The Temptations | ||
| Allmusic Biography : Thanks to their fine-tuned choreography -- and even finer harmonies -- the Temptations became the definitive vocal group of the 1960s. One of Motowns most elastic acts, they tackled both lush pop and politically charged funk with equal flair, and weathered a steady stream of changes in personnel and consumer tastes with rare dignity and grace. The Temptations initial five-man lineup formed in Detroit in 1961 as a merger of two local vocal groups, the Primes and the Distants. Baritone Otis Williams, Elbridge (aka El, or Al) Bryant, and bass vocalist Melvin Franklin were longtime veterans of the Detroit music scene when they came together in the Distants, who in 1959 recorded the single "Come On" for the local Northern label. Around the same time, the Primes, a trio comprised of tenor Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams (no relation to Otis), and Kell Osborne, relocated to the Motor City from their native Alabama; they quickly found success locally, and their manager even put together a girl group counterpart dubbed the Primettes. (Three of the Primettes -- Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, and Florence Ballard -- formed the Supremes.) In 1961, the Primes disbanded, but not before Otis Williams saw them perform live, and he was impressed by both Kendricks vocal prowess and Paul Williams choreography skills. Soon, Otis Williams, Paul Williams, Bryant, Franklin, and Kendricks joined together as the Elgins; after a name change to the Temptations, they signed to the Motown subsidiary Miracle, where they released a handful of singles over the ensuing months. Only one, the 1962 effort "Dream Come True," achieved any commercial success, however, and in 1963, Bryant either resigned or was fired after physically attacking Paul Williams. The Tempts fortunes changed dramatically in 1964 when they recruited tenor David Ruffin to replace Bryant; after entering the studio with writer/producer Smokey Robinson, they emerged with the pop smash "The Way You Do the Things You Do," the first in a series of 37 career Top Ten hits. With Robinson again at the helm, they returned in 1965 with their signature song "My Girl," a number one pop and R&B; hit; other Top 20 hits that year included "Its Growing," "Since I Lost My Baby," "Dont Look Back," and "My Baby." In 1966, the Tempts recorded another Robinson hit, "Get Ready," before forgoing his smooth popcraft for the harder-edged soul of producers Norman Whitfield and Brian Holland. After spotlighting Kendricks on the smash "Aint Too Proud to Beg," the group allowed Ruffin to take control over a string of hits including "Beautys Only Skin Deep" and "(I Know) Im Losing You." Beginning around 1967, Whitfield assumed full production control, and their records became rougher and more muscular, as typified by the 1968 success "I Wish It Would Rain." After Ruffin failed to appear at a 1968 live performance, the other four Tempts fired him. He was replaced by ex-Contour Dennis Edwards, whose less polished voice adapted perfectly to the psychedelic-influenced soul period the group entered with "Cloud Nine," their first Grammy-winning recording. As the times changed, so did the group, and as the 60s drew to a close, the Temptations music became overtly political. In the wake of "Cloud Nine" -- its title a thinly veiled drug allegory -- came records like "Run Away Child, Running Wild," "Psychedelic Shack," and "Ball of Confusion (Thats What the World Is Today)." After the chart-topping success of the gossamer ballad "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)" in 1971, Kendricks exited for a solo career. Soon, Paul Williams left the group as well. Long plagued by alcoholism and other personal demons, he was eventually discovered dead from a self-inflected gunshot wound on August 17, 1973, at the age of 34. In their stead, the remaining trio recruited tenors Damon Harris and Richard Street. After the 1971 hit "Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are)," they returned in 1972 with the brilliant number one single "Papa Was a Rollin Stone," winner of two Grammy awards. While the Tempts hit the charts regularly throughout 1973 with "Masterpiece," "Let Your Hair Down," and "The Plastic Man," their success as a pop act gradually dwindled as the 70s wore on. After Harris exited in 1975 (replaced by tenor Glenn Leonard), the group cut 1976s The Temptations Do the Temptations, their final album for Motown. With Louis Price taking over for Edwards, they signed to Atlantic, and attempted to reach the disco market with the LPs Bare Back and Hear to Tempt You. After Edwards returned to the fold (resulting in Prices hasty exit), the Temptations reentered the Motown stable, and scored a 1980 hit with "Power." In 1982, Ruffin and Kendricks returned for Reunion, which also included all five of the then-current Temptations. A tour followed, but problems with Motown, as well as personal differences, cut Ruffins and Kendricks tenures short. In the years that followed, the Temptations continued touring and recording, although by the 90s they were essentially an oldies act; only Otis Williams, who published his autobiography in 1988, remained from the original lineup. Although the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, the intervening years without new studio recordings were marked by tragedy. After touring in the late 80s with Kendricks and Edwards as a member of the "Tribute to the Temptations" package tour, Ruffin died on June 1, 1991, after overdosing on cocaine; he was 50 years old. On October 5, 1992, Kendricks died at the age of 52 of lung cancer, and on February 23, 1995, 52-year-old Franklin passed away after suffering a brain seizure. In 1998, the Temptations returned with Phoenix Rising. Their history was also the subject of a televised mini-series, The Temptations, based on Williams autobiography. Although it was well-received and nominated for several Emmy Awards, numerous parties, including David Ruffins family, filed lawsuits. Meanwhile, the group continued to perform and record. Ear: Resistible followed in 2000 and won a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B; Vocal Performance. Although Awesome and Legacy, released during the next few years, became the groups final Motown studio recordings, the Temptations kept their label affiliation intact. Reflections, issued in 2006, featured covers of classic Motown numbers. Another all-covers set, Back to Front, followed in 2007 with Issac Hayes and David Porter, Skip Scarborough, and the Bee Gees among the farther-reaching crop of tributees. After three years of steady touring, the group returned with Still Here, a set of new material issued on the eve of their 50th anniversary. Dennis Edwards died on February 1, 2018 at the age of 74. Three months later, still led by Otis Williams, the group released All the Time, which combined original songs with covers of hits recorded by the likes of Michael Jackson, Maxwell, and the Weeknd. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 40 Title: Meet The Temptations Released: 1964-03-20 Tracks: 12 Duration: 31:57 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 The Way You Do the Things You Do (02:45) 2 I Want a Love I Can See (02:32) 3 Dream Come True (02:56) 4 Paradise (02:52) 5 May I Have This Dance (02:12) 6 Isnt She Pretty (02:45) 7 Just Let Me Know (02:56) 8 Your Wonderful Love (02:50) 9 The Further You Look, the Less You See (02:21) 10 Check Yourself (02:45) 11 Slow Down Heart (02:35) 12 Farewell My Love (02:25) |
| Meet The Temptations : Allmusic album Review : The Temptations first LP, released three years into the groups history with Motown, is also a great record, even though it wasnt really an album so much as a collection of their early singles, hooked around their then new hit, "The Way You Do the Things You Do." Those expecting the classic Temptations sound should also be aware that David Ruffin is absent from all of the tracks except "The Way You Do the Things You Do," which was cut just after he joined, replacing Elbridge "Al" Bryant. The LP represents the evolution of the act and its sound, as well as a succession of producers -- Andre Williams and Mickey Stevenson on "Oh, Mother of Mine" and "Romance Without Finance," the groups earliest 45 pairing, issued on the short-lived Miracle label; Norman Whitfield, for one single; Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson, and finally Robinson. The differences are fascinating -- "Oh, Mother of Mine," sung with Paul Williams and Eddie Kendricks sharing the lead, has an exuberant doo wop-based sound mixed with a serious soulful quality that would eventually define the group. "Romance Without Finance" is a little less derivative, with a heavier, fuller band sound (especially the guitars), but both tracks are rooted in a fast dance beat, in keeping with the tastes of the times (early 1961), and neither had the hooks to make them distinctive in and of themselves. Several of the Gordy-produced numbers seem highly derivative of other, more familiar songs by other acts -- "Paradise" sounds like the Four Seasons covering Maurice Williams "Stay," and "Isnt She Pretty" comes off like a rewrite (albeit a very pretty one, no joke intended) of the Isley Brothers "Respectable." These and other Gordy-written and -produced numbers are attractive enough, but not special as songs or productions, despite some excellent singing. One group composition, "Check Yourself," produced by Gordy, is interesting for its abrupt tempo change, and features a beautifully expressive Paul Williams lead vocal. But the Smokey Robinson cuts are where the groups sound blossoms, their harmonies suddenly soaring elegantly with Williams voice cutting through the center while an understated but integral band sound provides the foundation. Coupled with his songwriting, those numbers and Robinson helped put the Temptations on the charts -- and well up on the charts -- after three years of failure. | ||
 | Album: 2 of 40 Title: The Temptations Sing Smokey Released: 1965-03-22 Tracks: 12 Duration: 33:44 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 The Way You Do the Things You Do (02:41) 2 Baby, Baby I Need You (02:52) 3 My Girl (02:45) 4 What Love Has Joined Together (02:57) 5 You’ll Lose a Precious Love (02:35) 6 It’s Growing (02:58) 7 Who’s Lovin’ You (02:59) 8 What’s So Good About Goodbye (02:39) 9 You Beat Me to the Punch (02:42) 10 Way Over There (03:01) 11 You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me (03:00) 12 You Can Depend on Me (02:31) |
 | Album: 3 of 40 Title: Temptin Temptations Released: 1965-11-01 Tracks: 12 Duration: 33:22 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Since I Lost My Baby (02:51) 2 The Girls Alright With Me (02:52) 3 Just Another Lonely Night (03:03) 4 My Baby (03:02) 5 Youve Got to Earn It (02:40) 6 Everybody Needs Love (02:59) 7 Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue) (02:17) 8 Dont Look Back (02:55) 9 I Gotta Know Now (02:39) 10 Born to Love You (02:41) 11 I’ll Be in Trouble (02:56) 12 Youre the One I Need (02:23) |
 | Album: 4 of 40 Title: Gettin Ready Released: 1966-06-15 Tracks: 12 Duration: 33:34 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Say You (02:34) 2 Little Miss Sweetness (03:12) 3 Ain’t Too Proud to Beg (02:33) 4 Get Ready (02:39) 5 Lonely, Lonely Man Am I (02:37) 6 Too Busy Thinking About My Baby (02:42) 7 Ive Been Good to You (03:01) 8 Its a Lonely World Without Your Love (02:35) 9 Fading Away (02:41) 10 Who You Gonna Run To (03:08) 11 Youre Not an Ordinary Girl (02:54) 12 Not Now (Ill Tell You Later) (02:55) |
| Gettin' Ready : Allmusic album Review : The marvelous title track alone, with Eddie Kendricks gliding into the stratosphere, made this an instant winner. There were several fine songs that werent hits, such as "Not Now, Ill Tell You Later" and "Ive Been Good to You," and there sure wasnt anything wrong with powerhouse cuts like "Aint Too Proud to Beg." The Temptations would score four straight number one hits in the mid-60s, each one an unforgettable classic. | ||
 | Album: 5 of 40 Title: Greatest Hits Released: 1966-11-16 Tracks: 12 Duration: 32:49 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify AlbumCover | 1 The Way You Do the Things You Do (02:41) 2 My Girl (02:45) 3 Ain’t Too Proud to Beg (02:33) 4 Don’t Look Back (02:52) 5 Get Ready (02:39) 6 Beauty Is Only Skin Deep (02:23) 7 Since I Lost My Baby (02:51) 8 The Girls Alright With Me (02:52) 9 My Baby (03:00) 10 It’s Growing (02:58) 11 I’ll Be in Trouble (02:56) 12 Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue) (02:17) |
 | Album: 6 of 40 Title: With a Lot o Soul Released: 1967-07-17 Tracks: 12 Duration: 34:34 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 (I Know) I’m Losing You (02:28) 2 Aint No Sun Since Youve Been Gone (03:02) 3 All I Need (03:08) 4 (Loneliness Made Me Realize) Its You That I Need (02:38) 5 No More Water in the Well (03:02) 6 Save My Love for a Rainy Day (02:59) 7 Just One Last Look (02:46) 8 Sorry Is a Sorry Word (02:30) 9 You’re My Everything (03:00) 10 Now That Youve Won Me (03:12) 11 Two Sides to Love (02:49) 12 Dont Send Me Away (02:56) |
| With a Lot o' Soul : Allmusic album Review : This was the Temptations seventh hit album in a row, released as Gordy 922 in July of 1967. It shows them -- and the Motown Sound -- moving in a more modern direction. Sporting the hits "(I Know) Im Losing You" and "All I Need," it also features some first-rate vocal exchanges between Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin on "Youre My Everything." Other highlights include the Smokey Robinson-written and -produced "Dont Send Me Away," "Now That Youve Won Me" and "No More Water In the Well," plus Ivy Jo Hunters "Sorry Is a Sorry Word," while Norman Whitfield checks in for six of the production credits on here, especially effective on "Loneliness Made Me Realize) Its You That I Need" and "Two Sides to Love." Considered by many to be their best recording of the 60s, this is a very strong addition to anyones Motown/R&B;/soul music collection. | ||
 | Album: 7 of 40 Title: In a Mellow Mood Released: 1967-11-27 Tracks: 12 Duration: 39:03 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Hello Young Lovers (02:57) 2 A Taste of Honey (02:08) 3 For Once in My Life (03:04) 4 Somewhere (04:11) 5 Ol Man River (04:24) 6 Im Ready for Love (02:20) 7 Try to Remember (03:01) 8 Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me) (03:28) 9 What Now My Love (03:35) 10 Thats Life (02:57) 11 With These Hands (03:37) 12 The Impossible Dream (03:21) |
| In a Mellow Mood : Allmusic album Review : The Temptations moved into world of jazzy pre-rock pop, and showed that great singers can handle anything. While many soul fans were surprised that they issued an album with versions of "Ol Man River," "Somewhere," and "Taste of Honey," they were hooked once they heard it. This recording was another indication of how much Berry Gordy wanted to show mainstream audiences that Motown acts were versatile. | ||
 | Album: 8 of 40 Title: Wish It Would Rain Released: 1968-04-29 Tracks: 12 Duration: 32:03 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You) (03:37) 2 Cindy (03:08) 3 I Wish It Would Rain (02:49) 4 Please Return Your Love to Me (02:24) 5 Fan the Flame (02:44) 6 He Who Picks the Roses (02:28) 7 Why Did You Leave Me Darling (02:11) 8 I Truly, Truly Believe (02:44) 9 This Is My Beloved (02:13) 10 Gonna Give Her All the Love I Got (02:46) 11 Ive Passed This Way Before (02:43) 12 No Man Can Love Her Like I Do (02:16) |
| Wish It Would Rain : Allmusic album Review : This is another entry in the 21st century British two-on-one reissues of the Temptations classic albums. These are two of the most unalike of all of the groups albums, and also a completely natural pairing -- In a Mellow Mood was the Temptations effort, urged by Berry Gordy, to push their sound toward an adult audience, while its immediate follow-up, Wish It Would Rain, was a return to their soul repertoire just a few months later, the prior album having done its job by getting them a much-sought gig at New Yorks Copacabana. Perhaps in deference to the tastes of most fans, the more soulful Wish It Would Rain tracks come first on this CD, and these are ear-opening in this new edition -- one even gets a sense of the action on the bells in the introduction of "Gonna Give Her All the Love Ive Got," and the voices of David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks (and even Melvin Franklin in his basso showcase "I Truly, Truly Believe") are so close that the singers seem like theyre in the same room with you. In a Mellow Mood fits together chronologically with its successor, but the musical textures between the two sets of recordings are so different that theyre jarring to hear at first. This material -- for which the group had a genuine affinity -- has a bigger, more booming sound and, with a couple of exceptions, is nowhere near as exciting as the companion volume. The vocals are impressive for their virtuosity, however, and Paul Williams rendition of "The Impossible Dream," in particular, benefits from the clean, sharp mastering of this edition, which only brings out greater radiance in the singing. | ||
 | Album: 9 of 40 Title: Diana Ross & The Supremes Join The Temptations Released: 1968-11-08 Tracks: 11 Duration: 33:52 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Try It Baby (03:45) 2 I Second That Emotion (02:22) 3 Aint No Mountain High Enough (02:17) 4 I’m Gonna Make You Love Me (03:08) 5 This Guys in Love With You (03:47) 6 Funky Broadway (02:35) 7 I’ll Try Something New (02:22) 8 A Place in the Sun (03:31) 9 Sweet Inspiration (02:58) 10 Then (02:15) 11 The Impossible Dream (04:47) |
| Diana Ross & The Supremes Join The Temptations : Allmusic album Review : What more could you want, two great groups, 11 great songs, and classic Motown productions. Contains the super groups big hit "Im Gonna Make You Love Me" and the equally effervescent "Ill Try Something New." But the goodies dont stop there: Check "Try It Baby," a remake of Marvin Gayes hit, done this time with bass Melvin Franklin groaning lead lines to Diana Ross soprano; Diana and Dennis Edwards recreate Marvin and Tammi on a rousing version of "Aint No Mountain High Enough"; smooth tenor-singing Otis Williams does a silky rendition of "This Guys in Love With You"; and Paul Williams is forever Paul as the prominent voice on "Then," an old Four Tops album cut. Originally released in 1969, this is a CD every Temptations, Diana Ross & the Supremes, and Motown fan should have. A Holland import combines this and a following album by both groups on one CD -- 21 tracks of these delicacies. | ||
 | Album: 10 of 40 Title: Cloud Nine Released: 1969-02 Tracks: 10 Duration: 35:09 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Cloud Nine (03:32) 2 I Heard It Through the Grapevine (03:04) 3 Runaway Child, Running Wild (09:36) 4 Love Is a Hurtin’ Thing (02:30) 5 Hey Girl (02:40) 6 Why Did She Have to Leave Me (Why Did She Have to Go) (02:59) 7 I Need Your Lovin’ (02:40) 8 Don’t Let Him Take Your Love From Me (02:31) 9 I Gotta Find a Way (to Get You Back) (03:00) 10 Gonna Keep on Tryin’ Till I Win Your Love (02:31) |
| Cloud Nine : Allmusic album Review : Best known for their silky soul vocals and smooth-stepping routines, the Temptations were firmly entrenched as the undisputed kings of Barry Gordys Motown stable when cutting-edge producer Norman Whitfield walked into the studio and announced that it was time to shake things up. The resulting freakout became the first half of the stellar Cloud Nine, an album that would become one of the defining early funk sets, with songs that not only took Motown in a new direction, but helped to shape a genre as well. On one side and across three jams, Whitfield and the Temptations would give 70s-era funk musicians a broad palette from which to draw inspiration. The title track, with its funky soul bordering on psychedelic frenzy, was an audacious album opener, and surely gave older fans a moments pause. Only two more songs rounded out side one: an incredibly fresh take on "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," which jazzed up the vocals, brought compelling percussion to the fore, and relegated the piano well into the wings, and "Run Away Child, Running Wild," an extravagant nine-minute groove where the sonics easily surpassed the vocals. After shaking up the record-buying public with these three masterpieces, the Temptations brought things back to form for side two. Here, their gorgeous vocals dominated slick arrangements across seven tracks which included "Hey Girl" and the masterful "I Need Your Lovin." Funk continued to percolate -- albeit subtly -- but compared to side one, it was Temptations business as usual. It was this return to the classic sound, however, which ultimately gave Cloud Nine its odd dynamic. The dichotomy of form between old and new between sides doesnt allow for a continuous gel. But the brash experimentation away from traditional Motown on the three seminal tracks which open the disc shattered the doorway between past and present as surely as the decade itself imploded and smooth soul gave way to blistering funk. | ||
 | Album: 11 of 40 Title: Together Released: 1969-09-23 Tracks: 10 Duration: 31:26 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Stubborn Kind of Fellow (03:10) 2 Ill Be Doggone (03:34) 3 The Weight (03:04) 4 Aint Nothing Like the Real Thing (02:44) 5 Uptight (Everythings Alright) (03:06) 6 Sing a Simple Song (03:35) 7 My Guy, My Girl (03:14) 8 For Better or Worse (02:38) 9 Cant Take My Eyes Off You (03:13) 10 Why (Must We Fall in Love) (03:05) |
| Together : Allmusic album Review : Third in a row of four collaborations with the Supremes, thereby outmatching the Four Tops, who managed only three. A big hurrah for the Temptations then? Not quite, since there was no need for them to indulge in yet another of these easygoing affairs. Though "Im Gonna Make You Love Me" was a chart-topper, two albums with their labelmates were more than satisfying. Instead, youre left with the impression of Motown milking this winning combination to the full, especially since the Temptations had released the psychedelic soul masterpieces Cloud Nine and Puzzle People a year earlier. Together with Norman Whitfield they had injected the Motown sound with some raw, adventurous elements and a social impulse that was by then unheard of at the label. Being on a creative course, with Psychedelic Shack and "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" about to happen, getting "together" a third time (and yet a fourth to come) smelled a lot like a desperate attempt to save the waning career of the Supremes Mach 1. Since this album happened within a really creative period for the Temptations, some of this obviously rubs off on this album. Selections from Marvin Gaye are enjoyable, and their version of the Bands classic "The Weight" is even fairly good. Motown should have considered this as a single but predictably they choose "Why (Must We Fall in Love)." Taking on "Sing a Simple Song" is risky, but remodeling the lyrics of two classic Motown standards into one song is true crime: "My Guy, My Girl" is nothing less than creative poverty at its most exemplary. Not even psychedelic artwork for the foldout album cover could make up for this intolerable mistake. | ||
 | Album: 12 of 40 Title: Puzzle People Released: 1969-09-23 Tracks: 11 Duration: 42:48 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 I Can’t Get Next to You (02:54) 2 Hey Jude (03:32) 3 Don’t Let the Joneses Get You Down (04:44) 4 Message From a Black Man (06:01) 5 It’s Your Thing (03:13) 6 Little Green Apples (03:43) 7 You Don’t Love Me No More (02:35) 8 Since I’ve Lost You (02:42) 9 Running Away (Ain’t Gonna Help You) (02:46) 10 That’s the Way Love Is (03:13) 11 Slave (07:23) |
| Puzzle People : Allmusic album Review : Both The Temptations and producer Norman Whitfield were at the top of their form with 1969s Puzzle People, which captures the group in the midst of their rock-influenced "socially conscious" period. While the lead-off cut, "I Cant Get Next To You", was a potent R&B dance-floor filler, elsewhere the album was dotted with "relevant" tunes such as "Message From A Black Man" (not nearly as militant as it sounds), "Dont Let The Joneses Get You Down", and the "life-in-prison" epic "Slave", complete with plenty of fuzztone and wah-wah and enough panning to make George Clinton dizzy. But while the material and the production is a bit dated, Whitfield and his crew certainly caught The Funk Brothers on a great run when they cut these sessions, with the musicians blending the swagger and confidence of rock with a soundly funky undertow and chops to spare. And as for the Temptations themselves, if new lead vocalist Dennis Edwards lacked the elan of David Ruffin, he had power to spare, and the groups harmonies and shared vocals found room for both smooth precision and streetwise grit. While short on hits past the opening track (and padded with well-executed but hardly essential covers of "Hey Jude" and "Little Green Apples", Puzzle People is still the work of a great vocal group firing on all cylinders and getting inspired support in the studio, and its one of the groups strongest late-60s efforts. | ||
 | Album: 13 of 40 Title: Greatest Hits, Volume 2 Released: 1970 Tracks: 12 Duration: 41:03 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Cloud Nine (03:32) 2 I Wish It Would Rain (02:49) 3 Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World Is Today) (04:06) 4 (I Know) I’m Losing You (02:28) 5 I Can’t Get Next to You (02:54) 6 You’re My Everything (03:00) 7 Psychedelic Shack (03:52) 8 Please Return Your Love to Me (02:24) 9 Runaway Child, Running Wild (04:56) 10 I Could Never Love Another (03:36) 11 Don’t Let the Joneses Get You Down (04:45) 12 (Loneliness Made Me Realize) Its You That I Need (02:38) |
 | Album: 14 of 40 Title: Psychedelic Shack Released: 1970-03 Tracks: 8 Duration: 36:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Psychedelic Shack (03:52) 2 You Make Your Own Heaven and Hell Right Here on Earth (02:46) 3 Hum Along and Dance (03:54) 4 Take a Stroll Thru Your Mind (08:36) 5 Its Summer (02:35) 6 War (03:11) 7 You Need Love Like I Do (Dont You) (03:58) 8 Friendship Train (07:49) |
| Psychedelic Shack : Allmusic album Review : With everything the Temptations released pretty much guaranteed to turn to gold, not to mention platinum, even their tripped-out forays into sweet 60s psychedelic experimentation were sure to fire a string of hits. 1970s Norman Whitfield-produced Psychedelic Shack -- while perhaps a system shock to those fans who grooved to the bands lame-suited, Motown dance-routined R&B classics -- was a magnificent stretch into an epic that ultimately emerged as another in a long line of enduring sets. Deviating from form across the first songs, it was with the whimsical and willful title track (and a big thanks to the band from Georgia retro-ists the B-52s, who took their own homage, "Love Shack," to the top of the charts in 1989) that the Temptations broke their own mold with the acid-drenched party chant: "Psychedelic shack/Thats where its at." Opening that door and venturing outside the nonstop celebration, the band retains that vibe while returning to a slightly more staid stance on "Hum Along and Dance," leaving both the oddly paced "You Make Your Own Heaven and Hell Right Here on Earth" and the totally tripped-out "Take a Stroll Thru Your Mind" out on their own plane entirely. With such a strong collection of songs, it couldnt get much better than that. But, of course, it does, as the Temptations blister through the groovers "Its Summer" and "Friendship Train." And that, of course, just leaves the Whitfield-penned classic "War" to round out the mix. While fellow Motown-er Edwin Starr has etched what is now considered to be the definitive version of the song into the history tablets, the Temptations certainly took their own inspiration and added a unique spin as well. Not much else can be said, except that this is an absolutely outstanding album -- one which has stood the test of time, sounding as fresh as it did upon initial release. | ||
 | Album: 15 of 40 Title: The Temptations Christmas Card Released: 1970-10-30 Tracks: 10 Duration: 32:48 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (02:59) 2 My Christmas Tree (03:20) 3 Santa Claus Is Comin to Town (03:25) 4 Silent Night (02:25) 5 Someday at Christmas (03:26) 6 White Christmas (04:26) 7 Let It Snow (03:36) 8 Silver Bells (02:12) 9 The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You) (03:34) 10 The Little Drummer Boy (03:21) |
| The Temptations Christmas Card : Allmusic album Review : In the world of Motown, no proverbial stone was left unturned and no market untapped. This especially rang true during the holiday season, as yearly the label would flood the record store shelves with holiday records from many of its most popular artists. This Temptations session leads off with their most renowned holiday classic, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Most of the other holiday standards here are easily forgettable and underwhelming. Christmas Card is not as fantastic as Give Love on Christmas Day or any of the other budget-line holiday compilations available from the Temptations, so unless youre a die-hard collector, it might be best to skip this one. | ||
 | Album: 16 of 40 Title: Sky’s the Limit Released: 1971-04-22 Tracks: 8 Duration: 43:26 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Gonna Keep On Tryin’ Till I Win Your Love (03:50) 2 Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me) (03:49) 3 I’m the Exception to the Rule (03:20) 4 Smiling Faces Sometimes (12:35) 5 Man (02:37) 6 Throw a Farewell Kiss (03:25) 7 Ungena Za Ulimwengu (Unite the World) (04:30) 8 Love Can Be Anything (Can’t Nothing Be Love but Love) (09:20) |
| Sky’s the Limit : Allmusic album Review : Eddie Kendricks said so long to The Temptations on this early-70s album, with the glorious "Just My Imagination" being his swan song. The song that everyone missed was their lengthy, imaginative version of "Smiling Faces Sometimes," which wasnt a huge hit for them, but became a smash for The Undisputed Truth. Although they were successful with Damon Harris replacing Kendricks, things would never be the same. | ||
 | Album: 17 of 40 Title: Solid Rock Released: 1972-01-11 Tracks: 8 Duration: 39:18 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Take a Look Around (02:48) 2 Aint No Sunshine (07:19) 3 Stop the War Now (12:30) 4 What It Is? (05:15) 5 Smooth Sailing (From Now On) (02:49) 6 Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are) (02:56) 7 Its Summer (02:59) 8 The End of Our Road (02:41) |
| Solid Rock : Allmusic album Review : Solid Rock spawned two hits, the rockish "Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are)" written by Barrett Strong and Norman Whitfield with David Ruffin foremost on their minds, and "Take a Look Around," a slow lilting social commentary number featuring Richard Street and Damon Harris. Whitfield put a totally new arrangement on "Stop the War Now," popularized Edwin Starr and turned the rocker into a mammoth head song. It begins with bass singer Melvin Franklin reciting the Lords Prayer on top of a slow syncopated beat before mushrooming for more than 15 minutes into some classic-70 psychedelic music wherein Whitfield made good use of his bag of studio tricks. Every time you listen you hear something new. It was not for everybody though, as many thought it was a waste of space and weird beyond comprehension. A rendition of Bill Withers "Aint No Sunshine" is one of the better cuts, Street and Harris again take turns at lead, while the others perform their background gymnastics. Whitfield was known for recording the same song with different Motown artists, varying the arrangements to keep them from sounding similar, but on "Its Summer" he went one better by recording the same song on the same group twice; this version has Dennis Edwards singing lead, the previous version was led by Melvin Franklin, both versions are equally as effective, on this rendition Franklins low bass plays a prominent role in the background, and the Temptations harmonies are heavenly. Two other cuts, "The End of Our Road," and "What It Is," are indistinguishable remakes. "Smooth Sailing" led by Damon Harris, is an upbeat tune about being in love that lacks bite and is saddled with adolescent lyrics. | ||
 | Album: 18 of 40 Title: All Directions Released: 1972-07-27 Tracks: 8 Duration: 34:44 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On (03:06) 2 Run Charlie Run (03:01) 3 Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone (11:46) 4 Love Woke Me Up This Morning (02:23) 5 I Ain’t Got Nothin’ (03:33) 6 The First Time Ever (I Saw Your Face) (04:11) 7 Mother Nature (03:10) 8 Do Your Thing (03:30) |
| All Directions : Allmusic album Review : A monster album, the one that put them back in the spotlight and signaled that Norman Whitfield had saved the day. Damon Harris had replaced Eddie Kendricks, and there were many doubters convinced the band was finished. Instead, Whitfield revitalized them via the majestic single, "Papa Was a Rollin Stone." Despite its length, Whitfields decision to open with an extensive, multi-layered musical suite and tease listeners was a master stroke. By the time Dennis Edwards voice came rushing in, no one would dare turn it off. The single, as well as "Law of the Land" and others, ended the funeral arrangements that had been prepared for the Temptations. | ||
 | Album: 19 of 40 Title: Masterpiece Released: 1973-02-21 Tracks: 6 Duration: 34:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Hey Girl (I Like Your Style) (03:21) 2 Masterpiece (13:37) 3 Ma (04:45) 4 Law of the Land (04:54) 5 Plastic Man (03:25) 6 Hurry Tomorrow (04:41) |
| Masterpiece : Allmusic album Review : Norman Whitfield was always the Motown producer who had the most daring creative vision for The Temptations; he was the man who helped them turn psychedelic (well, sort of) with "Cloud Nine" and "Psychedelic Shack", and when the groups career had hit a slump in the early 1970s, he brought them back to the top of the charts with the brilliantly realized "Papa Was A Rolling Stone". After the latter tune had become a smash, Whitfield and The Temptations set out to make their most ambitious project to date, but in many ways, Masterpiece sounded more like a Norman Whitfield solo album with the Temps adding occasional vocals; the albums long, carefully layered tunes, complete with sweeping string charts and cleanly punctuated horn lines, have the widescreen splendor of a big-budget movie, and while its inarguably impressive to hear, the featured artists often seem to be lost in the shuffle. It doesnt help that while the album is musically impressive, several of the songs are lyrically cut-rate, especially the cliche-ridden "Ma" and "Plastic Man", a ho-hum critique of hypocrisy, and while The Temptations deliver their material with conviction and typically peerless vocal skill, its not enough to disguise the fact this album overshoots its target. While still better than the average Motown effort of the period, Masterpiece never quite becomes the triumph it obviously wants to be, proving once again that a "Masterpiece" usually occurs as a matter of serendipity rather than careful design. | ||
 | Album: 20 of 40 Title: 1990 Released: 1973-12-07 Tracks: 7 Duration: 37:13 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Let Your Hair Down (02:41) 2 I Need You (03:05) 3 Heavenly (03:56) 4 Youve Got My Soul on Fire (03:53) 5 Aint No Justice (05:50) 6 1990 (04:04) 7 Zoom (13:42) |
| 1990 : Allmusic album Review : Even as the name projects the vocalists some 17 years in the future, 1990 (1973) clearly offers up the unmistakable sound of the early-70s Temptations. At this point, the lineup boasted founding members Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin alongside David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks respective replacements, Dennis Edwards and Ricky Owens. The most recent recruit, Richard Street, had taken his cues from Paul Williams in the summer of 1971. The concurrently modern sound of "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" filtered into 1990. The primary difference being the instrumental support, now consisting of an amalgam of the Funk Brothers and members of the Los Angeles-based Rose Royce ("Car Wash") aggregate. The results were a favorable mix of compelling singles, such as the R&B; chart-topper "Let Your Hair Down" as well as a pair of additional Top Ten entries with the resplendent "Heavenly" and the wah-wah funk fest "Youve Got My Soul on Fire." As they had done on the unedited version of "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" and more recently the title track of their previous effort, Masterpiece (1973), the Temptations stretch out with the extended social commentary "Zoom." The organic pondering groove rises from a cacophony of spoken dialogue as the trippy soul interplanetary vibe perfectly aligns with the celestial lyrics. Norman Whitfields string score supplies some nice atmospheric touches throughout and appropriately concludes his decade-plus association with the band. Although not as strong as its predecessor, 1990 climbed to number two on the R&B; countdown and made its way into the Top 20 pop survey. Sadly, its success was clouded by the suicide of co-founder Paul Williams in August of 1973. It would be over a year before the band would release their follow-up, A Song for You -- a considerable span compared to the downtime between any of their previous long-players. | ||
 | Album: 21 of 40 Title: House Party Released: 1975 Tracks: 9 Duration: 34:38 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Keep Holding On (03:55) 2 It´s Just A Matter Of Tim (03:31) 3 You Can´t Stop A Man In Love (03:50) 4 World Of You, Love And Music (04:04) 5 What You Need Most (I Do Best Of All) (03:19) 6 Ways Of A Grown Up Man (04:05) 7 Johnny Porter (04:39) 8 Darling, Stand By Me (Song For My Woman) (03:44) 9 If I Don´t Love You This Way (03:31) |
| House Party : Allmusic album Review : Longtime producer/writer Norman Whitfield left Motown in 1974 to start his own label at Warner Brothers, while his primary group, The Temptations, stayed behind. In his absence the group was desperately searching for a style and new producers. This 1975 set collects both so-so sessions from 1974 as well as cuts made to bide time between A Song for You and 1976s Wings of Love. Releasing an album of "leftovers" for a group of The Temptations stature is still a little silly, but Motown thought it was a good idea in case anyone would forget them in the course of a year. The 1974 songs are the lowlights: "Its Just a Matter of Time" and a cover of Bobby Womacks "Cant Stop a Man in Love" were dated by the time tracks were laid. The Steve Cropper produced tracks, "Johnny Porter" and "The Ways of a Grown up Man" attempts to attain the Whitfield production aesthetic with little success. This albums best tracks were recorded in 1975. The well-produced gaudy funk of Eddie Holland and Brian Hollands "Keep Holding On" gave lead singer Dennis Edwards plenty of room to wail. That track, along with the smooth "Darlin Stand By Me (Song For My Woman)," landed on the groups 1994 Emperors of Soul box set. The albums best track, the ballad "If I Dont Love You This Way," is warm, early 70s Motown benefiting a strong lead from Richard Street. Despite the good tracks House Party is not one of the groups essential albums. | ||
 | Album: 22 of 40 Title: Wings of Love Released: 1976-03-10 Tracks: 7 Duration: 31:13 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Sweet Gypsy Jane (04:28) 2 Sweetness in the Dark (03:06) 3 Up the Creek (without a Paddle) (03:28) 4 China Doll (03:26) 5 Mary Ann (07:41) 6 Dream World (Wings of Love) (05:38) 7 Paradise (03:26) |
| Wings of Love : Allmusic album Review : In 1976 the Temptations made little impact on the music scene. Their polished sound of the 60s and the soulful flair of the early 70s was no where to be found. Instead, the Temptations were embracing songs that lacked the luster for which they were known. The sole release from this album was "Up the Creek (Without a Paddle)." In spite of the tight vocals, sizzling horns and solid production, "Up the Creek" like most of this album, lacks that melodious fever. It managed to peak at 21 on the Billboard R&B; charts. "Paradise" and "Dream World (Wings of Love)" both ooze with warmth and much crossover appeal; still they both are no challenge to the talents of the Temptations. That soulful splendor that was known to accompany a Temptations album is absent. The label probably suspected this album was not worthy of much attention and demonstrated that with just one release. | ||
 | Album: 23 of 40 Title: Hear to Tempt You Released: 1977-11-10 Tracks: 9 Duration: 39:53 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Think For Yourself (04:55) 2 In A Lifetime (03:14) 3 Can We Come And Share In Love (06:10) 4 Shes All Ive Got (04:52) 5 Snake In The Grass (05:26) 6 Its Time For Love (04:26) 7 Lets Live In Peace (04:13) 8 Read Between The Lines (03:17) 9 I Could Never Stop Loving You (03:20) |
| Hear to Tempt You : Allmusic album Review : When The Temptations left Motown in 1977 the group weighed offers from Warner Bros. and Philadelphia International before settling for Atlantic. The album seemed doomed from the start. Temptations lead Dennis Edwards had already left the group and was replaced by Louis Price. This album was released in late 1977 and was a fixture of the cutout bins by the early 80s. Ron Baker, Norman Harris, and Trammps member Earl Young, collectively known as Baker-Harris-Young, produced this album. They were known for their grittier variant of Philly soul/disco but often they play it too safe here. The fact that The Temptations did their vocals in New York rather than Philadelphia does diminish the Philly credentials a bit. The two singles from the album, "Think For Yourself" and the bittersweet "In a Lifetime," are the best at mixing The Temptations with the Baker-Harris-Young production style. The ballads led by the smooth baritone of Louis Price, "Can We Come and Share in Love" and "Lets Live in Peace," also display the rich harmonies in this particular lineup. Unlike other efforts, Hear to Tempt You features all of the members getting a lead vocal. "I Can Never Stop Loving You," with bass Melvin Franklin, is a melodic ballad that gives Franklin a rare romantic lyric. Hear to Tempt You was released shortly before Baker-Harris-Young began to update their sound. This effort lacks the confidence of late 70s like-minded albums from The Trammps and Eddie Kendricks. Fans of both The Temptations and the Philly sound may find this an imperfect alliance. | ||
 | Album: 24 of 40 Title: Power Released: 1980-04-18 Tracks: 8 Duration: 37:42 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Power (06:06) 2 Struck by Lightning Twice (04:13) 3 Isnt the Night Fantastic (04:15) 4 How Can I Resist Your Love (03:53) 5 Shadow of Your Love (04:38) 6 Cant You See Sweet Thing (06:07) 7 Go for It (04:22) 8 Im Coming Home (04:08) |
| Power : Allmusic album Review : Struggling to rekindle the magic that kept them atop the charts, the group was, for the most part, missing in action on this album. Nonetheless, the five vocalists did hit the charts with the title track, "Power." The single is groomed around a poppin bassline thats blended with Melvin Franklins natural bass. Glenn Leonard, Dennis Edwards and Richard Street share lead on the single, which peaked at #11 on the Billboard R&B; charts after 13 weeks. In spite of its ranking, the single is not as worthy as some of the groups other songs of comparable ranking. An honorable mention is "Isnt the Night Fantastic." With Richard Street out front, the Tempts groove their way through this inviting track. "Shadow of Your Love" has a tendency to deviate from its original feel, as do some of the other selections, but "Go For It," also a ballad, stays its course with Leonard on lead. The groups vocal skills remain keen. | ||
 | Album: 25 of 40 Title: Truly for You Released: 1984-10-15 Tracks: 8 Duration: 39:05 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Running (03:29) 2 Treat Her Like a Lady (04:42) 3 How Can You Say That Its Over (06:06) 4 My Love Is True Truly for You (06:10) 5 Memories (04:42) 6 Just to Keep You in My Life (04:23) 7 Set Your Love Right (05:09) 8 Ill Keep My Light in My Window (04:21) |
| Truly for You : Allmusic album Review : The album that preceded this one (Back to Basics) introduced the groups new falsetto lead, Ron Tyson, who is also a remarkable tenor. To fill the departure of Dennis Edwards, this release introduces the electrifying vocals of Ali Ollie Woodson. As talented, competitive and competent as Edwards is, Woodsons sound is not only refreshing to fans of the Tempts, but to the music industry overall. The smash hit on this release was "Treat Her Like a Lady," a soulful, dance composition that entails some dazzling backgrounds led by Woodsons fiery approach to the melody and the ligthnening squeal of his trademark falsetto. The single was treated very well by the Billboard R&B; charts, peaking at number two for two consecutive weeks after 21 thriving weeks. The title track, "Truly for You," retains much of that Temptations magic with its affectionate harp-like guitar rhythms, a romantic confession conveyed in a sincere tone and Ron Tysons agile, flowing vocals that express the lyrics with honesty and grace. The single made its mark at number 14 on the Billboard R&B; charts inside of 13 weeks. | ||
 | Album: 26 of 40 Title: Touch Me Released: 1985 Tracks: 9 Duration: 41:33 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Magic (05:14) 2 Givehersomeattention (04:08) 3 Deeper Than Love (03:58) 4 Im Fascinated (04:05) 5 Touch Me (04:59) 6 Dont Break Your Promise to Me (With Alfie) (05:00) 7 She Got Tired of Loving Me (04:32) 8 Do You Really Love Your Baby (04:45) 9 Oh Lover (04:52) |
| Touch Me : Allmusic album Review : With Ali-Ollie Woodsons polished vocals, the Temptations scored a Billboard R&B; Top 20 hit with "Do You Really Love Your Baby." Penned by Luther Vandross and Marcus Miller, the Tempts gratefully reap the rewards of Vandross crafty style. Woodson and Ron Tyson switch off on lead. With a mixture of urban and pop rhythms, the single peaked at #14 after 15 weeks. The title track, "Touch Me," is a moderately slow number with a thumping bassline featuring Woodson out front on vocals. "Dont Break Your Promise to Me" has a gospel-seasoned rhythm track with Tyson and Woodson on lead and also featuring female guest vocalist Alfie Silas. Though it was not a release, "Magic" has a certain sophistication about it. Woodson patiently caresses each lyric with his dapper vocals. The overall arrangement allows the Tempts to interject their splendid vocal presence. Not as worthy as its predecessor Truly for You, this album still does have its moments. | ||
 | Album: 27 of 40 Title: To Be Continued... Released: 1986-06-17 Tracks: 10 Duration: 44:59 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Lady Soul (05:03) 2 Message to the World (04:23) 3 To Be Continued (05:00) 4 Put Us Together Again (03:54) 5 Someone (04:36) 6 Girls (They Like It) (04:37) 7 More Love, Your Love (04:22) 8 A Fine Mess (04:03) 9 Youre the One (04:39) 10 Love Me Right (04:16) |
 | Album: 28 of 40 Title: Together Again Released: 1987 Tracks: 9 Duration: 41:15 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Look What You Started (05:14) 2 I Wonder Who Shes Seeing Now (05:08) 3 10 X 10 (04:56) 4 Do You Wanna Go With Me (05:29) 5 Little Things (04:10) 6 I Got Your Number (04:24) 7 Everytime I Close My Eyes (04:30) 8 Lucky (03:23) 9 Put Your Foot Down (03:58) |
| Together Again : Allmusic album Review : The 80s found the Temptations doing work that was often potent and relevant. Their fortunes took an upswing with key lineup shifts and a renewed sense of purpose. Despite the important-sounding title, Together Again isnt any type of grand reunion. This does feature the group at a crossroads, however. Their charismatic 1983-1987 lead singer, Ali "Ollie" Woodson, got canned, and Dennis Edwards jumped back in his old slot. Instantly, Edwards return altered the chemistry of the group. On the 1984-1986 albums they seemed more like a unit. Here, the other Temptations fade into the background due to Edwards booming voice. Together Again shows that Edwards return was both fascinating and odd. The single releases are the best songs here. From the longing "I Wonder Who Shes Seeing Now" and the fiery and flashy "Look What You Started," the group does get some traction. The 80s come bearing down on them with both "10 X 10" and "Little Things," and the guys barely make it out of the rumble. Edwards particular brand of firepower typifies the smooth and warmly anachronistic "Do You Wanna Go With Me" and the melodic dance tracks "I Got Your Number" and "Put Your Foot Down." Nothing is truly bad here, but Together Again is marred by synth hardware, over-production, and lackluster songs. This isnt an essential release, but fans will find this near-miss quite captivating. | ||
 | Album: 29 of 40 Title: Special Released: 1989-07 Tracks: 10 Duration: 49:21 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Friends (04:51) 2 Special (04:30) 3 All I Want From You (05:33) 4 Shes Better Than Money (04:28) 5 One Step at a Time (05:10) 6 Fill Me Up (04:17) 7 Go Ahead (06:35) 8 Loveline (03:38) 9 Soul to Soul (05:17) 10 O.A.O. Lover (04:58) |
| Special : Allmusic album Review : This 1989 release marked the return of lead singer Ali "Ollie" Woodson after the third departure of Dennis Edwards. In many respects, Special is a business-as-usual, mid- to late-80s Temptations release. But, of course, thats not a bad thing. With the raspy-voiced Woodson, the group had a more cohesive sound and polish. Special, in fact, attempts to connect the dots between light new jack swing and soulful L.A. pop with mixed though fun results. After the initial shock, if not horror, of hearing Melvin Franklin shout, "Lets kick it," "Friends," "All I Want From You," and "Shes Better Than Money" are good but hardly influential. Not surprisingly, this edition of the group was truly adept with romantic ballads and L.A. pop this close to corny. The melodic and fun "Loveline" and the poignant "Soul to Soul" clearly display their three-dimensional harmony, and Woodson is in great form. The CD release also featured "OAO Lover." With most of the new jack swing innocuous and the synth production suitably smoothed-out, fans will be more than satisfied with Special. | ||
 | Album: 30 of 40 Title: Milestone Released: 1991 Tracks: 11 Duration: 52:04 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Eenie, Meenie, Miinie, Moe (04:05) 2 Any Old Lovin (Just Wont Do) (04:17) 3 Hoops of Fire (05:28) 4 We Should Be Makin Love (04:07) 5 The Jones (04:28) 6 Get Ready (04:28) 7 Corner of My Heart (04:06) 8 Whenever Youre Ready (05:10) 9 Do It Easy (04:49) 10 Wait a Minute (05:09) 11 Celebrate (05:52) |
| Milestone : Allmusic album Review : One of the most forgettable records in The Temptations long and illustrious history. The personnel was unsettled, and seldom has the group ever issued an album with absolutely nothing having a remote shot at being a hit. Ollie Woodson didnt make anyone forget the groups legacy of great lead vocalists. | ||
 | Album: 31 of 40 Title: Reunion Released: 1995-03-02 Tracks: 9 Duration: 45:55 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Standing on the Top (09:51) 2 You Better Beware (05:01) 3 Lock It in the Pocket (04:32) 4 Ive Never Been to Me (05:58) 5 Backstage (04:33) 6 More on the Inside (03:51) 7 Moneys Hard to Get (04:44) 8 Like a Diamond in the Sky (03:07) 9 Dont Hold It In (04:14) |
| Reunion : Allmusic album Review : Reunion is a very good Temptations album that could have been great. Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff were originally rumored to produce this reunion of Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin with the current crop of Temptations. However, the two sides couldnt get the deal done. So Motown rationed out the production assignments to in-house producers Rick James, Smokey Robinson, and others. Seven voices sang on these tracks besides Kendricks and Ruffin, including Dennis Edwards, Glenn Leonard, Richard Street, Melvin Franklin, and Otis Williams, a mini-choir. Considering the voices on hand, they should have spread the leads around. Of the seven tracks, Edwards sings six and Ruffin one, the very ordinary "You Better Beware," written by money man Barrett Strong. Ruffins vocal sounds rough and he appears to strain trying to reach some notes. Punk-funker Rick James epic "Standing on the Top" production is the most popular track here, with its dead-on beat, blaring horns, and multiple voices; Rick James himself joins the Tempts on this festive song. Kendricks bluesy falsetto lines on the fade are like cherries topping a sundae. Relishing the opportunity to produce Dennis Edwards, Smokey writes two beauties for the churchy belter: the introspective, engaging "Backstage" and the understated "More on the Inside," the second release from this set. Kerry Gordy, one of Berry Gordy sons, co-wrote two in-your-face cold-blooded stompers, the so-true "Money Hards to Get" and the frantic "Lock It In the Pocket," both excellent and both left for dead on the album. Edwards displays his balladry ability on a stunning rendition of "Ive Never Been to Me" originally done by Charlene. Not a bad album, but the product doesnt equal the sum of the voices and producers. Why wasnt Eddie Kendricks given a lead? Or Richard Street and the Kendricks-sounding Leonard? Fans would have loved to hear the two falsettos featured on a song, or Kendricks and Ruffin co-leading as they did on "Youre My Everything" and the lesser-known but just as brilliant "Born to Love" from The Temptin Temptations. | ||
 | Album: 32 of 40 Title: Phoenix Rising Released: 1998-08-18 Tracks: 13 Duration: 57:22 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Hereafter (interlude) (00:44) 2 Stay (04:46) 3 False Faces (05:31) 4 How Could He Hurt You (04:52) 5 Im Calling You (interlude) (01:26) 6 This Is My Promise (07:20) 7 My Love (04:20) 8 Tempt Me (05:05) 9 If I Give You My Heart (04:34) 10 Take Me in Your Arms (03:58) 11 Thats What Friends Are For (05:51) 12 Just Like I Told You (04:47) 13 Stay (remix) (04:03) |
| Phoenix Rising : Allmusic album Review : Three years after the brilliant For Lovers Only and two personnel changes, the Temptations dished out Phoenix Rising. Ali "Ollie" Woodson and Theo Peoples were replaced by Harry McGilberry and Barrington Scott Henderson. The album gets off to an excellent start with "Stay," a lilting, mid-tempo mood setter that samples the opening riffs of "My Girl"; the red-light special became their highest charting single in years. "How Could He Hurt You" is one of those good, questioning ballads that always finds a way into your heart. These new Temptations are all right, but none are comparable to the squalling Temptations tenors of the past. Voices reaching the magnitude of David Ruffins, Dennis Edwards, Ali Woodsons and Richard Streets are sorely missed. Otis Williams seems to have found his niche doing interludes between songs; it would be interesting to see if they would incorporate Williams eloquent love talks into their stage act. Ron Tyson sings effortlessly in a honey-laden falsetto on "Tempt Me," which, other than "Stay," is the most arresting number here. Tyson displays his natural tenor before sliding into a sky-high falsetto, the backing voices are a thing of beauty as they weave in, out, and around Tysons deft delivery, and the bass dots in and out placing exclamation points everywhere. "If I Give You My Heart" features a Williams rap and has a pop-ish beat; the tenor tries to cut loose but may have been restrained by producer Narada Michael Walden. When listening to "Take Me in Your Arms" it helps to imagine Ruffin, Edwards, or Woodson on lead. The mid-tempo songs, for the most part, outshine the ballads. "Thats What Friends Are For" (not the Dionne Warwick song) has a deft, stepping beat but changes tempos on the chorus and becomes annoying until it gets back to that "Da, Da, Da" beat. The baritone voice on an occasional lead is sorely missed. Temptations albums used to feature a baritone voice distinct from the tenor not only in register, but in style and phrasing; here the voices are too similar. Still, not a bad silver platter when you take the personnel changes into consideration. | ||
 | Album: 33 of 40 Title: Lost & Found: You’ve Got To Earn It (1962–1968) Released: 1999-09-28 Tracks: 20 Duration: 55:59 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 What Am I Gonna Do Without You (02:55) 2 Happy Landing (02:37) 3 Love Is What You Make It (02:50) 4 No Time (02:45) 5 Last One Out Is Brokenhearted (03:03) 6 I Can’t Think of a Thing at All (02:41) 7 Camouflage (version 1) (02:42) 8 My Pillow (02:21) 9 Tear Stained Letter (02:18) 10 Forever in My Heart (02:52) 11 You’ve Got to Earn It (alternate “Fast” version) (02:20) 12 I Know She’s Not a Mannequin (02:33) 13 Dinah (03:33) 14 I Now See You Clear Through My Eyes (02:40) 15 Only a Lonely Man Would Know (03:47) 16 Camouflage (version 2) (02:42) 17 Ain’t Too Proud to Beg (alternate “Strings” mix) (02:30) 18 That’ll Be the Day (02:50) 19 We’ll Be Satisfied (03:00) 20 My Girl (live) (03:00) |
 | Album: 34 of 40 Title: Ear-Resistible Released: 2000-05-22 Tracks: 14 Duration: 57:51 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Ill Just Go Crazy (intro) (00:33) 2 Im Here (04:22) 3 Your Love (04:47) 4 Elevator Eyes (03:51) 5 Selfish Reasons (04:48) 6 Kiss Me Like You Miss Me (04:40) 7 Party (04:06) 8 Its Alright to Be Wrong (04:21) 9 Proven & True (05:27) 10 Got to Get on the Road (04:53) 11 Ill Just Go Crazy (04:32) 12 A Little Bit Lonely (04:30) 13 One Love One World (interlude) (01:38) 14 Error of Our Ways (05:18) |
| Ear-Resistible : Allmusic album Review : Ear-Resistible marks the 57th album for R&B;/pops most popular and star-crossed groups. Although many people may still have an image of one particular Temptations lineup, the 1964-1968 group, the group has persevered over everything from exiting members to label indifference. Their 1997 CD Phoenix Rising was their first CD to ever go platinum. But the effort found the group playing it too safe. With Ear-Resistible the group turns in its strongest set since 1984s Truly for You. The first song, "Im Here," produced by R&B; crooner Joe sets the stage for an infinitely likeable album. With a dramatic arrangement and confident vocals, led by smooth tenor Terry Weeks, its a mix of a timely production well rooted in the mechanics of classic R&B; male group singing. Songs like "Your Love" and "Selfish Reasons" are in the same neo-classic, back to the future vein. But what makes Ear-Resistible is a trio of skillfully arranged ballads that pit Ron Tysons starry-eyed falsetto to Barrington Hendersons raspy tenor. From the sensual "Kiss Me Like You Miss Me" to the adultery/late-night sneaking lyrics of "Its Alright to Be Wrong," the group effortlessly trades leads all the while creating intricate harmonies. The CDs best track, the Gerald Levert-produced "Proven and True" is a steady and sure ballad that plays on the chemistry between Tyson and Henderson. Co-executive produced by Kedar Massenburg and Otis Williams, Ear-Resistible proves that you dont need rap cameos or expletives to make a great R&B; album. | ||
 | Album: 35 of 40 Title: The Best of Christmas Released: 2001 Tracks: 12 Duration: 48:48 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer (03:09) 2 Silver Bells (02:11) 3 The Little Drummer Boy (03:25) 4 Santa Claus Is Comin to Town (03:23) 5 White Christmas (04:26) 6 Let It Snow (03:36) 7 The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) (05:11) 8 This Christmas (04:27) 9 Give Love on Christmas Day (03:39) 10 Christmas Everyday (02:55) 11 Silent Night (06:04) 12 Oh Holy Night (06:19) |
 | Album: 36 of 40 Title: Awesome Released: 2001-11-20 Tracks: 14 Duration: 56:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Awesome Intro (01:00) 2 Hurt So Bad (03:56) 3 4 Days (04:05) 4 Lady (04:43) 5 Forget About It (04:23) 6 Awesome (03:39) 7 Race for Your Heart (04:22) 8 Swept Away (04:46) 9 My Baby (04:20) 10 Open Letter, My One Temptation (interlude) (01:05) 11 So Crazy (05:44) 12 A Love I Can See (05:46) 13 Thats What Heartaches Are Made (04:46) 14 I Feel Good (04:04) |
| Awesome : Allmusic album Review : As the Otis Williams-fronted Temptations learned with Ear-Resistible, the groups surprisingly successful album from a year earlier, its best to play it safe and stay true to the times. And thats precisely what Williams does on Awesome, an album that models itself after Ear-Resistible. There are mostly ballads here and some innocent concessions to the hip-hop audience. Overall, though, this is the Temptations sounding like the Temptations, albeit a tender yet resilient Temptations. There arent any "Papa Was a Rolling Stone"s here and there arent any "Cloud Nine"s, just sappy, utopian love songs and some extra-lite music lingering safely in the background. This is how sequels should sound -- modestly like their predecessors. However, the modest sense of submission makes Awesome less rewarding than Ear-Resistible. There are few surprises, and the few surprises you do encounter are more calculated than inspired -- the calling card of a, perhaps unfortunately, content veteran act. | ||
 | Album: 37 of 40 Title: Joined Together: The Complete Studio Duets Released: 2004-04-27 Tracks: 38 Duration: 1:58:08 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Medley: When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through My Eyes / Come See About Me / Stop! In the Name of Love / Love Is Like an Itching in My Heart / You Keep Me Hangin On (03:17) 2 Try It Baby (03:45) 3 I Second That Emotion (02:31) 4 Aint No Mountain High Enough (02:17) 5 I’m Gonna Make You Love Me (03:08) 6 This Guys in Love With You (03:47) 7 Funky Broadway (02:35) 8 I’ll Try Something New (02:22) 9 A Place in the Sun (03:31) 10 Sweet Inspiration (02:58) 11 Then (02:20) 12 The Impossible Dream (04:47) 13 Medley: You Cant Hurry Love / You Keep Me Hangin On (02:39) 14 Got to Get You Into My Life (02:42) 15 You Gave Me Something (And Everythings Alright) (02:50) 16 A House Is Not a Home (03:21) 17 If You Should Walk Away (03:10) 18 Amen (02:17) 1 Stubborn Kind of Fellow (03:10) 2 Ill Be Doggone (03:34) 3 The Weight (03:04) 4 Aint Nothing Like the Real Thing (02:44) 5 Uptight (Everythings Alright) (03:06) 6 Sing a Simple Song (03:35) 7 My Guy, My Girl (03:14) 8 For Better or Worse (02:38) 9 Cant Take My Eyes Off You (03:13) 10 Why (Must We Fall in Love) (extended version) (03:14) 11 Ill Try Something New (single mix) (02:25) 12 Stubborn Kind of Fellow (single mix) (03:49) 13 Try It Baby (single mix) (03:06) 14 Funky Broadway (mono mix) (02:43) 15 The Weight (mono mix) (02:53) 16 Sing a Simple Song (mono mix) (03:39) 17 My Guy, My Girl (mono mix) (03:22) 18 Cant Take My Eyes Off You (03:13) 19 Im Gonna Make You Love Me (alternate mix with spoken intro) (03:14) 20 Not Now, Ill Tell You Later (extended alternate mix) (03:39) |
 | Album: 38 of 40 Title: Reflections Released: 2006-01-31 Tracks: 15 Duration: 1:02:52 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Can I Get a Witness (05:20) 2 Reflections (04:07) 3 How Sweet It Is (to Be Loved by You) (03:38) 4 Dont Leave Me This Way (03:16) 5 This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You) (04:55) 6 Aint Nothing Like the Real Thing (04:08) 7 I Hear a Symphony (02:48) 8 Try It Baby (03:33) 9 Aint No Mountain High Enough (04:11) 10 Ooo Baby Baby (03:45) 11 What Becomes of the Brokenhearted (04:03) 12 Never Can Say Goodbye (04:53) 13 Ill Be There (04:59) 14 Neither One of Us (04:38) 15 Reach Out and Touch (Somebodys Hand) (04:32) |
| Reflections : Allmusic album Review : Dont call it a comeback, because it sure isnt. But then again, the Temptations never went away. On the contrary, theyve been quietly churning out record after record, with the quality being surprisingly high for an act with such longevity. Granted, this isnt the classic Motown lineup everyones accustomed to hearing, as Otis Williams is the only original member still performing. Reflections finds the band digging back into the Motown songbook, the very book that they helped to make famous, for this 15-song offering. Every single one of these tracks was a bona fide soul smash in its heyday, and the group treats them all with delicate reverence. The production is highly polished and contemporary, adding a layer of gloss and sheen that takes away from the raw delivery of the originals, but trying to re-create the sound of Studio A would also be a high crime itself. Production values aside, this is the sound of a group long past paying its dues and feeling the need to prove anything to anyone. The Temptations are simply having fun in the studio, which translates very well in the vocal performances. | ||
 | Album: 39 of 40 Title: Back to Front Released: 2007-10-23 Tracks: 11 Duration: 49:05 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up (04:26) 2 Hold On Im Comin (03:03) 3 Wake up evrybody (05:46) 4 Minute By Minute (04:43) 5 Im In Love (03:18) 6 Dont Ask My Neighbors (04:37) 7 Love Ballad (04:41) 8 Let It Be Me (04:56) 9 How Deep Is Your Love (04:29) 10 (Every Time I Turn Around) Back In Love Again (04:25) 11 Respect Yourself (04:41) |
| Back to Front : Allmusic album Review : No vocal group is better qualified to pay tribute to R&B;s golden era than the Temptations, who do exactly that on Back to Front (an album containing mostly covers of soul classics from the 60s and 70s). Some soul connoisseurs will question whether or not the 2007 lineup heard on Back to Front should even be called the Temptations; Otis Williams is the only remaining original member, and the other participants include 1983 arrival Ron Tyson and three singers who didnt come on board until the 90s (Terry Weeks) or 2000s (Bruce Williamson and Joe Herndon). But then, lineup changes are nothing new for the Temptations, who had plenty of them during their 60s and 70s heyday -- and the important thing to remember about Back to Front is that the disc is quite faithful to the spirit of the pre-80s Temptations even though Williams is the only one who was actually part of the group before the 80s. The Temptations, of course, were synonymous with the Motown sound back in the day, but Back to Front celebrates classic soul outside of Motown with enthusiastic covers of gems ranging from Barry Whites "Never, Never Gonna Give You Up" and the Emotions "Dont Ask My Neighbors" to L.T.D.s hits "(Every Time I Turn Around) Back in Love Again" and "Love Ballad." The Temptations of 2007 pay tribute to Stax Records (Motowns most important competitor in the 60s) on Sam & Daves "Hold On! Im Comin" and the Staple Singers "Respect Yourself," and they acknowledge the Philadelphia International/Gamble & Huff sound on Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes "Wake Up Everybody." Back to Front is not in a class with the Temptations most essential 60s and 70s recordings, but it is an enjoyably satisfying tribute to R&B;s pre-urban contemporary, pre-hip-hop era. | ||
 | Album: 40 of 40 Title: Still Here Released: 2010-05-04 Tracks: 14 Duration: 57:20 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Still Here (Prelude) (00:30) 2 Change Has Come (03:21) 3 One of a Kind Lady (04:19) 4 Let Me Catch Your Diamonds (03:54) 5 Hold Me (05:04) 6 Warm Summer Nights (05:49) 7 First Kiss (04:14) 8 Shawtyismygirlooyeah (05:12) 9 Still Here With Me (04:15) 10 Soul Music (04:26) 11 Woman (05:30) 12 Listen Up (06:05) 13 Going Back Home (04:05) 14 Still Here (reprise) (00:36) |
| Still Here : Allmusic album Review : Released on the eve of their 50th anniversary, Still Here is the Temptations first album of original material since 2004’s Legacy. The group’s handful of attempts to relate to younger listeners fall flat. “Shawtyismygirlooyeah” would have greatly benefited from a more age-appropriate slang term, and “Change Has Come” is an unflattering, blustery production involving tension-raising synthetic string stabs à la Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” and a scrawling guitar. There’s also some unnecessary use of Auto-Tune, a trick that detracts from “One of a Kind Lady,” one of the album’s stronger songs. Otherwise, the album is heavy on laid-back love songs that are easy to enjoy, if occasionally on the tepid side. Unsurprisingly, nothing is lacking in the vocal performances from Otis Williams and his partners, best heard on “Listen Up” (“Pull your pants up!” interjection aside), a halting, politically charged number with an uplifting chorus. | ||