The Undisputed Truth
The Undisputed Truth was a psychedelic soul group formed in 1970 by Motown producer Norman Whitfield as an experimental outlet for his innovative production style. Known for their flamboyant look—large white afros, whiteface makeup, and capes—they blended funk, soul, and social commentary in hits like "Smiling Faces Sometimes."
The original trio featured lead singer Joe "Pep" Harris, formerly of The Fabulous Peps and Ohio Players, alongside Billie Rae Calvin and Brenda Joyce Evans from The Delicates, who had sung backups for Diana Ross and Four Tops. Whitfield assembled them partly to channel his creative ideas beyond The Temptations. They debuted with the socially charged "California Soul" cover before their signature cover of "Smiling Faces Sometimes" hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971.
Albums like Face the Music (1971) and Cosmic Funk (1973) defined their psychedelic soul sound with politically themed lyrics and funky grooves. By 1973, Evans left, followed by Calvin; the group expanded to a quintet with Virginia "Vee" McDonald, Tyrone Douglas, Tyrone "Lil Ty" Barkley, and Calvin Stephenson.
In 1975, Whitfield left Motown for his own label, taking the group (minus some originals) for albums like Cosmic Truth. Lineups shifted further, featuring Taka Boom (Chaka Khan's sister) and others through 1981's Smokin'. A 1991 revival on Motorcity Records included Harris, Evans, and Belita Woods. The group disbanded amid Whitfield's label struggles but influenced funk-soul acts.
The Undisputed Truth
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield
2:57
A2 Save My Love For A Rainy Day
Written-By – N. Whitfield, R. Penzabene
3:50
A3 California Soul
Written-By – N. Ashford, V. Simpson
3:45
A4 Aquarius
Written-By – G. MacDermot, G. Ragni, J. Rado
2:39
A5 Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today)
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield
10:20
B1 Smiling Faces Sometimes
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield
3:05
B2 We've Got A Way Out Love
Written-By – Holland, Dozier, Holland
2:55
B3 Since I've Lost You
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield
3:10
B4 Ain't No Sun Since You've Been Gone
Written-By – C. Grant, N. Whitfield, S. Moy
2:42
B5 I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield
2:51
B6 Like A Rolling Stone
Written-By – B. Dylan
6:30
Label: Gordy – G 955L
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
The Undisputed Truth's 1971 self-titled debut is a landmark psychedelic soul album produced by Norman Whitfield. It features the massive hit "Smiling Faces Sometimes" and a blend of eerie, funk-driven covers and original tracks, showcasing the group's haunting harmonies and innovative, socially conscious sound.
The album is heavily defined by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, utilizing a, at times, "throwback" uptown Motown sound blended with modern, experimental psychedelic-funk edges.
Features the distinct, soaring vocals of Joe Harris, Billie Calvin, and Brenda Evans. Includes the hit "Smiling Faces Sometimes," "You Got the Love I Need," "Save My Love for a Rainy Day," and covers of "Ball of Confusion," "California Soul," and "Like a Rolling Stone".
While praised for its innovative sound, some critics consider the album to have a mix of genius, such as "Smiling Faces Sometimes," alongside, at times, less consistent, experimental filler tracks.
The album was a commercial success, with the single "Smiling Faces Sometimes" hitting #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is viewed as a "masterclass in psychedelic soul" and a "captivating snapshot of early-70s, paranoia-fueled funk".
It peaked at #7 on the US R&B charts and #43 on the Pop charts. While sometimes described as "tentative and flawed," it is hailed by soul connoisseurs as a "hidden gem" that pushed the boundaries of the Motown sound into the 1970s.
Recent reissues in late 2024 and early 2025 by labels like Elemental Music and Kent Soul have sparked renewed interest in the album's high-quality production and 180gm vinyl sound quality.