When you talk about soul music royalty, David Ruffin stands in a league of his own. With a voice that could plead, roar, and melt hearts all in the same verse, Ruffin carved out a legacy that defined the golden era of Motown. Whether fronting the legendary Temptations or blazing trails as a solo artist, his performances were magnetic—raw emotion wrapped in velvet grit. Ruffin wasn’t just a singer; he was a storyteller, a soul preacher whose every note carried the weight of love, heartbreak, and redemption. From chart-topping anthems to soul-stirring ballads, his songs have stood the test of time, continuing to move generations of listeners around the world.
In this list, we celebrate the top 10 most popular David Ruffin songs of all time—the iconic tracks that made him a household name and a soul music legend. These are the songs that lit up the charts, broke hearts, and helped define the Motown sound. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the magic of Ruffin’s voice, this countdown is a journey through some of the most powerful, passionate music ever recorded. Get ready to feel every note—because when David Ruffin sings, the soul listens.
1. “My Girl” – The Temptations (1964)
Released in 1964, “My Girl” isn’t just a Motown classic—it’s one of the most beloved love songs in music history. This was the first time David Ruffin stepped into the spotlight as lead vocalist for The Temptations, and his warm, heartfelt delivery made the song unforgettable. From the opening bassline—so instantly recognizable it’s practically its own hook—to Ruffin’s iconic line, “I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day,” every moment of this track radiates joy. Written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White, “My Girl” became The Temptations’ first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, launching them into superstardom and establishing Ruffin as a soulful force. The lush orchestration, shimmering strings, and those tight, smooth harmonies helped define the golden age of Motown. But at the heart of it all is Ruffin’s voice—tender, confident, and full of love. It’s the sound of young romance in full bloom, and decades later, it still gives listeners that warm, nostalgic feeling. “My Girl” is more than a song—it’s a timeless moment, a reminder of when music could make you smile from the first note.
2. “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” – The Temptations (1966)
“Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” released in 1966, is a soul anthem soaked in urgency and raw emotion. The song marked another high point for The Temptations, showcasing David Ruffin’s raspy, powerful vocals in all their glory. Written by Norman Whitfield and Edward Holland Jr., the track is a desperate plea to hold on to love. Unlike typical love songs of the era, this one doesn’t mask vulnerability—it dives right into it. Ruffin’s delivery is pure emotion; he doesn’t just sing the lyrics, he lives them. The energy is relentless, from the driving rhythm section to the horn stabs that punctuate his every word. And when the chorus hits, with Ruffin practically shouting his heart out, it’s impossible not to feel his pain. The Temptations’ harmonies add to the emotional weight, acting as a soulful echo to his desperation. It peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 but remains one of their most impactful hits. “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” is soul music at its most intense—a song that makes you want to sing, shout, and maybe even cry a little.
3. “I Wish It Would Rain” – The Temptations (1967)
There are heartbreak songs—and then there’s “I Wish It Would Rain.” Released in 1967, this ballad is one of the most emotionally devastating tracks in The Temptations’ catalog. Written by Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong, and Roger Penzabene—who was experiencing personal heartbreak at the time—it’s a raw, confessional piece about hiding tears behind storm clouds. David Ruffin’s lead vocal is a masterclass in soul singing. You can hear the sorrow in every syllable as he pours his heart out, wishing for rain not just to fall, but to cover up his pain. The song begins with a delicate piano line, setting a somber tone before swelling into a full orchestral arrangement that mirrors the intensity of Ruffin’s heartbreak. It reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has remained a fan favorite for decades. What makes it so powerful isn’t just the lyrics or the melody—it’s Ruffin’s ability to communicate deep, personal anguish without ever overdoing it. He holds back just enough to let the listener feel the weight. “I Wish It Would Rain” is soul at its most human and relatable.
4. “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep” – The Temptations (1966)
“Beauty Is Only Skin Deep,” released in 1966, is a vibrant Motown hit with a message that’s as relevant now as it was then. While the song’s tempo and upbeat groove make it a danceable favorite, its lyrics dig into the deeper idea that true love is about more than just appearances. David Ruffin delivers the lead vocal with a perfect mix of charm and conviction, managing to sound both playful and sincere. Written by Norman Whitfield and Edward Holland Jr., the track quickly climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple in The Temptations’ golden era. Whitfield’s production is a masterclass in classic Motown—crisp horns, driving drums, and just the right amount of bounce. Ruffin’s voice floats confidently over the arrangement, particularly in the chorus, where his phrasing drives the message home. The harmonies from the rest of the group add polish and depth, giving the song its irresistible spark. With “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep,” The Temptations proved they could deliver meaningful lyrics with infectious rhythm—and Ruffin showed once again that he was a voice that could carry both message and melody with equal skill.
5. “Since I Lost My Baby” – The Temptations (1965)
“Since I Lost My Baby,” released in 1965, is a masterful blend of sweet melody and soul-crushing heartache. Written by Smokey Robinson and Pete Moore, the song is a poignant reflection on lost love, and David Ruffin’s performance is full of aching beauty. His voice floats gently over the arrangement, capturing the bittersweet feeling of someone who knows what they had—and knows it’s gone for good. What sets this track apart is the contrast between its bright, bouncy instrumentation and the sadness at its core. The horns and strings might make your head nod, but the lyrics will hit you in the chest. Ruffin’s delivery is so smooth, so effortlessly emotional, it’s like he’s reliving the heartbreak in real time. The Temptations’ harmonies add an extra layer of sorrow, wrapping around Ruffin’s lead like a comforting yet melancholic embrace. Though the song peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, it has become a deep-cut favorite among fans for its emotional honesty. “Since I Lost My Baby” is soul music at its finest—melodic, meaningful, and universally human.
6. “Walk Away from Love” – David Ruffin (1975)
David Ruffin’s 1975 hit “Walk Away from Love” marked a major solo comeback for the former Temptations frontman. Written by Charles Kipps and produced by Van McCoy—who was also behind the disco hit “The Hustle”—this track blends soulful storytelling with a polished, mid-tempo groove. But what makes the song unforgettable is the raw emotional power Ruffin brings to it. The lyrics paint a bittersweet picture of a man choosing to walk away from a relationship, not out of anger, but to protect himself from deeper heartbreak. It’s a mature, quietly devastating perspective, and Ruffin sells every word with aching sincerity. His falsetto on the chorus is nothing short of stunning, soaring over the smooth arrangement with a sense of both strength and sadness. “Walk Away from Love” climbed to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Ruffin’s biggest solo hit and earning a lasting place in ’70s soul history. The track’s lush production and Ruffin’s emotive delivery make it a classic example of how soul music can be both danceable and deeply introspective. It’s not just a song about heartbreak—it’s about knowing yourself well enough to leave before love does more harm than good.
7. “Statue of a Fool” – David Ruffin (1975)
“Statue of a Fool,” released in 1975, is one of David Ruffin’s most emotionally devastating solo recordings. Though originally penned by Jan Crutchfield and covered by other artists before him, Ruffin’s version is often considered the definitive take—and it’s easy to see why. His voice, marked by years of triumph and turmoil, carries a weight that feels personal, as though he lived every line of the song. The lyrics tell the story of a man who gave everything to love, only to be left alone, looking like a fool. What sets Ruffin’s version apart is his ability to channel both heartbreak and dignity at once. The arrangement is spare, allowing his voice to sit front and center, rising and falling with each swell of emotion. There’s a theatrical quality to his delivery, but it never feels forced—just deeply felt. While the track didn’t crack the top of the charts, it has earned a loyal place in the hearts of soul fans. It’s a masterclass in vulnerability and storytelling, the kind of performance that reminds listeners just how powerful and expressive Ruffin’s voice truly was. “Statue of a Fool” isn’t just a sad song—it’s a soul opera in miniature.
8. “My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)” – David Ruffin (1969)
When David Ruffin stepped out as a solo artist in 1969, he made an unforgettable first impression with “My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me).” The song begins with a dramatic orchestral intro that sounds almost cinematic, and then Ruffin’s voice cuts through—raw, emotional, and entirely gripping. Written and produced by Motown veterans Harvey Fuqua, Johnny Bristol, and Pam Sawyer, the track quickly became a hit, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and proving that Ruffin was more than capable of shining without The Temptations. The lyrics chronicle a man’s emotional collapse after a devastating breakup, and Ruffin delivers each line with heartbreaking intensity. His voice moves between pleading and disbelief, capturing the pain of loss with incredible nuance. The lush instrumentation and sweeping background vocals add layers of grandeur, turning the song into a kind of soul ballad with operatic flair. It’s one of those rare tracks where everything comes together perfectly—production, performance, and emotion. “My Whole World Ended” didn’t just launch Ruffin’s solo career; it also cemented his status as one of soul music’s most compelling vocalists. Decades later, the song still resonates as a powerful cry of heartbreak and resilience.
9. “I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)” – The Temptations (1968)
Released in 1968, “I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You)” was David Ruffin’s final lead vocal performance with The Temptations—and he made it count. Written by the powerhouse duo of Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, the song is a slow-burning ballad that captures the pain of betrayal and the permanence of deep love. Ruffin’s voice is front and center, filled with raw emotion as he sings about being hurt by the one person he gave his heart to. There’s a sense of devastation in his delivery, but also a kind of quiet pride—he may be broken, but he’s not pretending otherwise. The other Temptations provide beautiful background harmonies that echo the sadness in Ruffin’s lead, giving the song an added depth and richness. Though it didn’t match the commercial success of some of their earlier hits, fans have long praised the track for its emotional honesty and haunting beauty. As Ruffin’s final song with the group, it feels like a fitting curtain call—a soulful, sorrowful goodbye that leaves a lasting impression. It’s not just the end of an era; it’s a perfect example of why Ruffin’s voice remains one of the most iconic in soul music history.
10. “Happy” – David Ruffin (1976)
In 1976, David Ruffin shifted gears with “Happy,” embracing the smoother, more refined soul-pop sounds of the era. Co-written and produced by Van McCoy, the mastermind behind disco classic “The Hustle,” the song blends rich orchestration with a light, infectious groove that feels like pure sunshine. It’s a noticeable departure from the heartbreak and sorrow of Ruffin’s earlier work—but it’s no less powerful. His voice, always expressive, sounds more relaxed here, gliding effortlessly over the melody with a sense of joy and peace. The lyrics are simple and direct, celebrating love and contentment without any of the usual cynicism or pain. It’s as though Ruffin had emerged from the shadows of heartbreak and found something worth smiling about. While “Happy” didn’t dominate the charts the way some of his previous singles had, it’s a gem in his catalog—a reminder of his ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes while still maintaining his emotional authenticity. The track feels like a breath of fresh air, a rare moment of unguarded happiness from a man whose voice was often synonymous with sorrow. “Happy” shows another side of Ruffin—hopeful, free, and utterly human.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
