Richard Searling's Top 10

1. Marvin Gaye: 'Chained'
One of the first records I ever bought whilst still at school circa 1968 and it still slays me every time.
2. David Ruffin: 'I Just Can't Be Hurt Anymore'
Held in the vaults from 1970 until its belated release a couple of years ago. It's penned by the team who brought us 'Time Will Pass You By'.
3. Four Tops: 'Clip My Wings'
Although recorded in the '70s, there was no release on this one either until 2005. Just the most devastatingly great soul track from the guys on which everything comes together.
4. The Originals: 'Baby I'm For Real'
The perfect love song from the pen of Marvin Gaye and released in 1969 by his favourite Motown group. Perfection.
5. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell: 'What You Gave Me'
Another one from my schooldays... picked up on an outside market in Paris amongst hundreds of other glorious picture sleeves. I often wonder what I left behind there.
6. Edwin Starr: 'If My Heart Could Tell The Story'
First a B side and then flipped to the A... this is a gem in a catalogue of brilliance that Charles Hatcher left us as his legacy.
7. The Courtship: 'It's The Same Old Love'
A track Motown licensed in during the early '70s. Sounds like the best thing that The Whispers or Billy Stewart never recorded. Pure brilliance.
8. The Undisputed Truth: 'Smiling Faces Sometimes'
I saw them perform this live on American TV... quite astonishing. Like the Friends Of Distinction they were way ahead of their time on this lyrically superb early '70s production.
9. Stevie Wonder: 'Love Enough To Ease The Pain'
I have no details as this has yet to be released. It sounds like it was cut in 1968/'69 under the auspices of Paul Riser and simply takes my breath away.
10. Eddie Kendricks: 'Tell Her Love Has Felt The Need'
The quality of Eddie's solo work at Motown is exemplary, and this 1974 stunner is his finest moment (in my book).

Gloria Jones' Top 10

1. Marvin Gaye: 'Piece Of Clay'
Marvin performed and played keyboards on this track. His moving performance is felt all over the recording.
2. Gloria Jones: 'Share My Love'
I wrote this song with Janie Bradford over the phone. She was in her office and I was in the studio. 25 years later it was sampled by DJ Klu.
3. The Supremes: 'Oh My Poor Baby'
Mary Wilson sung lead on the verses and Jean Terrell sung the choruses. I can remember Mary closing her eyes and really going for it on the final take.
4. Eddie Kendricks: 'Where Do You Go (Baby)'
Eddie has such a special approach to singing a song. This is beautiful.
5. The Commodores: 'The Zoo (The Human Zoo)'
Walter Orange, the drummer of the group was the lead singer. I suggested to Pam Sawyer, my songwriting partner that Lionel Richie should sing the lead on this track and that was the beginning of Mowest records.
6. The Sisters Love: 'Give Me Your Love'
The Sisters Love were originally the Raeletts for Mr Charles and I do remember asking the lead singer to think about loving her man while recording this number.
7. Diana Ross & Marvin Gaye: 'My Mistake (Was To Love You)'
This was a pleasant surprise. I remember Hal Davis telling me that they were not in the studio at the same time but the recording is still very alive.
8. The Jackson 5: 'Christmas Won’t Be The Same'
Another great production by Hal Davis. I remember screaming in the record store when I saw the credit. Good old days!
9. Junior Walker & The All Stars: 'I Ain’t Going Nowhere'
A special artist who enjoyed laughing and playing his horn. We had a lot of fun in the studio trying out good riffs.
10. Gladys Knight & The Pips: 'If I Were Your Woman'
I was a songwriter under the name La Verne Ware because you could not write and be a singer when I first started in the business. What a joy it was to write this with Pam Sawyer. I knew this song was a hit from the start. I remember singing the demo and realizing its potential immediately. It was nominated for a Grammy in 1971.