Four Tops - The Show Must Go On (1977)

Produced by group member Lawrence Payton, the Four Tops' The Show Must Go On was the follow-up to their Catfish album, which included the Top Seven R&B/pop-charting title track single. The first single, "The Show Must Go On," an energetic ode to the age-old showbiz ethic, was a disco hit and managed to chart R&B in late 1977. The LP's standout tracks, though, came courtesy of fellow Detroiter Ronnie McNeir. The two-tempoed "I Can't Live Without You" is a grand showcase for Levi Stubbs' plaintive vocals. The gospel-ish/chunky, clavinet-laced "You'll Never Find a Better Man" did much to bolster the group's well-liked, regular-guy appeal. In later years, McNeir became the group's touring musical director and appeared on the group's 1995 Motown album Christmas Here With You. Other highlights are the message-oriented cuts "See the Real Me," "Love Is a Joy," and the baritone-led ballad "Candy."