Reviews (page 11 of 13)
Isä kuoli...Ok... Albumi hyvää musiikkia... 1972 style funky... r&b... soul...
Soul negro de principios de los 70 con canciones fáciles de escuchar y ritmos facilones. Buena voz, e intrumentalmente, buenas canciones
This was ok, I felt a little disappointed with it as I was looking forward to hooking into it but it just didn’t grab me the way I wanted it to. Never mind, hopefully more to come to broaden my horizon with them?
boring
Good
Quite good, never heard of them before except for "i ain't got nothing".
Decent album and definitely a change from previous sounds I’ve heard from them. Enjoyable and groovy 6/10
Groovy, men ikke så spennende
A good album with some agreeable funk and soul but still looking out for a top shelf funk album that makes me sit up and pay attention.
I'm not terribly familiar with a lot of The Temptations' work (I know "My Girl" and "Ain't Too Proud To Beg"), so this was my first time listening to an album of theirs from start to finish. I wasn't really sure what to expect, since their only songs that I knew going into this were a couple of pop hits from the 60's. I thought this was a great funk and soul album, and it was fun to listen to. "Run Charlie Run" was my favorite track on here, and I was completely caught off guard by how serious its tone and message about white flight were (it blows my mind that a lot of these albums from the 60's and 70's were discussing social and political issues that are still incredibly relevant today). "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" was fantastic too. I grew up hearing white people criticize 'absentee black fathers,' but I don't think I've ever heard black people talk about/respond to the things that white people say about the subject (I don't even know if it's a real issue, or if it's just something evangelical white people love to say when they talk about food stamps or other 'welfare programs.' I'm not quite sure what The Temptations' message was with this song, but it definitely made me reflect on how often I heard suburban white people make generalizations and create stereotypes about the black community when I was growing up. Overall, the musical arrangements on each song were great, and the vocals were spectacular as well.
“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” leaves the rest of this otherwise pleasant album in the dust. Really tense, dubbed out and eerie: haunted funk. Not much else stood out over an admittedly domestic-volume listen, the rest more mood than event.
this is good, groovy, rhythm n blues. one of these tracks is on all heist movies. its fantastic. good stuff. thanks motown, probably.
Some good vibes on this album but it didn’t hold my attention
Like the live performance of track 1, long and jammy track 3 and the soulful vocal on track 7. The ballad tracks do not work well for me. 1/3/7 1/3/7
Didn't realise there were so many bloody temptations. Good ol' well-established funk. In the mood for not-too-funky funk? Well here's a plateful. It'll fill that funky hole but you aren't gonna gurn baby.
Smooth funk / soul album. Good tunes.
A few good songs, a few that felt like duds. Pretty middle of the road.
70s soul/RnB really set the trend for the 90's and 00's
6/10. This was a little lower energy that I expected, which was a bit disappointing.
Meh
Highlights: "Mother Nature," "I Ain't Got Nothin'," "Run Charlie Run," "Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On" The Temptations had an uphill battle to assimilate funk from the sound of 1969's Cloud Nine, but this is a real breakthrough. Better mixing, better performances, and better lyrics put them up there at the head of the genre.
Enjoyable, I liked the first couple of tracks but it lost my interest by the end.
An easy 3. Fun and interesting, and the story of being the first record after their star original lead singer left is pretty compelling.
Decent
Так-так-так, эти парни и девчонки у нас уже были, помним-помним. В целом, взглянув на своё прошлое ревью к альбому Cloud Nine, я понял, что глобально ничего и не изменилось и я останусь при своём мнении. Разве что... песни не 11 минут не было. Ну, она в целом-то неплохая, но зачем ей нужно 4ёх минутное вступление - не очень понятно. Зато крутой контрапункт в припеве. Кстати у Papa Was A Rollin' Stone (те самые 11 минут) есть сингл версия на 7. И вот в ней как раз нет этого долгого вступления :)
Где-то плосконько, где-то поинтереснее. Поэтому это и не альбом, который "ну прослушал", но и чет кроме трёх давать не хочецца
This was a great album. A funky, soulful work by the 70s-era Temptations that builds onto some solid songwriting, from the likes of Isaac Hayes, Barrett Strong, Ashford & Simpson, etc. It seems like the band had to be dragged kicking and screaming into the 70s to do this album, but they pulled it off nicely. Excellent musicianship from the Funk Brothers and top notch vocals, as we would expect in a Motown production. I appreciate how all the band members shared in vocal duties. "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" is the obvious star track and is still a really powerful song, 50+ years on. Really the only negative would be "Run Charlie Run," which I'm sure was daring for the band to do in '72, but is a rough listen in 2023. High 3, not quite a 4. Fave Songs: Papa Was a Rollin' Stone, Do Your Thing, Mother Nature, The First Time Ever (I Saw Your Face), Love Woke Me Up This Morning
Some smooth soul, but nothing really stuck out as memorable. Why is the intro to rolling stone like 4 minutes long?
Sure yeah why not
i like. very funky
- The funk is insane - Papa Was A Rollin' Stone is an epic journey - ..but the funk kinda disappears after that; songs are still nice tho - Favorite songs: Run Charlie Run, Papa Was A Rollin' Stone
- Funky - Papa Was a Rolling Stone is a beautiful musical journey - a few songs lacked some energy
I love the writing, and the music is beautifully performed and it's pretty, but it's just honestly super slow. I enjoyed listening to it but I just didn't find it musically super engaging. And I don't even know if I'm allowed to add the 2nd song to my playlist as a white person. First 2 songs were my favorite though for sure. Score: 60 Art: 60
A bit of a jammer, with great harmonies and grooves. Overall just sounds very cool with strong lyrics, glad they included Run Charlie Run. I wish it would have kept the funk going, it begins to grow long and tired with the soft (yet beautiful) ballads. I also enjoyed the deep voiced man throughout!
Ye was good
I would give it another listen
Just a rhythmic album, nothing remarkable. Except that on the second track they persistently tell me that a black one will come to me. For this, -1 more stars, in general, nothing interesting.
Great first album!
7.5/10 pretty solid stuff very groovy
- Ain't Got Nothing is a pretty song Generally pretty nice album not a tonne of standout tracks but a short easy fun listen front to back generally just a pleasant album.
My first reggae album I've ever listened to actually. It didn't really do much for me. I did like it though.
Classic
Lots of good stuff here
A pretty average funk album, wasn't bad by any measure, but also didn't impress me in any way. Not my kind of style.
s70's legit vibes
Opening track is so so funky!
Off to a Funky start with a live feel we're brought into the good times vibes. But Run Charlie Run sure lets students of history know when this album was written. That song hasn't aged well even if it fully captures the sentiment of its time (and maybe has another reading I've yet to uncover). This record has Papa Was a Rollin' Stone rolling in as the third track. With that song on lock this was always going to be a classic record despite a few missteps here and there.
funky soul, but nothing that blew me away. run charlie run was a surprise
I definitely think The Temptations are sweet--their history has kind of made them a pretty daunting group to dive in to much more than the "hits," just so many lineup changes and variations and so many releases. That being said, I was stoked to get a full album of them here, but was slightly bummed to see it was the from the post-David Ruffin time for the group. Anyway this album has "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" which is an incredible track. The rest of it is great too, but this didn't really strike me as excellent.
erster song, i aint got nothin, mother nature sind sehr cool. father was a rolling stone startet cool, aber braucht ewig um richtig zu starten. insg. sehr funky und kann man mal wieder hören. die zweite hälfte ist aber relativ blues-y und eher traurig/ dramatisch
Way more of a jam than I was expecting, but I really only knew their huge singles before this. I would say 3.5 if we could give half stars, but I'm going to settle on 3 stars because its unlikely I listen to this more than once or twice 3/5
A bit harder than I expected. Enjoyable.
Some songs I liked but others not so much
Funky Temptations gonna give it to ya
Solid album, but nothing really matches the centerpiece of "Papa Was A Rolling Stone". Once it hits that, it's more miss than hit. Favorite tracks: "Papa Was A Rolling Stone", "I Ain't Got Nothin'"
Enjoyed this
Funky jams and just a great listen all around, can’t go wrong with the temptations
Very good. Soulful. Standout: Papa Was A Rolling Stone Others: I Ain't Got Nothin', The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face 3.5/5
Not shit
Best: Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone Worst: Mother Nature I feel like I am not allowed to listen to Run Charlie Run
Great funk, quality could be a bit better but enjoyed it quite a lot
All Direction is an album what i enjoy so much although has songs with much minutes that were repetitives sometimes
I love this genre but there wasn't a specific song that stuck out to me. I know from reading about it they didn't want to do ballads anymore but I like the ballads. Sorry.
Something I’ve noticed about these early 70’s R&B/funk records from established acts like the Temptation or Isley Brothers is that they tend to go all in on the sound of the time up front, get real funky and loose and then after a few songs kind of revert back to their established sound. I get it, I’m sure they didn’t want to alienate fans and listeners, while also staying current, but it’s kind of like whiplash going from the aggressive funkiness on the first three tracks and then slowing down with ballads and more traditional material on the second half of the record. I like that they close things out by getting funky again on “Do Your Thing”, but the tempo of the songs preceding it makes it feel less energetic than it could have been. Overall, its a solid record, but by this time, bands like Sly and the Family Stone (note the nods to Sly in the opening track) and Funkadelic had ratcheted up the game so much that “All Directions” ends up feeling a little quaint in comparison.
It's good some good, some that doesn't really do much for me. It's a positive listen overall even if it doesn't truly wow mw.
Papa is too long.
Who mixed ballads with disco? 3/5
A mix of sweet and pure soul along with some edgier funk. Everything is smooth and beautifully produced. I liked it.
Fun funk music that grabs you right from the first track. I find it hard to dislike this sort of music and it's a little bit of a double edged sword because I struggle with discerning the good from the bad in this genre often. The positive here is that it makes a lot of funk music (that doesn't have particularly standout elements like experimentation / phenomenal songwriting) good. The negative is that it can make the really great stuff a little watered down for me. Lyrics are definitely dated, with some hard N words thrown around in the second track but hard for me as a caucasian man to say that at the time this was a faux pas or anything. This was also the only track that I didn't really love. I do however really love track 3, "Pap Was a Rollin' Stone". It's got that great 70's wah-wah heavy wacka wacka guitar parts, along with some beautifully intriguing electric piano and rounded off with strings and reverb heavy brass. I could listen to this song every day for a few months without getting sick of it I think. Overall pretty solid effort.
Papa Was a Rolling Stone and a bunch of other tracks
Shebop shebop
"I have no problems not listening to The Temptations, which is weird..."
I think this isn't bad. I would say maybe like mid-3 range but not really a 4.
Jag är en rullande sten, kova
Chil
Some nice classic funk tunes.
dus dit is de motown bas sound
love the temps, this was average
Some classics.
Maddeningly uneven. The funkier numbers are golden, and Papa Was a Rolling Stone is of course one for the ages. The mellower number though verge dangerously close to sap.
I'm a huge fan of the Temptations' hits. According to Spotify, I have 12 of them liked, definitely among the highest for their genre. This only indicates that they're a singles band, not an album band, and this record is no exception. The highlight here is their magnum opus "Papa was a Rolling Stone", an epic contemporary to Curtis Mayfield's Superfly that takes up a third of the total runtime. Despite being an established artist for almost a decade, the production is still pretty poor in that it sounds more like a live recording in many parts rather than a studio effort. The tracks do have nice diversity, and I'm a fan of the use of the cinematic strings. No repetition, but none of them really stood out. Favorites: Papa was a Rolling Stone, Love Woke Me Up, First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Do Your Thing
Good time, great voices
Well now ... certainly a departure from "My Girl" era now, isn't it?
I absolutely loved the first half, while the second half was more predictable and felt more like what I know The Temptations sound to be like. Really damn good album. 3.5/5
Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: yes, it’s elegant has an incredibly smooth feeling to it, even the longer tracks on here flow perfectly Favourite song: Track 6 - The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
I like the funky stuff more than the r&b stuff. some of it is a little slow, but overall feel good vibes for a damp Monday morning.
Not doing it for me as much as the other one honestly. Just a bit safer and less exciting. Still got a few solid tracks on it.
This album has a 12 minute version of Papa Was A Rolling Stone. That's enough to merit inclusion on the list.
Toimi hyvin, perusjeekkiskolmonen
"Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" is so good that I can almost forgive the other songs for being so forgettable.
Can't beat the old R&B / funk sound. Was expecting a lot more upbeat songs, but very good all the same. First 3 songs was what I was expecting for most of the album. Funky Music sho nuff turns me on is my favorite song off this album, but really enjoyed Run Charlie Run and Papa was a rolling stone. Listening to the lyrics, Papa was a real scum bag, but the song is very good. After the first few songs, the album turns into a grab your woman and get ready for some luvin type of album. Not for all, but great songs with some good lyrics. The first time I ever saw your face has been done by a few different artist. Beautiful lyrics and at this point, you should be loving up your partner! Good sound with good lyrics makes for a good album. Wanted a little more upbeat funk, but I'm sure we'll see that from these guys in the future. Solid 3-3.5
3 Despite being born and raised in Michigan, I really haven't listened to enough Motown music for my own good. I'm embarrassed to say the only Temptations song I knew prior to my listening was My Girl, and so I kind of lumped them in with that 60s R&B sound. As I've learned from this album, the 70s brought on a musical evolution for the group I had no idea existed. Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On is a powerful slice of raw funk, reminiscent of James Brown's earlier live work, that starts the album off on an immediate high note. That energy continued on for me into Papa Was A Rollin' Stone, which felt nowhere near as long as its 12 minute runtime. The back side slowed down the tempo quite a bit, and overall I didn't find it as strong. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face was a highlight, but the other songs weren't particularly memorable, or in the case of Love Wake Me Up This Morning, a little too cheesy for my taste. Takeaway - should probably listen to more Motown.
This isn't a genre I normally like, but this was pretty good! I even thought "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" was the best song and I typically hate songs >5min.
I'm familiar with their biggest hits. Run Charlie Run surprised me, I was not expecting something like that. Papa is A Rolling Stone is a classic song, although I think I've always heard a condensed version of the song. I don't remember it being 12 minutes long. The album is short but sweet.
Great album amazing harmonies
6,5/10
It isn't the worst album, however it became boring really fast. It's interesting in the use of the beat and instruments, but is really long and boring
Trećina albuma je papa was a rolling stone. Nema se šta više reć😄
Listened Before? N Wow! This is the funky-ass shit! I love this album. 70's funk at the top of the game. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Papa Was a Rollin' Stone
This didn't inspire me. I like some Temptations stuff but I guess it's older than this.
Smooth.
Not what I was expecting when I saw Temptations, this was a funk album, not R&B doowop music. Overall it was pretty good, papa was a rolling stone was the only song I recognized.
Good but not great. "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" is an all-time classic (although I'll take the 7-minute single version over the nearly 12-minute album version, thanks), "Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On" is properly funky, and the rest of the album was serviceable.
All Directions as an album seems a bit disappointing to me. It remains a collection of covers. But then it has some nice highlights, especially 'Papa Was A Rollin' Stone' of course. You can tell they're stuck in the 60's after all. Artists like Marvin Gaye or Curtis Mayfield moved on to soul and had become a bit more socially critical. That also shows a little bit on this album, but for the majority this remains popular Motown. The music is beautiful and the harmony vocals of The Temptations are certainly good.
The rhythm section on the opening track is next level. The rest of the songs didn't spark much interest.
Fun, interesting songs. Definitely worth a second listen.
A classic, love Motown. Just don’t think this was their best album.
Solid album
Emerging from the 1960s, the Temptations were forced to leave their signature “Motown Sound” behind in search of a more commercial and progressive sound. What resulted (besides numerous lineup changes) was a slew of albums in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s known as the Temptations’ “Psychedelic Era”. This record was on the tail end of their psychedelic era. The Temptations were able to land a number 1 single in “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” after a drought in chart success. The first side contains funky numbers such as a 12 minute long version of the aforementioned #1 single, and the political tune “Run Charlie Run”. Side 2 opts for a more mellow tone, with many songs featuring orchestra components. The record ends with a funky number complete with horns. Overall, I believe The Temptations fit in well to the funk sound. Standout tracks: Papa Was a Rolling Stone, Do Your Thing, The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face
Papa was a Rollin Stone - classic Ugh, idk. I wanted to love this one more that I did
This album centers around the strength of "Papa was a rolling stone." Though I'm sure the single version was edited down, I absolutely love that long, exploratory album versions were not uncommon during this era. Nice to get lost in a real jam.
I wanna like it more than I do. It's good and sounds nice, but I enjoy other albums of theirs more I think.
Made me sleepy but swingy
Somehow dated, but also some groovy stuff here and there
Review #5 of 1001 3/5 This one was slightly disappointing if I'm honest. This album moves a bit too slow for my taste. This band was extremely talented in their day, but I found myself just waiting for this album to end. Favorite song: I Ain't Got Nothin'
Bit of soul, bit of searing funk. I’m a particular fan of the latter. “Run Charlie Run” and “Do Your Thing” are my favourites, but not so much the soppiness of “Love Woke Me Up this Morning” and “I Ain’t Got Nothin”.
I recognize "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" from movie soundtracks. Perhaps the devil wears prada? It occurs to me how many songs I will hear on this album list that are sampled in songs of today. "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face" moved me. I really liked "Mother Nature."
We want the funk!
PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE...
As an album, I find this uneven. The contrast between « Papa was a rollin’ stone » and « Love woke me up » is so jarring that the second sounds manic. I had never listened to this extended version of PWARS, and it impressed me. Funk: little melody, no harmonic progression, just rhythm and riffs… it really does become hypnotic.
Fått väldigt mycket funk på sistone? men jag gillar ju funk så detta passar mig väl.
The best song is almost ten minutes. The other twenty minutes are pretty good but lack the killer tracks The Temptations are known for. Overall it’s just…okay.
Motown put out a lot of stars. The Temptations had a great group of singing voices that brought so much style and personality to these soul tracks. The most notable, of course, being Papa Was a Rollin' Stone, which the full album version deserves more credit. So much wonderful subtly in these songs, it's a great listen throughout.
Cool album, great grooves and baselines. lacking some wow from many tracks but pretty good
Jesus is irrelevant
Wanted to like this much more, but it came down to only a couple songs. Papa Was a Rolling Stone is of course great. And I actually like this version of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face even more than Roberta Flacks version. In context of the times I can see why this was an important record, and a step for The Temptations, just not my thing.
It’s pretty good but not something I’m going to put on a bunch of times. Of course Papa is a Rolling Stone is great.
A couple great songs, the rest was mostly forgettable. Enjoyable background music though.
3.5
Couple of good uns
Pleasant
Would not purchase. Ok, mid soul/r&b. I've heard Papa was a rolling stone, good track. Forgettable otherwise 2.5/5
I forgot how long the intro for poppa was a rolling stone. This album didn't do it for me, but overall I still dig the temptations.
Funky
Funky at times. Papa was a rolling stone is solid. 3.5 rounded down
Enjoyable - started out as a 4 but as the album progressed it felt more like a 3.
It was okay, tuned out most of it. I enjoyed 'The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face', but the rest was pretty meh.
Papa Was a Rollin' Stone is one of the best songs ever and you get the full, nearly 12 minutes of it here. Other standouts: Run Charlie Run, The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face, Love Woke Me Up This Morning, I Ain't Got Nothing (Which sounds a lot like I Only Have Eyes For You).
I was hoping I'd like this more. There are better Temptations songs, imo
Papa was a Rolling stone is still ubiquitous 50 years later. The bass-line is instantly recognizable, as are the wah-wah guitar and trumpet. Of course, The Temptations don’t play any instruments, nor do they write songs - but they are great vocalists. Overall the album is too ballad driven for me. It’s interesting that they nailed their signature tune on their fifteenth album.
I can’t say enough about Papa was a rolling stone. It’s a monster song of epic proportions. They threw everything into it, brilliant song-writing, singing and orchestration and it results in one of the greatest funk/soul R&B songs of all time. The rest of the album doesn’t rise to the same level unfortunately, and its just mediocre filler.
real groovy
For as much soul as this music has, it's a very slow burn. There's some serious story telling and reflects a darker side of life.
The list manages to miss twice with The Temptations, one of the most iconic groups of all time. The Temptations are iconic for their 60s soul hits filled with harmonies. But that is almost absent here, as “All Directions” and their other entry, “Cloud Nine,” see their style shift to psychedelic soul. A couple of the bits of funk on “All Directions” were welcome and showed a group evolving, but ultimately what I want from The Temptations just isn’t present enough. Wikipedia says it's their “most successful non-collaborative album,” and while I can’t figure out exactly what it means by that, it seems like that may have been part of the problem.
I had higher expectations for this one that it didn’t live up to. Just ok. 3
What were The Temptations like in 1972? Was this the end of the initial wave of Motown? What could they still offer in the 70s when so many other acts were poised to take up the funk/r&b mantle? Well, it sounds pretty great. Wait, is this a live record? I don't think so, but the album start gives that vibe. Cool. I like it when bands do that. Here's the thing, though. This record doesn't really have 'the hits.' Not gonna hold it against The Tempts. Except, they're only getting 3/5 stars, rounded up from 2.5.
Papa was a rollin' stone.
bnito album creo q tiene un contexto racial nolose
This was a bit of a mystery. I was not really very fond of most of this album, but somehow in the middle of a bunch of 3-minute songs is their almost 12-minute "magnum opus" (to quote the Wikipedia article on the Temptations), "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," which is about as perfect as such a long song can be. That track is a definite five, but I can't say that for the album as a whole.
⭐⭐⭐.5 / 5 Um belo funk, a qualidade do groove é única. Pessoalmente gosto mais da primeira faixa "Funky Music..." do que da clássia "Papa was a Rolling Stone", pois prefiro algo mais upbeat. Algumas faixas não pegaram muito pra mim. Mais algumas faixas faria mal algum. :)
First time listening to a full album by The Temptations, to say I enjoyed what I heard is an understatement. The boys are smooth. I'm pinching myself for never taking the time to appreciate their music beyond "My Girl."
Non male, però a parte alcune tipo 'I ain't got nothin'', non spicca nulla
It was good to hear some less popular Temptations songs but I think there is a reason they were less popular. Also, Papa was a rollin stone has no need to be almost 12 minutes long. Get over yourself. Very middle-of-the-road album for me.
This album started so strong with powerful vocals and brass, then the rest was hit and miss. “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” was too extended of a version, but “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is a beautiful song.
This was a very strange album for me because it went against everything I knew about The Temptations going into it. It is crazy for me to picture a clean cut group singing 'My Girl' and 'Just My Imagination' but then hear something like 'Run Charlie Run' coming from those same voices. I was flabbergasted by this stark contrast, but outside of that, I didn't get much out of this album overall. I just thought it was a solid R&B album with some mildly interesting funk and lounge music aspects thrown in. The performances are pretty strong throughout, but nothing stood out to me as being exceptional. I felt that it was pretty inconsistent in terms of flow with funky songs being immediately followed up by slower songs that kind of diminished the vibe I think they were going for. I can definitely see why people like this one, but I don't think it's for me. 2.5/5.
A decent R&B/rock crossover LP. The driving track feels a bit overlong for how threadbare it is, but most of the other songs are equipped with catchy enough hooks and plenty of envelope filter to get the job done without too much fuss.
Good bits of old fink fun. Favourites: "Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On", "Papa Was A Rollin'", "Love Woke Me Up This Morning"
Enjoyed
Incredibly solid funk, some really famous tracks on here that I didn’t realize was them!
Great production by Norman Whitfield and a stonking version of Papa. Otherwise, Roberta Flack did Ewan's tune better and no other stand out tracks for me.
This is great
Best aardig...
Niks mis mee. Zit meteen in zo'n Quentin Tarantino - Jackie Brown sfeer als ik dit soort muziek hoor.
Easy listening, lots of covers
I had a disjoint (but not disjointed experience) listening to All Directions. The pieces on it feel more like scenes than songs, peopled with a family familiar and proficient with their music. Beginnings, endings, in-the-midsts-of. That's anything but conventional, but I couldn't get into the music-for-itself, especially the strings. That makes this another rare album which I see clearly as part of the canon but not for me.
Ces mecs-là nous avaient fait une impression mitigée avec leur premier album, eh bien le résultat est exactement le même avec celui-ci. La soul psychédélique est un style de musique qui ne parle à personne, rentrez-vous bien ça dans la tête.
Je ne garderai pas un grand souvenir de cet album, ni du premier album de la part de ce groupe d'ailleurs. Petit point sur la situation de rob, qui depuis mon dernier review datant d'une heure, n'a toujorus pas daigné écrire le moindre review de son côté. Une situation innaceptable, qui nous met tous directement en danger en nous exposant au courroux de Robert. Affaire à suivre.
Lovely listen, it really is. I can repeat an album that has an 11+ minute funk epic!
Papa Was Rollin' Stone is badass with lots of great wah pedal usage. I also liked some of the other funky songs - Do Your Thing and Funky Music Sho Nuff. But otherwise it's a bit uneven for me with some pretty weak stuff (The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face) or otherwise forgettable tracks. Fun at times but not something that was revelation for me.
Bien, bonito. Pero no tiene mis canciones favoritas de ellos.
Smooth soul
Some music does not age well. This is probably an example of that. I got up to the second track and... yikes. You hear "the n-words are coming" and I was wondering what they were thinking. I get that it was about white flight, but still I was very taken aback. Also, go ahead and watch YouTube "SNL Shindells". It's a parody of doo-wop groups, and because of that, songs like "I Ain't Got Nothin' " have been RUINED for me. I will say the 12-minute "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" was probably the highlight for me. But this was definitely not a good album for me.
Great harmonies and sweet vocals, a few songs over-produced (e.g., opening track). I hope there are other Temptations albums on this list because I'm not sure why this one is included other than having their biggest single Papa Was a Rollin Stone (and yes, it's a classic). Run Charlie Run is also politically charged and I guess its content is a significant new direction for these guys. But these aren't the first guys to sing about such stuff are they? I mean, Marvin Gaye's What's Going On came out a year earlier. I feel like it's a 3.5 but I'm struggling to find its legacy.
Straight out of the tin soul music.
Solid
No 'Papa' we're not talkin' bout this album. 3 stars cut of 'Papa'
Papa was a rollin stone cover was the standout, everything else fine.
It's fine.
"Papa was a Rollin' Stone" was alright, other than that not that interesting.
I mean, its the Temptations so I don't want to rate it too low- but this album is none of my favorite songs.
Plenty of songs on here I knew but had no idea were by The Temptations! Not necessarily an album I’d listen to all the time but definitely a good summer BBQ or driving album. 7/10 on first listen.
Certainly not bad, but nothing that snagged my attention to make me want to keep listening either.
All Directions is the second album from the Temptations recommended to me from this list. I still feel only slightly familiar with the band. I can't name any of their tracks off the top of my head. "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" was the only track I recognized by name. The long instrumental intro was a pleasant suprise, and the track was probably my favorite from the album. I enjoyed listening to this album. The Temptations are talented musicians and this was music that I wouldn't normally listen to on my own. I like hearing different music. I think there is room for several of the tracks to grow on me. Perhaps the music sounds like it is anchored in the 70s, or perhaps I'm the wrong demographic for the this genre, but I'm not sure it I'd listen to the whole album again. (3.5 stars)
Dragging
Its been good enough to just let it freeflow on into other motown stuff. Maybe im just in that kind of mood. im gonna break tradition and go with 3, even though i cant name a hit
Good solid stuff all around. Papa Was A Rolling Stone is iconic; always glad to hear that one again.
Though not a soul and r&b guy, i thoroughly enjoyed this album. Great class!
A really good album! Run Charlie Run and Papa was a Rollin’ Stone are standouts but other songs on the album are quite groovy. 6/10
The first three songs on this album are everything I love about 70s R&B/Soul - great simple mix, space in the arrangements, and of course the music - funky grooves that especially on the big hit "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" are so restrained as to become mysterious. I remember hearing that song in the car a lot as a kid but I'm not sure I ever heard the full 12 minute version - I love it. After those first three though, things dull more than a little for me. Maybe it's more of the "early" Temptations smooth doo-wop style - there's nothing remotely bad about it, I just prefer the funkier/edgier material. The final cut "Do Your Thing" is a return to the funk, albeit at a very deliberate/slow pace but that just creates a great tension. This album for me could have been much more - in sum those 4 great cuts would have been a high 4 for me but the middle slowdown on the album drops it to a 3. 7/10 3 stars
absolutely cannot stand the weird panning/stereo whatever in the first track. other than that the rest of the album is alright
You have some Funk, some Soul, very 70s. Not very cohesive, they have some bops and the cover of Papa Was a Rolling Stone is great but then there are some very slow ballads and the B-side drags a bit.
Rating: 7/10 Some nice and funky music. Though I understand the band had some issues recording the song "Run Charlie Run", and I gotta be honest, hearing them sing "the n*****s are coming" was not that great 😅
"Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" is that song where you want to roll the windows down and just enjoy the drive through a city. Funky, at times complex but mostly just straight up fun, All Directions is as omni-entertaining and enjoyable as the title may suggest. The more soulfully slow songs are par for the genre, but at just over 34 minutes, this is an effective minimum dose of the Motown great.
Really good listen.
6/10
With the little i know of the Temptations this sounded a little different to what I expected. A mix of funk, jazz and psychedelia. It has its moments and is an interesting record but not to my personal tastes. Musically its way ahead of where i expected it to be. 3/5
Scrapes a 3 with Papa Was A Rolling Stone tipping the balance
They were better than that. The only really must-hear track is "Papa Was A Rolling Stone". (5/10) FT: see above
Första låten sa n ordet. Rolig.
Magic from the 70s! Great drivetime listen
It was good
Very short album, but still with a couple of very long songs. All sound similar, although with a few different voices popping up. Run Charlie run has some lyrics you would not expect to see in a pop record nowadays! The First time ever I saw your face is my favourite of these songs
A great funk/soul album marred by poor mixing. The left channel is so quiet (especially on the first track) that the experience is like going to a concert with a cotton ball in one ear.
Saved Prior: None Off Rip: Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On, Run Charlie Run, Papa Was A Rollin' Stone Cutting Edge: None Overall Notes: Seems to be one of those albums that is included on this list for one specific track (Papa Was A Rollin' Stone). Good song, two songs that precede it are good too (insane chorus on Run Charlie Run), rest of the album is completely forgettable. 2.5 that I'll round up because Papa is already a third of the album's runtime.
-Certainly generally appealing and catchy -"Run Charlie Run," "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone," and "Do Your Thing" are good -Very nice R&B, but nothing really makes me want to come back to it
Overall this was good. Not something I would have picked up on my own and not what I expected from The Temptations.
Multi-layer songs,
3.5/5 i'll have to relisted to it, it had potential!
Not the best funk we've had on the list, but pretty enjoyable
Acull un dels millors temes de la década, 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone'. Però la resta del disc es fa tediosa de vegades i queda la sensació que van posar tot el focus en l'altíssim nivell del single, deixant de banda la resta, soul/r&b més que digne i amb un savoir faire fora de tot dubte, però molt lluny de l'excel.lència del seu millor moment
3. classic group and enjoyed listening, but rating any higher would have been due to the name value, not the actual album. Enjoyable enough!
Whatever the merits of the artistic direction and songs on All Directions, it was an instant pleasure to be submerged in the professionalism on display here. The Temps themselves are all really strong singers, which wasn't such a big deal at the time because the 60s and 70s were awash in great soul singers, but it seems like a big deal now. Then there's the killer studio cats backing the session and the arrangements by Paul Riser. It's hard to imagine now, but there was a world class roster of studio musicians that arrangers that producers could and did call on to create widescreen, cinematic productions. But all that aside, it's perfectly possible to use those resources to make putrid records. Fortunately, that's not the case here. Papa Was a Rolling Stone is the tune everyone knows, but there is a lot more to like, depending on your tastes. All Directions, as the title would indicate, is not a unified artistic statement the way comparable albums from Stevie Wonder or Curtis Mayfield would be from this period. For example, Love Woke Me Up This Morning is a soul ballad in the style of the Delfonics. It won't change your world, but it's a solid piece of work. I Ain't Got Nothin' harks back to the 50s and doowap with it's "shoowap bedap" chorus, but it's been brought up to date. You could argue that the use of the N word is tasteless on Run Charlie Run, but it's an otherwise solid piece of funk, as are Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On and Do Your Thing. Mother Nature is a mid-tempo feature for new lead singer Damon Harris and he acquits himself admirably with a passionate vocal. The only weak link on the entire album is a cover of Roberta Flack's The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face--it's almost always a mistake to try to cover a definitive version--she owns that song, and the Temps' listless version is a distinct dis-improvement. If there's a knock against All Directions, it's that, with the possible exception of Papa Was A Rolling Stone, there's little here that going to knock your socks off. Instead, All Directions is more of a steady groover, providing understated pleasure almost all the way through. Why is it on this list, then? My guess would be almost entirely because of Papa Was A Rolling Stone. Kind of a dumb choice, but nothing new there.
Drags a bit The rest of the album is good, but in the middle slows down a bit too much.
Boa sequencia de R&B
Not bad, some good slick grooves in it and very soulful. Nothing to get me overly excited about. Very Shadynasty
Funky stuff, but papa was a rolling stone is obviously the standout
Somehow the longest half hour album I've ever heard, good tracks but some went on a bit too long
It was a good jazz/soul album. It wasn't that exciting however. Very average.
Good tunes
Pretty good, pretty groovy. Really liked "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" - that was the definite high point.
Funky
Nice, but not their best IMO
decent
Love the Temptations. A little more social justice oriented than I was expecting- a nice suprirse!
Its fine.
New to me. Very good soul/funk
Fun stuff but Papa Was A Rolling Stone doesn’t need to be 12 minute long
Pretty solid
Was really excited for this album today and it just wasn't as good as I was expecting. Mainly because I have a bias for 60's Temptations - namely "The Temptations Sing Smokey" album that I grew up listening to in my grandparent's house. Honestly didn't know how big their discography was before I scrolled through it on Spotify. Giving it a 3 because it's still pretty groovy even though they are #NotMyTemptations
Grand - very mellow. Singles are stand out classics. Rest hard to remember (And I listened twice!)
An album that ultimately promises more with those early track. After this it just kind of meanders to and end but still, a great way to start your day
It was alright not my cup of tea
funky. i dont think its memorable yet but maybe in a few.
.
Fantastic record!
Not quite what I expected but it was good enough. Great version of 'Rolling Stone"
Typically mismatched Motown album, but enjoyable.
An album that sounds like 2 completely separate EPs spliced together. When it's good it's really good, but a bit incoherent as a whole
funky, not what i expected
Some good tunes, couple of classics actually, but also some forgettable filler
Me gustó bastante.
güzeldi soulmus. zenci vokaller bi piyano temposuna ayak uyduruyo
Eh. Whatever.
great album. Knowing that they DID NOT want to record run charlie run makes it a little hard to listen to. I ain't got nothing is the standout.
Papa was a rolling stone is a great song, but the rest of this album is just OK. I prefer earlier Temptations. By the way, WOW track 2 dropped a lot of N-bombs on us.
8 canciones y 34 minutos son suficientes para dejar huella. Desde el primer tema hasta el final pasando por Papa Was a Rollin' Stone. Interesante como base de mucha música que se inspiró en ellos.
Their funk songs are better than their romantic songs.
Side A was excellent. Classic Soul. Side B was a bit dull and repetitive sounding.
I liked it - I recognized some of it that I didn't know was from the same album.
un par de canciones buenas.
Not too bad. Funky. Has "Papa was a Rolling Stone"
Not the usual temptations style you usually hear, it was alright.
Early album. Not strung together like a solid album as a whole. Solid, classic Motown.
don't tempt me
This album is a mixed bag of tracks, and I couldn't get a feel for an overall theme or style. Is that why its called "All Directions", I wonder?
Funky 2,5/5
Heerlijk soul albumpje 👌
Mix between really good funk (papa was a rolling stone) and ballads that are very shmaltzy. Run Charlie run is challenging racism, flight response of whites from blacks.
This was nice but not tempted to give 5 stars.
Uplifting and joyful
This album with the top song "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" was nice to listen to.
loved this
First song was very hip-hop with the heavy drum beat. Rest of it was more mellow Temptations with the doowop, but wasn't as interesting as I would like. Still very enjoyable
3.1
A lot of classics on here.
Quite enjoyed it.
like some of the music, the vocals not my favorite.
Fun for a good disco mood. Even though I love my 70s soft rock it was not my cup of tea
Pleasant, soulful collection of songs. Incredible collection of voices. Enjoyed it and would happily have it on in the background. Something wrong with the production/EQ on the first couple of tracks though, which spoils it a bit.
Very solid album, nothing to dislike about that kind of music
Fantastic songs but not a cohesive album...
The album's A side (first 3 tracks) are a powerhouse statement for R&B with incredible instrumentation and vocal arrangements. Going into the B side, the power of the first 3 tracks overwhelm the quality of the remaining 5 tracks. Some feel uninspired. Stand-outs: Run Charlie Run, Papa Was A Rollin' Stone
Papa still a classic but even the Intro is a but droney for no reason. Solid alb
1972. Key Songs: Love Woke Me Up This Morning, The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face
I should have listened to this one more - only did one listen and I enjoyed it, but it didn't blow me away. But i think i didn't give it enough attention
did not age well. One fantastic song though
This was ok? Kinda dated, not as cool as other disco I've heard. 3/5.
Papa Was A Rolling Stone is a great intro, but it never goes into a song. Other tracks seem to be doing great then just fade out. Some good bones here but needs some work.
Track 1 is a good opener. Track 3 is a classic. Probably won’t play track 2 much though (at least not publicly - “who” is coming?!). But it all seemed to tail off after that opening. ‘Funky soul’ is always better than earnest ‘soul searching’ - but the second half of the album had too much of the latter.
Not sure how to rate an album written by a bunch of different people. Papa is the clear standout track (even this feels unnecessarily long) but the rest just doesn't come close. Just not for me I guess.
Mid/lame , 6 Fmsntmo: 7.5 Rcr: 6 Pwars: 7 Lwmutm: 8 ⭐️ Iagn: 6 Tfteisyf: 5 🚮 Mn: 6.5 Dyt: 7
I was really hopeful when I saw the title of the first track as I usually enjoy funk. As it turns out I don't really like this kind of funk. It's too repetitive, too groove based, and probably too psychedelic for me Standouts Run Charlie Run 2/5
😁
This is sound that I like most times but this album was honestly just forgettable. Just nothing that really stood out to me and will really only go back to 1 or 2 songs at most. 2/5
Didn’t stand out too much to me. Some of the songs were pretty nice
This has got to be the most 'nothing' album ever. I can't even say it's bad; the vocals are strong and sweet. Instrumentation has a dreamy quality to it. It is very gentle. But honestly, I can't see myself every listening to this again. None of the songs stood out to me. I thought this would be a great album in the hot weather, but it just passed me by without me feeling a thing. This surely can't be considered one of the temptation's best albums?
Side one: Well, that sho' was funky! Side two: Pleasant enough AOR on the whole. Doesn't do it for me. Three stars for side one and one star for side two. Two stars overall, which is a shame. Full-on 60s Motown Temptations would be a five, but for some reason, there's little to no 60s Motown on this list 😔. It's not like they didn't make albums in the 60s...they did, but serious critics don't think albums of popular peak Motown are worth our while. Fuck it, going to dig out some classic Supremes and Martha Reeves and have a little dance...
I get why this is considered foundational. 'The first time ever I saw your face' is a really beautiful song and I enjoyed 'nother nature' But 'papa was a rolling stone' pissed me off. It did Not warrant 11:44, it was a bad song
couple alright songs
Leuk. Papa was a rolling stone is natuurlijk een banger, maar verder een beetje inconsistent
Ok
Papa Was a Rollin' Stone
Papa Was a Rolling Stone was by far the best track on the album. Loved the sound but really didn't get into the album.
no me llama mucho el estilo jazzero
Just not at all what I was hoping to hear today. It may be good for the genre, it may be an all time great. But today, it makes me want to crawl in a hole and turn on something else.
Boring, however papa was a rolling stone was an interesting track and I enjoyed it
"I have to be honest, classic 70s soul and R&B just isn't my genre. The softer tracks and ballads on this album simply didn't click with me at all because they lack the darker, more energetic edge I usually look for in music. However, I have to give massive credit to 'Papa Was A Rollin' Stone'. That track is an absolute masterpiece. The dark, cinematic atmosphere and that relentless, driving bassline over the full 11 minutes perfectly hit my vibe. But since that was the only song I actually saved from the entire record, I have to settle for a 2/5
A strong
New to me and a solid two stars, “Love Woke Me Up This Morning” is a great song. Tom.
Some good funky tunes interlaced with soul and of course the classic 'Papa was a Rollin' Stone'. Not something I usually gravitate towards but nothing terrible here.