Album Review: "Stop In The Name Of Love" by What Four
Released in 1968, Stop In The Name Of Love by What Four is a curious gem from the Tower label that blends rock with funk and soul influences. Produced by Sammy Vargas, this album doesn’t scream for attention but quietly earns it through its quirky charm and raw energy. It’s not perfect—some tracks feel uneven—but there’s something undeniably magnetic about its unpolished vibe.
The opening track, “Asparagus,” immediately grabs your ear. Its groovy bassline carries the song forward like an unstoppable force, while the guitar riffs dance around unpredictably. You might find yourself wondering why they named it after a vegetable, but honestly? That just adds to its oddball appeal. There’s no deep meaning here—it’s fun, funky, and makes you want to move. It sticks with you because it feels so carefree yet deliberate at the same time.
Then there’s the titular track, “Stop In The Name Of Love.” If you’re expecting a Motown cover, think again. This version takes the familiar phrase and flips it into a slow-burning rock ballad with a touch of soulful grit. The vocals are heartfelt without being overdone, and the instrumentation builds steadily, creating a sense of tension that resolves beautifully toward the end. It’s one of those songs where you don’t realize how much it’s grown on you until hours later when you catch yourself humming it.
What Four wasn’t exactly a household name back then, and they aren’t now either. But listening to this record feels like stumbling upon a hidden diary entry from another era—a snapshot of musicians experimenting before genres became rigidly defined. Sure, some moments sound dated (hello, organ solos), but isn’t that part of the charm?
In today’s hyper-produced music landscape, Stop In The Name Of Love serves as a reminder that imperfection can be captivating. Or maybe it’s just proof that naming a song after asparagus was cooler in 1968 than anyone gives credit for. Either way, it’s worth a listen if you’re into retro sounds with personality.
