Complete List Of The Box Tops Albums And Discography

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Complete List Of The Box Tops Albums And Discography looks at an American rock band formed in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1967. The original lineup consisted of Alex Chilton (vocals), Gary Talley (lead guitar), Bill Cunningham (bass), John Evans (keyboards), and Danny Smythe (drums). The band originally called themselves “The Devilles,” but later changed their name to The Box Tops to avoid confusion with another band.

Their breakthrough came with their debut single, “The Letter,” which was released in the summer of 1967. The song was produced by Dan Penn and it became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The distinctive, soulful voice of Alex Chilton, who was only 16 at the time, became one of the band’s defining features. Following the success of “The Letter,” the band released their debut album, also titled “The Letter,” later in 1967. Their second album, “Cry Like a Baby,” was released in 1968 and included the hit single of the same name, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Over the years, the band underwent several lineup changes. Bill Cunningham and John Evans left in 1969 to attend college and were replaced by Rick Allen and Tom Boggs. Despite these changes, the band’s commercial success began to wane. The Box Tops disbanded in 1970 but have reunited several times for tours. Alex Chilton pursued a solo career and later became a member of the power pop band Big Star.

The Letter/Neon Rainbow

Released 1967

“The Letter/Neon Rainbow” is an album by The Box Tops, and it remains one of the definitive pieces of blue-eyed soul and pop-rock from the 1960s. The album opens with the iconic track “The Letter,” which topped the charts and became one of the most recognizable songs of the decade. The band, fronted by the young yet incredibly soulful Alex Chilton, showcased an incredible knack for catchy hooks and emotive performances.

The album featured Alex Chilton on lead vocals, Gary Talley on guitar, Bill Cunningham on bass and keyboards, Danny Smythe on drums, and John Evans on keyboards. The album was produced by Dan Penn. It was released on Bell Records. The album was recorded at American Sound Studio, in Memphis, Tennessee between May and June 1967.

The album is well-known for its leading single, “The Letter,” which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained on the chart for a total of 13 weeks. This single’s success propelled the album to gold status and elevated The Box Tops into stardom. “Neon Rainbow” is another standout track that received critical acclaim but didn’t perform as well on the charts, peaking at No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100. The blend of soul, rock, and pop elements throughout the album made it a unique offering during its time, earning it a lasting place in music history.

CD Track Listings:

“The Letter” – 1:58
“She Knows How” – 3:08
“Trains & Boats & Planes” – 3:47
“Break My Mind” – 2:28
“A Whiter Shade of Pale” – 4:34
“Everything I Am” – 2:19
“Neon Rainbow” – 3:03
“People Make the World” – 2:32
“I’m Your Puppet” – 2:54
“Happy Times” – 1:45
“Gonna Find Somebody” – 3:02
“I Pray for Rain” – 2:41

Cry Like a Baby

Released 1968

The Box Tops’ “Cry Like a Baby” album followed up on the band’s successful debut, carrying forward their unique blend of blue-eyed soul and pop-rock. The album is perhaps most well-known for its title track, which became a significant hit for the band. Much like their previous work, “Cry Like a Baby” showcased Alex Chilton’s compelling vocals backed by a tight band that excelled at crossing genres.

The album featured Alex Chilton on lead vocals, Gary Talley on guitar, Bill Cunningham on bass and keyboards, Danny Smythe on drums, and John Evans on keyboards. The album was produced by Dan Penn and Chips Moman. It was released on Bell Records. The album was recorded at American Sound Studio, in Memphis, Tennessee, in late 1967 and early 1968.

The title track “Cry Like a Baby” was a commercial success, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying The Box Tops’ place in music history. It remained on the chart for 15 weeks. The album itself received favorable reviews from music critics for its genre-defying approach, encompassing elements of soul, rock, and pop music. However, despite its standout single, the album didn’t quite capture the same level of commercial success as their debut, peaking at No. 59 on the Billboard 200 chart. Nonetheless, it remains an essential listen for anyone interested in the musical landscape of the late 1960s.

CD Track Listings:

“Cry Like a Baby” – 2:36
“Deep in Kentucky” – 2:30
“I’m the One for You” – 2:07
“Weeping Analeah” – 3:01
“Every Time” – 2:28
“Fields of Clover” – 2:52
“Trouble With Sam” – 2:25
“Lost” – 2:35
“Good Morning Dear” – 2:33
“727” – 2:39
“You Keep Me Hanging On” – 3:49
“Cry Like a Baby (Mono Single Version)” – 2:32

Non-Stop

Released 1968

“Non-Stop” is an album by The Box Tops, coming as a quick follow-up to their previous albums. It’s a showcase of the band’s versatility, as it incorporates elements of blue-eyed soul, rock, and pop, similar to their previous releases. Though it didn’t achieve the commercial heights of “The Letter/Neon Rainbow” or “Cry Like a Baby,” it remains a notable entry in The Box Tops’ discography for fans and critics alike.

The album featured Alex Chilton on lead vocals, Gary Talley on guitar, Bill Cunningham on bass and keyboards, Danny Smythe on drums, and John Evans on keyboards. The album was produced by Dan Penn and Tommy Cogbill. It was released on Bell Records. The album was recorded at American Sound Studio, in Memphis, Tennessee, throughout 1968.

The single “Choo Choo Train” was one of the notable tracks from the album, reaching No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. While the album didn’t achieve the chart-topping success of its predecessors, it managed to secure a position in the Top 100 on the Billboard 200 chart. The inclusion of various covers and stylistic shifts showed a band attempting to explore their range, even if it didn’t garner them a hit on the scale of “The Letter” or “Cry Like a Baby.”

CD Track Listings:

“Choo Choo Train” – 2:50
“I’m Movin’ On” – 2:00
“Sandman” – 2:13
“She Shot a Hole in My Soul” – 2:32
“People Gonna Talk” – 4:10
“I Met Her in Church” – 2:45
“Rock Me Baby” – 2:37
“Rollin’ in My Sleep” – 2:44
“I Can Dig It” – 2:40
“Yesterday Where’s My Mind” – 2:11
“If I Had Let You In” – 2:43

Dimensions

Released 1969

“Dimensions” was The Box Tops’ fourth studio album, and it featured a mix of original compositions and cover songs. While it didn’t reach the heights of the group’s previous albums in terms of commercial success, “Dimensions” provided fans with another layer of The Box Tops’ versatility, which included elements of country, rock, and blue-eyed soul.

The album featured Alex Chilton on lead vocals, Gary Talley on guitar, Bill Cunningham on bass and keyboards, Thomas Boggs on drums, and Rick Allen on keyboards. The album was produced by Dan Penn and Tommy Cogbill. It was released on Bell Records. The album was recorded at American Sound Studio, in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1969.

CD Track Listings: (Heading 3 format)

“Soul Deep” – 2:30
“I Shall Be Released” – 2:50
“Midnight Angel” – 2:55
“Together” – 1:55
“I’ll Hold Out My Hand” – 2:45
“I Would Be So Pleased” – 2:55
“Changing” – 1:30
“The Happy Song” – 1:56
“Ain’t No Way” – 3:25
“Rock Me Baby” – 2:45
“Sweet Cream Ladies, Forward March” – 2:15

Tear Off!

Released 1998

CD Track Listings:

1. Flying Saucers Rock ‘N’ Roll
2. Wang Dand Doodle
3. Ain’t That a Lot of Love
4. It Tears Me Up
5. Last Laugh
6. Treat Her Right
7. Soothe Me
8. I’m in Love
9. Letter
10. Trip to Bandstand
11. Little Latin Lupe Lu
12. Keep on Dancing
13. Last Bouquet
14. Big Bird

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