What makes Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations notable?

This album is significant as it features the chart-topping title track, which reached No. 1 in the UK and became a staple of 60s pop music. Additionally, its blend of catchy hooks and soulful arrangements influenced future artists within the genre and contributed to the era's musical landscape. Released in December 1968, Build Me Up Buttercup marked The Foundations' second album, following their successful debut. At this point, the band was riding high on the popularity of their hit single 'Build Me Up Buttercup,' solidifying their presence in the UK soul scene.

How many songs are on Build Me Up Buttercup?

Build Me Up Buttercup has 12 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Build Me Up Buttercup

The Foundations · 1968

37 min · 12 tracks · soul

A vibrant blend of soul and pop, punctuated by infectious melodies and upbeat rhythms that evoke the spirit of the late 1960s.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Build Me Up Buttercup — The title track stands out with its catchy chorus and upbeat instrumentation, encapsulating the band's signature sound while highlighting themes of longing and anticipation.
→
People Are Funny — This track showcases a more reflective tone with its clever lyrics about human nature, contrasting well with the infectious energy of other songs on the album.
→
Harlem Shuffle — A lively cover that highlights The Foundations' ability to reinterpret classic songs while infusing them with their distinct soulful flavor and rhythmic vitality.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production typical of its era but lacks standout depth or cohesion.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of brass instrumentation, particularly in the upbeat tracks, which enhances the lively feel of the music.
Several songs employ call-and-response vocal techniques, creating an engaging interaction between the lead singer and backing vocals.
The title track is positioned as the seventh song, following a series of mid-tempo tracks that build anticipation for its energetic delivery.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Love Is All Right 3:48
2 People Are Funny 4:03
3 Harlem Shuffle 2:43
4 Comin' Home Baby 2:54
5 Tomorrow 4:32
6 Am I Groovin' You 2:54
7 Build Me Up Buttercup 2:56
8 New Directions 2:58
9 Back on My Feet Again 2:48
10 I Can Take or Leave Your Loving 2:10
11 Any Old Time (You're Lonely and Sad) 2:50
12 I'm a Whole New Thing 2:50

What to play next

Listen next

Digging The Foundations

1969

Go back to

From the Foundations

1967

Full The Foundations discography Artists like The Foundations

soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata