All Directions

The level of this (the musicianship, the artistry of the lyrics) rises so far above some of the indie crap that had come up in this list so far...

Man, the Temptations... What a wildly schizophrenic band. I feel like most of their albums have the same issue. You'll be grooving along to some truly quality funk and then, all of the sudden, it switches to track after track of doo-wop, Jackson 5 style R&B. Just stick with the monster funk, guys! It's so good when you're just funkin' it up.

Groovy. Interesting lyrics for 'Run Charlie Run' but a powerful message. 'Papa was a rolling stone' is a phenomenal single from this album and I know it well. Even though this song sits on permanent rotation in my spotify playlist, I enjoyed every second of this version. It holds it's breath in suspense, setting the mood with anticipation. When the lyrics finally fly, it's the most powerful they've ever felt. Love the ending riff for Do Your Thing. This album is criminally short. Such is the nature of the vinyl record.

Maybe because I'm used to their more upbeat songs but this album was a drag. Maybe the songs work on their own but together it was a single melody, slow and depressing.

Super funky and socially conscious. I can dig it.

Funky, surprisingly topical, and filled with the feeling of grooving in the summer in your youth.

old school R&B. I like it.

this is such a great album. absolute classic soul. all of their voices are incredible. even the 10 min song was perf. MWAH

An incredible album. Many have heard of Papa Was A Rolling Stone, but many of the tracks on this already short album are striking pieces.

These guys sure traveled a long way from "My Girl" and "Just My Imagination." And they still have the ability, I just don't like the music as much. There are still some pop sensibilities in pleasant adaptations like "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," but they stand oddly next to what is mostly a funk album. And they do funk pretty well, but it's largely unremarkable. Though I do gave some remarks. Now I know that, the next time I'm at a track or cross country meet, and no matter who I'm rooting for, I should never yell, "Run, Charlie, Run!" This album has already saved me from that fallout. Why is the intro to "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" is long? There is no reason for this song as a while to be this length. It's good enough funk, but was this from a 70s Cop Movie with very long credits or a porn flick where the guy just couldn't finish? Mother Nature is one of my more favored tracks. You can feel Marvin Gaye's 60s give way to the 70s, and it's a decent song, but it's just a bit flat emotionally like the bulk of the album.

Good album, but I think they have better tunes on other albums.

Good songs here and there, but overall really not my style...

I always knew Papa Was a Rolling Stone was a Certified Banger™, and I am very happy to see the rest of the album has no trouble matching it's prowess.

Funky rollercoaster of emotions? Yes please! To think they almost didn't include "Papa" and "Run Charlie Run", and that they expected the album to flop because of these songs, is completely insane. Papa is the only song in this album that I was already familiar with (and love!). Discovering the others was an absolute treat. Was dancing and groovin' from the first track. "Do your Thing" will probably be the soundtrack to those days when I need a little extra motivation from the heavens. And boy does Otis Williamses' baritone voice get me every time. Don't know another voice like it.

Pure funk. Very cool.

Classic - loved hearing papa was a rolling stone. Really funky. And surprised to hear “the ni**as are coming”

Love this. Funky first half, ballad side B. Beautiful arrangements and playing by the Funk Brothers, terrific vocals, and a-grade repertoire choices. And it has 'Papa Was A Rollin' Stone' in its glorious full 12 minute version, which is the high-water mark of psychedelic soul. The Temps themselves didn't really go for the funky material (especially Papa Was A Rollin' Stone), fearing it was more about Norman Whitfield's arrangements and production (true), and less like the ballad material they were more comfortable with. But the amazing cinematic soul expanse of Whitfield's production on Papa is an absolutely landmark. Whitfield had a great ear for what was happening, with much of the material on the album covers of previous singles (and likely picking up The First Time I ever Saw Yoru Face from the placement of Roberta Flack's version in Play Misty for Me, just before it was released as a single). Whitfield could hear the possibilities in the songs and arranged them into something new and different, clearly influenced by Isaac Hayes' unhurried and spacious production approach to soul The politics are sometimes a little wonky. The Temps really didn't like the lyrics to Run Charlie Run, a clumsy statement on white flight with repeated and prominent use of the n-word, and were uncomfortable with the presentation of black fathers in papa, which didn't align with their own experiences. But the playing is majestic, one of the last great works of the Detroit-based Funk Brothers before Motown moved all their operations to LA. The legend is that James Jamerson walked out of the Papa session because he hated playing the same simple riff for so long. But the tension between the singers, the musicians and producer Whitfield (and songwriter Barrett Strong) create a master work, even if they could never work together in combination again. They created one last masterpiece before they went their separate ways.

The whole is less than the sum of its parts somehow in this case. So many stone cold classics that don’t quite add up to a cohesive album. It’s more like a greatest hits I guess. Still gets a 4 though

Solid even though 'Papa' feels like the centerpiece. I like the more upbeat songs over the ballads.

i'm a big fan of motown in general, but it's obvious that, production-wise, the temptations truly were at their best with norman whitfield at the helm. this album is the pinnacle of that. of course, as always, the temptations' vocals and arrangements are top notch, the production, as previously mentioned, is great and although not as groundbreaking as the temptations' 'cloud nine' with this production style, but is a continuation and elevation of that style. whitfield's trademark lush orchestration and funk instrumentation is incredibly important and still great to this day. i think what prevents this album from going from good to great is the crop of songs. the first side is great and funky - especially with what may be the temptations' magnum opus ('papa was a rollin' stone'). the second side is a lot slower and ballady and, even though i know the temptations were very fond of soft, sensitive ballads, i don't know that i like them as well from them as opposed to their more upbeat fare. their cover of 'the first time ever (i saw your face)' is, quite frankly, kind of boring. i can deal with the rest but it does feel like it kills the pacing of the album.

Nicely understated and surprisingly enjoyable. Of it's time great vocals and musicianship.

The Temptations were one of the most popular Progressive Soul groups of the late 60's and early 70's and with this, their most popular release, they put out some of their best known and most influential songs, mainly 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone' which is a staggering 11 minutes long which goes to show that they didn't really needed to sacrifice artistic value to stay relevant. From a today's perspective, their music might not have aged as well as maybe Marvin Gaye's or Stevie Wonder's but they aren't to be messed with overall. The Deep Funk inspired Soul song 'Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On' starts things off with a live introduction that adds the (probably) studio recorded instruments on top that features nice playing as well as some very catchy backing vocals that make this song very easy to vibe with. Although it sometimes feels like the song lacks substance and isn't fully fleshed out into what it might've been in its final form but it's regardless of that a really nice song with a ton of great moments. It gets even funkier with 'Run Charlie Run' which has a really funny hook which seems to be influenced by some stuff by The Last Poets and in that regard might've influenced a lot of early Hip-Hop. Again, it does feel unfinished and has a certain lack of substance even if it's very fun to listen to, there isn't much to hold onto. It's really good but it kind of ends there. The very Progressive Soul sounding and long playing 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone' is THE song of the album. A lot might've known it before and it's become an absolute classic in the Prog-Soul scene working as a kind of blueprint for later appearing artists. The psychedelic sound that plays with different dreamy instruments and even some interesting guitar effects that over the span of the song build up into more and more tension that stays interesting and funky. I do think that the vocals appear at a weird time. They should've either came much earlier or even later but at the moment they appear, it feels just off. But even with that, they manage to pull it back into making a really catchy chorus that sadly vanishes too early. It's overall a really interesting and really good song but there are so many things that I would've changed about it, mainly the structure and the building of tension, that in the end, I cannot think of it higher than "really good". Nothin totally mind changing and definitely not perfected to the fullest potential. On Side 2, 'Love Woke Me Up This Morning' brings in a lot of Smooth Soul performances that beautifully mix with the piano and strings and create a really lovely sound with the different vocalists that all work together. I do think that the mixing is a little bit off and too raw and also the song ends way to early to be really anything substantial. It's nice, don't get me wrong but it feels like an interlude. The smooth vocals stay on 'I Ain't Got Nothing' which would've been really good if they didn't add the weird "Shoo-wop-shoo-wop" hooks at the weirdest and most unfitting times that totally disrupt the song and make it annoying at these times. It's just not needed or adding anything "quirky" to it. I really do not care for what they did here at all in the end. 'The First Time Ever (I Saw Your Face)' might be the best of the Smooth Soul songs here mainly because it features the best vocal performance as well as the best arrangements even if both are mixed really weirdly. It's not a crazy song or anything too special but it's fine. On 'Mother Nature' they return to more typical approach to Soul that mainly shines with the different arrangements as well as the tension that it builds. It sounds like it's working towards one of the catchiest choruses ever made but that just doesn't appear. That doesn't make the song bad but it does make it feel pretty redundant even with the trumpets and the incredible vocals. It's nice to listen to but again, not like it has too much substance within. The final song, 'Do Your Thing' returns to more Funk while still being majorly Soul with some actually catchy moments that are really enjoyable. The piano especially as well as the hook are some real standouts here. It's a really good song and easily one of the best on the album. favourites: Papa Was a Rolling Stone, Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On, Run Charlie Run, Do Your Thing least favourites: I Ain't Got Nothing Rating: strong 6 https://rateyourmusic.com/~Emil_ph for more ratings, reviews and takes

Hell yeah

A masterclass in shifting from pretty poor soul to cutting social commentary. The opening bass of Papa alone set the scene for what is to come. This is such an ambitious album. I was going to give it four stars. The First Time I Ever Saw tipped it over to five. Run Charlie Run doesn't get played on the radio today. Fancy that.

Traccia due "the niggers Is coming" di conseguenza 5 stelle

Fantastic album. Loving the funk here and "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" is one of the best songs ever. The first song on here is good, but why the fuck does it only play out of the right ear? Other than that this is a terrific listen

Another excellent soul record that I feel is far too short! It’s funky and it’s cool, and it’s almost vaguely psychedelic at points. I really enjoyed this record. I must admit that “Run Charlie Run” caught me off guard a little bit with its lyrics, but the black power movement at the time was a hell of a beast. I don’t even really have a lot to say here, this album really speaks for itself. Excellent all around. 5*

Phenomenal voices used in timeless classics.

Bra funk!

Great

Iconic!

wowowowowowowow. so fucking good. i have a friend named charlie so run charlie run was pretty funny. 10/10

What can I say? Solid gold classic.

Magic.

Like how the instrumentation and the vocals mix, it's very smooth and clean I like the funk influences mixed with the more traditional R&B sound. Mix is a bit unconventional, as everything is pushed quite far back but it has very good stereo separation. Favorite track: Papa was a Rollin' Stone

It’s gets five stars just for Papa Was A Rolling Stone. That song slaps! A 10 minute long song with a lengthy bass melody introduction is just fantastic! I remember first listening to it and finding it crazy and unlike anything I’d ever heard before. So yeah! This album gets five stars just for that song.

yep

The Temptations are an American treasure. One of the all-time great vocal groups of any genre. This album is chock full of great songs and every one of them is top tier. https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-all-directions-by-the?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Favourites: Run Charlie Run Papa was. A rolling stone I ain’t got nothing

Anything by the Temps is great.

Amigo, qué flow.

There’s got me through my afternoon. It’s been awhile since I’ve listened to something new and heartfelt as a vocalist. Myself. I feel like I was born in the wrong decade. I would love to do this style of music.

Total banger, every song kills

This album feels like 3 parts: Side A (first three songs) Monster funk rhythmically and musically outstanding 5* Side B first half (songs 4-6) Cheesy R&B 2* Side B second half (songs 7-8) Beautiful and soul music with depth and passion. Do your thing is spectacular in particular 5*

Beetje psychedelische soul en Temptations met Dennis Edwards. 5/5

The lineup changes, but the groove never stops. Mellow, soulful, and thoroughly enjoyable.

A wonderfully diverse album covering a range of emotions and dynamics. There’s sweet soul and funk, classics, and songs I hadn’t heard. It’s great to listen to the Temptations outside the “greatest hits” vacuum and hear a real album. Great one here!

Great album, classic Motown sound, Papa was a Rolling Stone makes it a easy 6

One of those albums that's incredible to listen to from start to finish. The production, the use of strings and wind and funky bass add so much depth and texture. "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" is a true odyssey and probably the best thing that's ever happened.

Classic album. Gonna be a 5 star rating and if it’s not idk anything anymore. Come ON drum beat in “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” ugh I miss disco. It didn’t go anywhere, I just don’t listen to it as much anymore.

Solid tracks throughout, but this one would be worth it just for the full minute version of Papa Was a Rollin' Stone with all that crunchy Wurlitzer that was cut out of the single edit.

What an absolute treat this was. Opening with some hard funk for the first couple of tracks, followed by the massive Papa Was a Rolling Stone, and then a second side of lovely soulful ballads (including the beautiful The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face). I’ve liked the few Temptations songs I’d heard before this but never checked out a whole album, and yeah, this just ticked all the boxes for me

Loved the political track Run Charlie run and also listening more closely to papa was a rolling stone

Muito bom. Música animada inspirada no jazz. Melhor música: Run Charlie run

What are the chances? Two Temptations albums in a row. This one is easily the better of the two. Funky, soulful, and at times even edgy. Absolute banger.

Temptations are such a blast, and Papa Was A Rolling Stone is such an incredible song

Además del increible sample value que tiene, me pareció un proyecto que tiene un aspecto historico y étnico muy marcado y que lo hace sentir muy personal. la interpretación que le dieron a estas canciones que pueden ser pesadas para el oyente estan super bien hechas y casi sin errores, musicalmente hablando. Me encanto y lo disfrute buco, 9/10.

This album for certain has my favorite version of "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" that I've heard from the Temptations.

Harmonização foda entre diversas vozes e instrumentos. Já ouvi algumas vezes ele desde que foi sorteado entra os álbuns e vou ouvir muitas outras. Papa Was a Rollin' Stone é realmente fenomenal, mas as outra não ficam muito pra trás não.

Classic 1970s funk from the Temptations; the album includes one of my favourite tracks ever: "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone".

Wow

Very tempting indeed. Love Run Charlie Run.

Papa Was a Rolling Stone is a masterpiece.

Love the temptations and this album is absolutely amazing

This album gets a 5 based on Papa was a Rolling Stone alone.

Grand, sweeping and ambitious. An excellent collection of tracks and big step forward from a Motown group that previously had pop hits based on puns. The arrangements here are awesome, and I like that almost every vocalist gets a chance to shine.

Just absolutely loved this album. A group that I’ve overlooked for years, probably being dismissive of a band that mainly do covers.

PAPA WAS A ROLLIN STONE, WHEREVER HE LAID HIS HAT WAS HIS HOME, AND WHEN HE DIED ALL HE LEFT US WAS ALONNEEEEEE

Masterful funk, soul, and R&B with poignant lyrics.

Lots of great songs - fantastic album! Fave Track: Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone Rating: 5

Keeper in my albums

I thoroughly enjoyed this album. It made me uncomfortable at times, which is good. Definitely one I would like to listen to again.

One of the best album openers of all time?

The album is great. The track 'Father was a Rolling Stone' is one of my favorites. It's a must at every party and I always listen to it enthusiastically. 5/5

Essential album. So happy to see it on this list!

Papa Was a Rolling Stone is a whole mood. Love the off-beat claps, all of the singing, the trumpet.

Groovy

Straight bangers

I really disliked the Temptations, or at least what I heard my pops listening to on the oldies station in Chicago. This album totally changed my mind. Felt more like a Sly and the Family Stone album than anything I heard on that radio station.

Amazing

Amazing album all the way through. Catchy, funky, and soulful. This one is enjoyable from start to finish and a glimpse of Motown at its height.

Monster album

Funky. 5/5

full of excellent songs.

On the surface the instrumentation and vocals are gorgeous. While "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" is an all time classic, the meaning of the lyrics also rings a bit untrue once you look into the families of The Temptations, and their rock solid Dads. All Directions is a very tight album of 8 songs that only occupies 35 minutes, of which 12 of them was spent on the iconic "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone". *Chef's kiss* You can see why they won all the awards with this album. Well deserved fellas. The Temptations are at their peak powers of psychedelic funk and it sounds glorious. When people think back on The Temptations, this is often the sound of them that bounces around in their imagination; it certainly did in mine. My favorites tracks were "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" (which I only learned today was a cover of a song by The Undisputed Truth), "I Ain't Got Nothin'", "The First Time I Saw Your Face", "Mother Nature", and "Do Your Thing". Such a smooth pleasure to listen to on a Friday morning. Really sets the tone for a bright weekend.

Absolute funk/soul classic.

Fantastic album. I hadn't realised just how good these guys are.

Realllly gooodddd fuunnkkkk

Smooth and relaxing.

It was a very diverse album with amazing songs. The shortness of the album allows for a good Re listen whenever. Each song has its own identity, and the instrumentals are phenomenal

Very fun. It slowed down a bit later in the album and wasn't as exciting, but still quality music.

WOW. I was genuinely not ready for this album. I was ready to drop this website bc I was kind of underwhelmed by the last album, but honestly if this is the recommendations this website gives, i want to stick around for the ride. The opening track starts off strong with a recording of a bar performance that slides in beautifully with the actual produced track you can barely tell. AND THE VOCALSSS. The album is a whole bop the entire way through, and the lyrics are both so meaningful and so powerful, i cant get enough. I've always had a soft spot for R&B but I haven't ever gotten to see the bands that defined the genre, and I have to say, if this album is an indicative to the quality that R&B can give, I am so pumped. 10s across the board, cant wait to listen to their different albums.

Great album.

Motown for life! What a beautiful, soulful album.

Alt, aber cool

temptations do everything well

Madre de Dios this is glorious. another one for the 'i'd only heard the big hit' column. I love this 1001 album challenge.

i absolutely despise this phrase but - album that feels like sex fr actually this time

Great album

I got scared this was a live album. Glad it’s not. I guess Run, Charlie, Run never got much radio air time. I bet it really inspired Childish Gambino, though. Love the full length version of Papa… so funky. A terrific showcase of the Temptations and an example of why they’re still so revered. Songs added to Spotify: 3