice horn licks.

# 6 – I’m Your Puppet

This is one of those great 1960s songs that so many fantastic artists have covered. However, we have always loved the great Box Tops version. The song was released on the Box Tops’ debut album in 1967. The song was written in 1966 by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham. The Box Tops never released “I’m Your Puppet” as a single. Other great artists who recorded the song include Marvin Gaye, Elton John, Cliff Richard, Sam & Dave, and many more……

# 5 – Choo Choo Train

At the halfway point on our top 10 Box Tops songs list is a long-time fan favorite entitled “Choo Choo Train.” This great driving rock and roll song was released on the band’s third album, called Non-Stop. “Choo Choo Train” was released as the album’s first single. It reached the Billboard Top 40 in the United States, peaking at number 26.

# 4 – Neon Rainbow

The song “Neon Rainbow” was released on the band’s debut album in 1967, entitled The Letter/Neon Rainbow. The song “Neon Rainbow” also served as the follow-up single to The Box Tops’ huge number one single “The Letter.” However, the single “Neon Rainbow” failed to achieve the same chart success as “The Letter” did. It did not even come close to the same commercial success as “The Letter.” The song “Neon Rainbow” hit number twenty-four on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song also failed to even chart in the UK. Nonetheless, it’s a great song and one of our favorite Box Top songs of all time.

# 3 – Soul Deep

The Box Tops’ great single “Soul Deep” was released on the group’s fourth album, entitled Dimensions. The album was released in 1969. A great year in music that saw the album debuts by Led Zeppelin, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Elton John, and many more. The song “Soul Deep” was the third and most successful single released from the album. The song “Soul Deep” reached the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 18. The song broke the top 10 charts in Australia and Canada. It would also be the Box Tops’ last top 20 hit on the U.S. Billboard Music Charts.
Gary U.S. Bonds recorded a version of “Soul Deep” on his comeback album in 1982. Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Zandt produced the song and album. The Gin Blossoms also recorded a version of the song. The great song “Soul Deep” was written by Wayne Carson.

# 2 – Cry Like A Baby

Eight months after they released their debut album in 1967, the Box Tops returned in February of 1968 with their sophomore record entitled Cry Like A Baby. The album’s lead single and title track was a smash hit. It came close to matching the success they had with their debut single “The Letter.” The song “Cry Like A Baby,” reached all the way to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968. The song was composed by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham.

# 1 – The Letter

We close out our top 10 Box Tops songs list with a song that everyone loved. There was no bigger song in the Box Tops catalog than “The Letter.” This fantastic song was released on the band’s debut album in 1967. “The Letter” would become The Box Tops’ first big hit single. It would top the charts in the United States, hitting number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967. It was also a top 10 hit in the United Kingdom. Wayne Carson wrote the song. The Box Tops would not be the only band to score a hit with the song “The Letter.”
Brilliant songs have legs. Joe Cocker recorded the music for his Mad Dogs and Englishmen album. Joe Cocker’s version would also reach the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 7. It would serve as Joe Cocker’s first top 10 hit just as it had done for the Box Tops.