Four Tops, Bernadette | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 78^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Bernadette” by iconic Motown collective, Four Tops.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 78th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Bernadette” performed by Four Tops. 

A signature introduction goes a long way. “Bernadette” has one of those that makes it distinct.  The classic from the iconic soul collective, Four Tops, appears as the 9^th track from their 1967 LP, Reach Out. “Bernadette” was written by the iconic team of Brian Holland, Eddie Holland, and Lamont Dozier. Furthermore, Dozier and Brian Holland produced the hit, which peaked at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The instrumental is stellar, thanks especially to the epic groove and robust bass line. The arrangement and production are on point.

The songwriting is another selling point of “Bernadette.” The theme is love, and Four Tops has plenty of love for Bernadette.  “Some go on searching their whole life through / And never find the love I’ve found in you,” Levi Stubbs sings in the first verse.  He excels as the lead vocalist, delivering a commanding, exuberant, and ultra-soulful performance.  In the second verse, he sings, “Some other men, they long to control you… / But how can they control you, Bernadette? / When they cannot control themselves, Bernadette.” Beyond Stubbs’ lead, there are fabulous background vocals.  The chorus is key as there is no shortage of mention of – you guessed it – Bernadette.  Equally alluring is the bridge, which contrasts and separates itself melodically and harmonically from the verses and chorus.

“In your arms, I find the kind of peace of mind

The world is searching for

But you, you give me the joy this heart of mine

Has always been longing for.”

Four Tops were the stuff, PERIOD.  “Bernadette” ranks among their greatest hits of all time. This elite cut speaks for itself.

Four Tops // Reach Out // Motown // 1967

Four Tops, Bernadette: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 78 (2028) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Motown; OpenClipart-Vectors, Speedy McVroom via  Pixabay]