The Temptations
The Temptations are a legendary American vocal group formed in Detroit in 1960, renowned for their intricate choreography, flashy wardrobes, and unique "five lead singers" structure. As of 2025, the group continues to perform under the leadership of founder Otis Williams, who is the only surviving original member.
The group was born from the merger of two rival Detroit singing groups: The Primes: Including Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams. The Distants: Including Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, and Elbridge "Al" Bryant. They initially called themselves The Elgins but changed to The Temptations upon signing with Motown’s Miracle label in 1961. After several unsuccessful singles, David Ruffin replaced Al Bryant in 1964, completing what is known as the "Classic Five" lineup.
The group’s career is defined by three distinct stylistic shifts:
Romantic Ballads (1964–1968): Under producer Smokey Robinson, they achieved superstardom with hits like "My Girl" (their first #1 pop hit), "The Way You Do the Things You Do," and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg".
Psychedelic Soul (1968–1972): Following David Ruffin’s departure and his replacement by Dennis Edwards, producer Norman Whitfield pushed the group into a harder-edged, socially conscious sound. This era produced "Cloud Nine" (Motown’s first Grammy winner), "I Can't Get Next to You," and "Ball of Confusion".
Funk and Experimental Soul (1972–1976): This period peaked with the 12-minute magnum opus "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone," which earned the group two more Grammys.
The "Classic Five" Members:- Otis Williams: Founder and group leader; the only member to remain in the lineup since its inception. Melvin Franklin: Bass singer known for his deep, resonant voice; stayed with the group until shortly before his death in 1995. Eddie Kendricks: High tenor/falsetto lead; left for a solo career in 1971 and died in 1992. Paul Williams: Baritone lead and original choreographer; left in 1971 due to health issues and died in 1973. David Ruffin: Gritty tenor lead; fired in 1968 due to unprofessional behavior and drug use; died in 1991.
After David Ruffin's departure in 1968, Dennis Edwards joined, and producer Norman Whitfield shifted their sound towards psychedelic soul, funk, and harder R&B. This era produced hits like "Cloud Nine" (Grammy winner) and "I Can't Get Next to You," showcasing new vocal styles and social commentary. Other major records included "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)" and the iconic "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" (another Grammy winner).
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, the group received four Grammy Awards plus the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. Billboard ranked them the #1 Greatest R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of All Time in 2023.
Their story was adapted into a 1998 Emmy-winning TV miniseries and the hit Broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud.
1990
A2 I Need You 3:05
A3 Heavenly 4:01
A4 You've Got My Soul On Fire 3:59
A5 Ain't No Justice 5:50
B1 1990 4:06
B2 Zoom 13:45
Written and Produced by Norman Whitfield
Label: Gordy – G 966V1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre:
R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Motown
The Temptations' 1973 album 1990 is a high-quality, psychedelic soul/funk record praised for its gritty, Sly Stone-influenced sound, blending politically charged messages with classic funk grooves, marking a strong release in their Norman Whitfield era, though some found it lacked major "killer" hits compared to earlier work, with tracks like "Ain't No Justice" and "Zoom" highlighted for their potent funk.
The album is a departure from their earlier, smoother ballads, this album leans heavily into psychedelic funk and soul, with a raw, gritty texture,.
roduced by Norman Whitfield, it features complex arrangements and grooves reminiscent of Sly & The Family Stone, moving away from overly polished sounds.
It balances socially conscious messages (like the title track "1990") with traditional love songs, showing the group's evolving focus.
Standout Tracks: "Ain't No Justice," "Zoom," and "Psychedelic Shack" (long version) are frequently cited as highlights for their deep funk and psychedelic elements.
Many fans consider it a favorite, a "dope" record where every track sizzles with funk and soul. Seen as a strong, high-quality album from the era, even if it didn't produce massive crossover hits, it's considered a high point in their funk-oriented period.
In summary, 1990 is a must-listen for fans of deep funk and psychedelic soul, showcasing The Temptations at their most musically adventurous under Whitfield's vision, offering a rich, funky experience.
A Song For You
Written-By – D. Baldwin, J. Bowen, L. Richie
3:32
A2 Glasshouse
Written-By – Charlemagne
3:53
A3 Shakey Ground
Written-By – A. Boyd, E. Hazel, J. Bowen
3:58
A4 The Prophet
Written-By – J. Bowen, K. Wakefield, L. Duncan
4:20
A5 Happy People (Instrumental)
Written-By – The Temptations
2:52
B1 A Song For You
Written-By – L. Russell
4:32
B2 Memories
Written-By – D. Baldwin, J. Bowen, K. Wakefield
5:53
B3 I'm A Bachelor
Written-By – D. Harris, D. English, D. Edwards, O. Williams, R. Street
4:13
B4 Firefly
Written-By – J. Boyce
3:56
Label: Tamla Motown – STMA 8021
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1975
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
All Directions
Written-By – Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield
2:56
A2 Run Charlie Run
Written-By – Jan Forman, C. Maurice King
2:59
A3 Papa Was A Rollin' Stone
Written-By – Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield
11:46
B1 Love Woke Me Up This Morning
Written-By – Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson
2:38
B2 I Ain't Got Nothin'
Written-By – Evans King, C. Maurice King
3:30
B3 The First Time Ever
Written-By – Ewan Maccoll
3:59
B4 Mother Nature
Written-By – Dino Fekaris, Nick Zesses
2:54
B5 Do Your Thing
Written-By – Isaac Hayes
2:52
Label: Gordy – G 962L
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Gettin' Ready
Written-By – C. Jones, R. Dobyne, R. Staunton
2:27
A2 Little Miss Sweetness
Written-By – Wm. Robinson
3:10
A3 Ain't Too Proud To Beg
Written-By – E. Holland, N. Whitfield
2:33
A4 Get Ready
Written-By – Wm. Robinson
2:49
A5 Lonely, Lonely Man Am I
Written-By – E. Kendricks, E. Holland, N. Whitfield
2:34
A6 Too Busy Thinking About My Baby
Written-By – J. Bradford, N. Whitfield
2:39
B1 I've Been Good To You
Written-By – Wm. Robinson
2:59
B2 It's A Lonely World Without Your Love
Written-By – I. Hunter, Wm. Stevenson
2:30
B3 Fading Away
Written-By – R. Rogers, Wm. Robinson, W. Moore
2:37
B4 Who You Gonna Run To
Written-By – Wm. Robinson
3:05
B5 You're Not An Ordinary Girl
Written-By – Tarplin, Rogers, White, Robinson, Moore
2:49
B6 Not Now, I'll Tell You Later
Written-By – O. Williams, Wm. Robinson
2:53
Label: Gordy – G 918
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1966
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Motown
In A Mellow Mood
Written-By – O. Hammerstein II, R. Rodgers 2:57
A2 A Taste Of Honey
Written-By – B. Scott, R. Marlow 2:04
A3 For Once In My Life
Written-By – Orlando Murden, Ron Miller 3:04
A4 Somewhere
Written-By – Bernstein, Sondheim 4:11
A5 Ol' Man River
Written-By – O. Hammerstein II, J. Kern 4:24
A6 I'm Ready For Love
Written-By – Holland, Dozier, Holland 2:20
B1 Try To Remember
Written-By – H. Schmidt, T. Jones 3:01
B2 Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)
Written-By – A. Newley, L. Bricusse 3:22
B3 What Now My Love
Written-By – Carl Sigman, G. Becaud, P. Delanoe 3:35
B4 That's Life
Written-By – D. Kay, K. Gordon 2:57
B5 With These Hands
Written-By – A. Silver, B. Davis 3:37
B6 The Impossible Dream
Written-By – J. Darion, M. Leigh 3:21
Label: Gordy – GS 924
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1967
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Pop
The Temptations in a Mellow Mood (1967) is a polarizing but significant album, a Motown crossover attempt featuring the classic lineup covering standards with orchestral backing, showcasing individual talents like Paul Williams ("For Once in My Life") and David Ruffin ("Somewhere"), though some find its polished, less gritty sound dull compared to their R&B hits, while others praise it as a showcase for their vocal skills and a successful venture into pop/jazz standards.
For this album Berry Gordy wanted to cross the group over to white supper club/pop audiences, moving away from their raw R&B sound.
The album highlights the distinct voices of the original members (Williams, Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin), demanding tight harmonies and challenging them with Broadway-style songs.
It features lush, jazzy arrangements and orchestral backing, contrasting with their earlier Motown hits, with some critics finding it too tame or "Four Freshman-style".
Some fans disliked the departure from soul/funk, while others appreciated the vocal brilliance, and it did help them reach broader audiences.
The Temptations in a Mellow Mood is praised for its vocal performances and ambitious crossover attempt but criticized for sacrificing the gritty soul of their earlier work for pop accessibility, making it a divisive but essential album for understanding their career evolution.
Masterpiece
A2 Masterpiece 13:54
B1 Ma 4:46
B2 Law Of The Land 5:08
B3 Plastic Man 6:06
B4 Hurry Tomorrow 8:08
Produced, Written-By – Norman Whitfield
Label: Gordy – G965L, Gordy – G 965L
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
Meet The Temptations
A2 I Want A Love I Can See (Wm. Robinson 2:29)
A3 Dream Come True (Berry Gordy, Jr. 2:54)
A4 Paradise (Berry Gordy, Jr. 2:49)
A5 May I Have This Dance (Bradford, Whitfield 2:09)
A6 Isn't She Pretty (Gordy, Kendrick, Williams 2:41)
B1 Just Let Me Know (Berry Gordy, Jr. 2:48)
B2 Your Wonderful Love (Berry Gordy, Jr. 2:50)
B3 The Further You Look, The Less You See (Whitfield, Robinson 2:17)
B4 Check Yourself (Gordy, Bryant, Franklin, Williams 2:44)
B5 Slow Down Heart (Wm. Robinson 2:27)
B6 Farewell My Love (Berry Gordy, Jr. 2:25)
Label: Gordy – 911
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1964
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Motown
Meet the Temptations is a celebrated debut album from 1964 that serves as a strong introduction to the group's talent, featuring their first hit single, "The Way You Do the Things You Do".
While it showcases the classic Motown sound and the group's vocal versatility, including leads from David Ruffin, the album also includes material recorded with former member Al Bryant.
Many reviewers praise its quality, though some note that the group's sound would evolve and become even more sophisticated on later albums.
Reviewers describe it as a "wonderful introduction" and a "remarkable introduction" to one of music's greatest groups. The album highlights the diverse talents within the group, with different members singing lead, most notably David Ruffin on a few tracks.
It includes the group's first major hit, "The Way You Do the Things You Do". The album features material recorded with original member Al Bryant before he was replaced by David Ruffin in late 1963.
The album is a quintessential example of the early, "golden age" of Motown, with high-quality musicianship. Some lyrics are described as "cute" and "endearing," fitting the time period and style of early Motown.
While a great album, some critics note that Meet the Temptations is less polished than their later work, which saw their sound become more complex and socially conscious.
Phoenix Rising
Written-By – Benjamin Wright, Otis Williams
0:44
2 Stay
Written-By – James Fischer, Narada Michael Walden, R. White, Scott Urguhart, W. Robinson
4:45
3 False Faces
Written-By – Arthur Marbury III
5:30
4 How Could He Hurt You
Written-By – Darcy Aldridge, Rex Rideout, Ronnie Garrett, Tony Kurtis
4:51
5 I'm Calling You (Interlude)
Written-By – Otis Williams, Theo Peoples
1:25
6 This Is My Promise
Written-By – Theo Peoples
7:20
7 My Love
Written-By – Darrin McKinney, Narada Michael Walden, Robin Taylor Brooks, Rodney Alejandro, Ron Tyson
4:19
8 Tempt Me
Written-By – Darrin McKinney, Narada Michael Walden, Robin Taylor Brooks, Rodney Alejandro
5:05
9 If I Give You My Heart
Written-By – Narada Michael Walden, Sunny Hilden
4:34
10 Take Me In Your Arms
Written-By – Johnny Britt, Otis Williams
3:57
11 That's What Friends Are For
Written-By – Arthur Marbury III, Melvin Jordan, Otis Williams, Terry Weeks
5:51
12 Just Like I Told You
Written-By – Isaias Gamboa
4:46
13 Stay (Remix)
Written-By – James Fischer, Narada Michael Walden, Scott Urguhart
4:03
Label: Motown – 314530937-2
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1998
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Seventies Soul
Power
Written-By – Angelo Bond, Berry Gordy, Jean Mayer*
6:06
A2 Struck By Lightning Twice
Producer – Angelo Bond, William Weatherspoon
Written-By – Angelo Bond, Ronald Weatherspoon, William Weatherspoon
4:13
A3 Isn't The Night Fantastic
Written-By – David English, Dennis Edwards, Glenn Leonard, Otis Williams, Richard Street
4:15
A4 How Can I Resist Your Love
Producer, Arranged By – Teddy Randazzo
Strings, Horns [Arrangements] – Gene Page, Paul Riser
Written-By – Angelo Bond, William Weatherspoon
3:53
B1 Shadow Of Your Love
Producer, Arranged By – Teddy Randazzo
Written-By – Tony Travaglini*, Teddy Randazzo
4:38
B2 Can't You See Sweet Thing
Written-By – David English, Dennis Edwards, Glenn Leonard, Otis Williams, Richard Street
6:07
B3 Go For It
Producer – Angelo Bond, William Weatherspoon
Written-By – Angelo Bond, Ronald Weatherspoon, William Weatherspoon
4:22
B4 I'm Coming Home
Written-By – David English, Dennis Edwards, Glenn Leonard, Otis Williams, Richard Street
4:08
Label: Gordy – G8-994M1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1980
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk, Disco
Psychedelic Shack
A2 You Make Your Own Heaven And Hell Right Here On Earth 2:46
A3 Hum Along And Dance 3:53
A4 Take A Stroll Thru Your Mind 8:32
B1 It's Summer 2:35
B2 War 4:13
B3 You Need Love Like I Do (Don't You) 4:02
B4 Friendship Train 7:53
Written-By – N. Whitfield, B. Strong
Label: Gordy – GS947
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Seventies Soul, Motown
Reunion
Featuring Rick James
Written-By – Rick James
9:50
2 You Better Beware
Written-By – Barrett Strong
5:00
3 Lock It In The Pocket
Written-By – Benny C. Medina, Kerry Ashby
4:29
4 I've Never Been To Me
Written-By – Ken Hirsch, Ron Miller
5:56
5 Backstage
Written-By – William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr.
4:29
6 More On The Inside
Written-By – William "Smokey" Robinson, Jr.
3:49
7 Money's Hard To Get
Written-By – Benny C. Medina, Kerry Ashby
4:42
Bonus Tracks:
8 Like A Diamond In The Sky 3:06
9 Don't Hold It In
Label: Gordy – 6008GL
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
CD Reissue: 2019
Country: US
Released: 1982
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Eighties Soul, Funk, Disco
Sky's The LimitSky s The Limit Skys The Limit
Written-By – N. Whitfield, B. Strong
3:50
A2 Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)
Written-By – N. Whitfield, B. Strong
3:39
A3 I'm The Exception To The Rule
Written-By – N. Whitfield, B. Strong
3:20
A4 Smiling Faces Sometimes
Written-By – N. Whitfield, B. Strong
12:35
B1 Man
Written-By – N. Whitfield, B. Strong
2:37
B2 Throw A Farewell Kiss
Written-By – E. Holland , N. Whitfield
3:25
B3 Ungena Za Ulimwengu (Unite The World)
Written-By – N. Whitfield, B. Strong
4:30
B4 Love Can Be Anything (Can't Nothing Be Love But Love)
Written-By – N. Whitfield, B. Strong
9:20
Label: Gordy – GS957
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Seventies Soul, Motown
Still Here
Written-By, Producer – Otis Williams
Written-By, Producer, Keyboards – Johnny Britt 0:30
2 Change Has Come
Bass – Sean Michael Ray
Guitar – Damon Johnson, Roger Jones
Producer – James Yerby, Michael Panepento, Shaun Pezant
Rap – Marques Johnson
Written-By – James Yerby, Shaun Pezant 3:21
3 One Of A Kind Lady
Bass – Kerry Turman
Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Bobby English
Written By, Producer – Otis Williams
Written-By, Producer, Arranged By [Vocal], Programmed By, Instruments, Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Johnny Britt 4:18
4 Let Me Catch Your Diamonds
Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Bobby English
Written-By, Producer, Arranged By [Vocal] – Otis Williams
Written-By, Producer, Arranged By [Vocal], Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Johnny Britt 3:53
5 Hold Me
Bass – Kerry Turman
Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Bobby English
Written-By, Producer, Arranged By [Vocal] – Otis Williams
Written-By, Producer, Arranged By [Vocal], Programmed By, Instruments, Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Johnny Britt 5:03
6 Warm Summer Nights
Bass – Sean Michael Ray
Guitar – Norris Jones
Producer – Yerbys
Producer, Percussion – Michael Panepento
Producer, Programmed By, Keyboards – Shaun Pezant
Written-By – James Yerby, Maxine Yerby, Shaun Pezant 5:49
7 First Kiss
Acoustic Guitar – Sam Pointer
Bass – Sean Michael Ray
Drums – Melvin Baldwin
Producer, Arranged By, Programmed By, Keyboards – Shaun Pezant
Producer, Percussion – Michael Panepento
Written-By – James Yerby, Shaun Pezant 4:13
8 Shawtyismygirlooyeah
Percussion – Gregg (Greco) Freeman
Producer – Otis Williams
Producer, Programmed By, Arranged By – Keith Ferguson
Written-By – Keith Ferguson 5:12
9 Still Here With Me
Producer – Michael Panepento, Yerbys
Producer, Arranged By, Programmed By, Keyboards – Shaun Pezant
Soprano Saxophone – Kelley O'Neal
Written-By – James Yerby, Maxine Yerby, Shaun Pezant 4:15
10 Soul Music
Alto Saxophone – Kelley O'Neal
Bass – Sean Michael Ray
Guitar – Norris Jones
Producer – Yerbys
Producer, Arranged By, Programmed By, Keyboards – Shaun Pezant
Producer, Percussion – Michael Panepento
Written-By – James Yerby, Shaun Pezant 4:26
11 Woman
Producer – Michael Panepento, Yerbys
Producer, Arranged By, Programmed By, Keyboards – Shaun Pezant
Written-By – James Yerby, Shaun Pezant 5:30
12 Listen Up
Guitar – Damon Johnson
Producer – Yerbys
Producer, Arranged By, Programmed By, Keyboards – Shaun Pezant
Producer, Percussion – Michael Panepento
Written-By – James Yerby, Maxine Yerby, Shaun Pezant 6:05
13 Going Back Home
Acoustic Guitar, Slide Guitar – Sam Pointer
Bass – Sean Michael Ray
Producer, Arranged By, Programmed By, Keyboards – Shaun Pezant
Producer, Tambourine – Michael Panepento
Written-By – James Yerby, Shaun Pezant 4:04
14 Still Here (Reprise)
Written-By, Producer – Otis Williams
Written-By, Producer, Arranged By [Vocal], Orchestrated By – Johnny Britt 0:34
Label: 10/30 International – B0014216-02
Format: CD, Album, Promo
Country: US
Released: 2010
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul
The Temptations' 2010 album, Still Here, received mixed but generally positive reviews, praised for its strong vocal performances, especially by Bruce Williamson and Ron Tyson, and attempts at socially relevant tracks reminiscent of their classics, but criticized for sometimes generic production, overuse of Auto-Tune, and attempts to appeal to younger listeners that fell flat, though ballads like "Hold Me" and modernized updates like "Shawtyismygirlooyeah" (for "My Girl") were highlights, making it a solid, if not groundbreaking, effort for the legendary group.
Reviewers lauded the powerful harmonies and individual talents, especially Williamson's strong lead and Tyson's smooth falsetto, holding true to classic Temptations style. The slow jams, particularly "Hold Me" and "Still Here with Me," were frequently singled out as beautiful and emotionally resonant. Tracks like "Change Has Come" and "Listen Up" were seen as welcome returns to their socially conscious roots, echoing hits like "Ball of Confusion". "Shawtyismygirlooyeah" was noted as a clever, modern take on the iconic "My Girl".
Some found the overall production sometimes underdeveloped or overly "plastic," with efforts to sound contemporary sometimes failing. The use of Auto-Tune on some tracks was a point of contention for critics. While some tracks succeeded, others, like "Going Back Home," were considered filler, leading to an uneven experience.
Despite flaws, Still Here was seen as a brave attempt to record new material, a welcome change from covers, and a testament to the group's enduring vocal quality, making it an enjoyable listen for longtime fans.
The Temptations Sing Smokey
Written-By – Rogers, Robinson
2:35
A2 Baby, Baby I Need You
Written-By – Robinson
2:53
A3 My Girl
Written-By – White, Robinson
2:53
A4 What Love Has Joined Together
Written-By – Rogers, Robinson
2:55
A5 You'll Lose A Precious Love
Written-By – Robinson
2:25
A6 It's Growing
Written-By – Robinson, Moore
2:57
B1 Who's Lovin' You
Written-By – Robinson
2:55
B2 What's So Good About Goodbye
Written-By – Robinson
2:36
B3 You Beat Me To The Punch
Written-By – White, Robinson
2:43
B4 Way Over There
Written-By – Robinson
3:00
B5 You've Really Got A Hold On Me
Written-By – Robinson
2:58
B6 (You Can) Depend On Me
Written-By – Gordy, Robinson
2:31
Label: Gordy – 912
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1965
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Motown
The Temptations Sing Smokey (1965) is a pivotal album showcasing the group's early magic, blending Smokey Robinson's songwriting with their burgeoning harmonies, featuring their first major hit, "The Way You Do the Things You Do," and the iconic "My Girl," though some reviewers note the second side, composed mostly of Miracles' covers, feels less focused but still shines with strong vocal performances and captures early Motown soul perfectly. It's praised for its seamless sound, vocal versatility, and capturing the era's youthful romance, making it a classic despite some filler.
The album revealed the group's potential, with standout moments from Eddie Kendricks (falsetto) and David Ruffin, though harmonies weren't fully polished. It contains their breakthrough "The Way You Do the Things You Do" and the timeless, joyful ballad "My Girl," considered one of the best love songs ever.
The entire record is a testament to Smokey Robinson's songwriting, with songs like "It's Growing" and "What Love Has Joined Together" highlighting his talent. It perfectly embodies early Motown soulful pop, with rich soundscapes and emotive vocals that feel authentic and versatile.
Some critics find the second half, mainly covers of Miracles' songs, less essential, with tracks like "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" lacking the original's punch and feeling like filler. While strong, some tracks exhibit a "lounge lizard" feel or underdeveloped melodies compared to later works, according to one source.
Overall Impression: The Temptations Sing Smokey is essential listening, a beautiful whole where each track serves the album's purpose of showcasing this legendary group and Smokey's songwriting, even with minor weaknesses in track selection. It's a snapshot of early Motown perfection, full of youthful exuberance and enduring soul.
The Temptin' Temptations
Producer – William "Smokey" Robinson
Written-By – William "Smokey" Robinson, Warren Moore
2:51
2 The Girl's Alright With Me
Producer – Norman Whitfield
Written-By – Eddie Kendricks, Edward Holland Jr., Norman Whitfield
2:49
3 Just Another Lonely Night
Producer – William "Mickey" Stevenson & Ivy Jo Hunter
Written-By – Ivy Jo Hunter And William "Mickey" Stevenson
2:58
4 My Baby
Producer – William "Smokey" Robinson
Written-By – Robert Rogers, William "Smokey" Robinson, Warren Moore
3:00
5 You've Got To Earn It
Producer – William "Smokey" Robinson
Written-By – Cornelius Grant, William "Smokey" Robinson
2:35
6 Everybody Needs Love
Producer – Norman Whitfield
Written-By – Edward Holland Jr., Norman Whitfield
2:55
7 Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue)
Producer – Norman Whitfield
Written-By – Edward Holland Jr., Norman Whitfield
2:17
8 Don't Look Back
Producer – William "Smokey" Robinson
Written-By – Ronald White, William "Smokey" Robinson
2:50
9 I Gotta Know Now
Producer – Norman Whitfield
Written-By – Edward Holland Jr., Norman Whitfield
2:34
10 Born To Love You
Producer – William "Mickey" Stevenson & Ivy Jo Hunter
Written-By – Ivy Jo Hunter And William "Mickey" Stevenson
2:36
11 I'll Be In Trouble
Written-By, Producer – William "Smokey" Robinson
2:54
12 You're The One I Need
Written-By, Producer – William "Smokey" Robinson
2:23
Label: Gordy – 914
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1965
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Motown
To Be Continued...
Written-By – Mark Holden
5:06
A2 Message To The World
Written-By – Dennis Lambert, Franne Golde, Paul Fox
4:22
A3 To Be Continued
Alto Saxophone – David Sanborn
Written-By – Ali-Ollie Woodson, Otis Williams
5:00
A4 Put Us Together Again
Written-By – Gerard McMahon
3:50
A5 Someone
Choir – Reverend James Cleveland Gospel Messengers
Written-By – Bill LaBounty, David Anderson
4:36
B1 Girls (They Like It)
Soloist, Electronic Wind Instrument – Jerry Peterson
Written-By – Lenny Macaluso, Peter Bunetta, Rick Chudacoff
4:36
B2 More Love, Your Love
Soloist, Electronic Valve Instrument – Darrell Leonard
Written-By – Mark Holden, Steve LeGassick
4:20
B3 A Fine Mess
Written-By – Dennis Lambert, Henry Mancini
4:05
B4 You're The One
Soloist, Harmonica – Mike Turk
Written-By – Ronald Tyson
4:38
B5 Love Me Right
Written-By – Ali-Ollie Woodson, Otis Williams, Richard Street
4:20
Label: Gordy – 6207GL
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1986
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Eighties Soul, Ballad, Funk
Wish It Would Rain
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield, R. Penzabene 3:15
A2 Cindy
Written-By – Wm. Robinson 3:06
A3 I Wish It Would Rain
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield, R. Penzabene 2:48
A4 Please Return Your Love To Me
Written-By – B. Neely, B. Strong, N. Whitfield 2:21
A5 Fan The Flame
Written-By – A. Cleveland, Wm. Robinson, T. Johnson 2:40
A6 He Who Picks A Rose
Written-By – E. Smiley, E. Holland, N. Whitfield 2:31
B1 Why Did You Leave Me Darling
Written-By – D. Dean, D. Richards 2:11
B2 I Truly, Truly Believe
Written-By – A. Story, H. Gordy, M. Johnson 2:40
B3 This Is My Beloved
Written-By – N. Ashford, V. Simpson 2:12
B4 Gonna Give Her All The Love I've Got
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield 2:44
B5 I've Passed This Way Before
Written-By – J. Dean, Wm. Weatherspoon 2:40
B6 No Man Can Love Her Like I Do
Written-By – E. Kendricks, E. Holland, N. Whitfield 2:14
Label: Gordy – GS 927
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1968
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul, Motown
The Temptations' "Wish It Would Rain" album review is a highly regarded, emotionally intense final album for the "Classic Five" lineup, featuring David Ruffin's anguished leads on hits like the title track and "I Could Never Love Another," alongside great moments for Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin, and Paul Williams, showcasing rich Motown production, but sometimes overshadowed by later psychedelic work despite its classic soul status.
Considered a powerful farewell from the iconic "Classic Five" lineup (Ruffin, Kendricks, Williams, Otis Williams, Franklin), marking the last album with David Ruffin before his departure.
David Ruffin dominates with raw, heartbroken lead vocals on major hits like the eponymous "I Wish It Would Rain" (a #1 R&B hit) and "I Could Never Love Another," capturing intense soul. Other members shine, including Eddie Kendricks' falsetto on "This Is My Beloved" and Melvin Franklin's rare lead on "I Truly, Truly Believe".
The album carries a somber, heartfelt tone, particularly linked to lyricist Roger Penzabene's tragic suicide, making the pain in the songs feel authentic. Norman Whitfield's production provides a grand, string-laden backdrop for the vocals, typical of Motown's golden age.
Often overlooked for the psychedelic soul albums that followed, Wish It Would Rain is praised as a magnificent, emotionally potent collection essential for any R&B fan, despite some weaker album tracks.
Wish It Would Rain is seen as a classic, deeply emotional soul album, defined by David Ruffin's iconic vocals, showcasing the immense talent of the Classic Five at a pivotal moment, and remains a highly recommended listen.