David Ruffin was an American soul singer who rose to fame as a member of the legendary Motown group, The Temptations. After leaving the group in 1968, Ruffin embarked on a successful solo career, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. His powerful vocals and emotive performances made him a soul music icon, and his music continues to inspire and move listeners today.
In this list of the top 10 best David Ruffin songs of all time, we will explore some of his most memorable and impactful tracks, from classic covers to original compositions. These songs showcase Ruffin’s incredible talent as a soul singer, and the enduring legacy of his music. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to his music, these songs are sure to captivate and inspire, a testament to the power and beauty of soul music.
1. “Walk Away From Love”
“Walk Away From Love” is a song by American soul singer David Ruffin, released in 1975 as a single from his second studio album “Who I Am”. The song is a classic example of Ruffin’s smooth and soulful sound, featuring his powerful vocals and a beautiful melody.The lyrics of “Walk Away From Love” describe the pain and heartbreak of ending a relationship, with Ruffin singing about the difficulty of letting go of someone you love. The song features a repetition of the line “if I could leave you, I would”, emphasizing the idea that sometimes the hardest thing to do is to walk away from a love that isn’t right.
2. “My Girl”
“My Girl” is a song by American soul singer David Ruffin, released in 1977 as a track on his sixth studio album “At His Best”. The song is a cover of the classic hit by The Temptations, featuring Ruffin’s powerful vocals and a smooth and jazzy instrumental arrangement.The lyrics of “My Girl” describe the beauty and perfection of being in love, with Ruffin singing about the joy and happiness that comes from being with the person you love. The song features a repetition of the line “I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day”, emphasizing the idea that love has the power to brighten even the darkest of moments.
3. “A Day In The Life, Of A Working Man”
“A Day In The Life, Of A Working Man” is a song by American soul singer David Ruffin, released in 1977 as a track on his sixth studio album “At His Best”. The song is a poignant and heartfelt ballad, featuring Ruffin’s soulful vocals and a powerful instrumental arrangement.The lyrics of “A Day In The Life, Of A Working Man” describe the struggles and challenges faced by everyday people trying to make ends meet, with Ruffin singing about the hardships and sacrifices required to provide for one’s family. The song features a repetition of the line “a man’s gotta work to earn a living”, emphasizing the idea that hard work and determination are essential to survival.
4. “Rode By The Place (Where We Used To Stay)”
“Rode By The Place (Where We Used To Stay)” is a song by American soul singer David Ruffin, released in 1971 as a track on his debut solo album “My Whole World Ended”. The song is a soulful and melancholic ballad, featuring Ruffin’s signature vocals and a haunting melody.The lyrics of “Rode By The Place (Where We Used To Stay)” describe the pain and longing of lost love, with Ruffin singing about the memories that flood back when passing by a former home or haunt. The song features a repetition of the line “I rode by the place where we used to stay”, emphasizing the idea that sometimes the past can haunt us and bring back painful memories.
5. “I Wish It Would Rain”
“I Wish It Would Rain” is a song by American soul singer David Ruffin, released in 1968 as a single from his debut solo album “My Whole World Ended”. The song is a cover of the classic hit by The Temptations, featuring Ruffin’s powerful vocals and a soulful instrumental arrangement.The lyrics of “I Wish It Would Rain” describe the pain and heartbreak of lost love, with Ruffin singing about the emptiness and longing that comes from being alone. The song features a repetition of the line “let it rain, let it rain, let your love rain down on me”, emphasizing the idea that sometimes the only cure for a broken heart is to let the tears fall and to hope for a new love to come along.
6. I Can’t Stop The Rain
“I Can’t Stop The Rain” is a song by American soul singer David Ruffin, released in 1974 as a track on his third studio album “Me ‘N Rock ‘N Roll Are Here To Stay”. The song is a soulful and emotional ballad, featuring Ruffin’s powerful vocals and a beautiful melody.The lyrics of “I Can’t Stop The Rain” describe the pain and regret of lost love, with Ruffin singing about the desire to turn back the clock and make things right. The song features a repetition of the line “I can’t stop the rain from falling down”, emphasizing the idea that sometimes there are things that cannot be undone or fixed.
7. “Heavy Love”
“Heavy Love” is a song by American soul singer David Ruffin, released in 1974 as a track on his third studio album “Me ‘N Rock ‘N Roll Are Here To Stay”. The song is an upbeat and funky soul track, featuring Ruffin’s signature vocals and a groovy instrumental arrangement.The lyrics of “Heavy Love” describe the passion and intensity of a deep and profound love, with Ruffin singing about the power of love to lift us up and keep us going. The song features a repetition of the line “I’ve got heavy love, I’ve got heavy love”, emphasizing the idea that love is a force to be reckoned with.
8. “Since I Lost My Baby”
“Since I Lost My Baby” is a song by American soul singer David Ruffin, released in 1969 as a single from his debut solo album “My Whole World Ended”. The song is a cover of the classic hit by The Temptations, featuring Ruffin’s signature soulful vocals and a beautiful instrumental arrangement.The lyrics of “Since I Lost My Baby” describe the pain and heartbreak of lost love, with Ruffin singing about the emptiness and longing that comes from being alone. The song features a repetition of the line “since I lost my baby, since I lost my baby”, emphasizing the idea that the pain of lost love can be all-consuming.
9.“Each Day Is A Lifetime”
“Each Day Is A Lifetime” is a song by American soul singer David Ruffin, released in 1971 as a track on his second solo album “David Ruffin”. The song is a soulful and emotional ballad, featuring Ruffin’s powerful vocals and a haunting melody.The lyrics of “Each Day Is A Lifetime” describe the pain and longing of lost love, with Ruffin singing about the difficulty of moving on and the pain of being apart from the one you love. The song features a repetition of the line “each day is a lifetime without you”, emphasizing the idea that the pain of lost love can be all-consuming.
10. “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg”
“Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” is a song by American soul singer David Ruffin, released in 1971 as a track on his second solo album “David Ruffin”. The song is a cover of the classic hit by The Temptations, featuring Ruffin’s powerful vocals and a soulful instrumental arrangement.The lyrics of “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” describe the persistence and determination required to win back a lost love, with Ruffin singing about the willingness to do whatever it takes to make things right. The song features a repetition of the line “I know you want to leave me, but I refuse to let you go”, emphasizing the idea that sometimes the only way to save a relationship is to fight for it.