This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You)

The Isley Brothers became one of the most successful acts of the '70s, and also one of the most independent - they wrote, produced and released their own music throughout the decade. But in 1966, they were signed to Motown Records, who teamed them with the songwriting/production team of Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier and Brian Holland (Holland-Dozier-Holland), who put together this heartbreak song for the group. Released as their first Motown single, it was a hit, but their last Top 40 with the label, who reassigned Holland-Dozier-Holland to other artists. In 1968, The Isley Brothers left Motown to record on their own label, T-Neck Records. Their first T-Neck release was the group's biggest hit: "It's Your Thing."

This is one of those Motown songs with an upbeat tune but heartwrenching lyrics about a guy who is devastated by the loss of his girl. The poor dude just can't move on, and like the singer in "Ain't Too Proud To Beg," he's abandoned his pride: "If you leave me a hundred times, a hundred times I'll take you back. I'm yours whenever you want me." Lamont Dozier said it was inspired by girl he just couldn't give up. "The more I tried the deeper I fell," he said. "I made excuses for her and all the wrong she had done to me. She was a necessary evil that I just couldn't overcome."

Rod Stewart, a huge fan of both Motown and The Isley Brothers, recorded his own version in 1975 and released it as a single. His rendition was a big hit in the UK, climbing to #4, but it only went to #83 in America. He did a lot better stateside when he recorded the song as a duet with Ronald Isley in 1989. This version made #10 in the US.