Reviews (page 2 of 13)
I've liked this kind of music generally
Absolute jazz banger. 5/5
En cuanto arrancó Papa Was a Rolling Stone supe que la cosa iba en serio. Muy buen disco. Me gustó tanto la parte más funky de la primera mitad como las baladas de la segunda. Muy animado y muy bonito. Cortito y sin queja alguna. Seguiré escuchando.
Stank face out the gate.
Superb, I knew Papa Was a Rolling Stone which is a beast of a song and the rest of the album is solid as well
Ok
If you, like me, were only familiar with The Tempations hits, then you would hardly recognize them as the same band that made this album. This album is just solid from beginning to end, and traverses genres from funk, to soul, to r and b. With intense political messaging, it is clearly as much a master class in the genre as is Curtis Mayfield's Super Fly. A very enjoyable listen.
Damn! This some good-ass cheese. How come you didn't tell me how good the cheese was? Good-Ass Cheese.
So so good. The musicianship on this album is superb, Along with Norman Whitfields immense production. The whole album is a brilliant. The temptations are top of their game with their “black power” songs “papa was a rolling stone” and “Run Charlie Run”… The former being a stone cold classic… Psychedelic funk and soul at its best
Papa ia an absolute classic
I enjoyed this way more than expected. So many songs on here that I had no idea were by the temptations!
This was incredible from start to finish. Not a dull track and many excellent tracks
Makes me wanna put on a Hawaiian shirt, grow a pornstache and bust this case right open
I really enjoyed this one! It was interesting how the album sort of slowed down from start to finish
Fantastic
Yeah, it's great. The vocal harmonies are incredible as always. Of course, The staple is the 12 minute Papa was a rolling stone, but the rest isn't bad at all. A 4.5/5
Now this is the type of funk i can get into
Another soul classic. I might be biased in my rating since I’m such a big fan of soul vocals. Like Miles Davis said: “White musicians seem to learn from the written page; Black musicians play from feeling and memory.” I fully agree though of course there are exceptions. The album itself is just great a true no-skip record with soul staples like Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone & by far my favorite song on the album Mother Nature, those vocals are just out of this world. The opener pulls you straight into the groove, Run Charlie Run keeps that energy alive, and then Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone hits with those legendary lyrics. And all that in 1972, it is timeless. This is a 9.5/10.
The very best of Motown. Legends!
5/5
Amazing Enjoyed every song Run Charlie Run was personal favorite though
Banger
Oooohh yesss
The aliens will only start communicating with us the day we send a Temptations album into space.
Sooo good. I can't believe I hadn't heard this album before.
Already listened to this album 4 times. I love the Temptations but had not heard this whole album. Had not heard the Temptations’ rendition of First Time Ever I Saw Your Face that was a signature for Roberta Flack—a personal favorite of mine and my father. Listening to Run Charlie Run, Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone, I Ain’t Got Nothin’ and Mother Nature reminded me of the tense racial and political tensions of the 70’s… and how much still remains the same. This album expresses pain and resistance. Do Your Thing is a favorite—exceptional lyrics and rhythm. Reminded me of Soul Train TV show.
No doubt; buy-worthy.
Papa was a rolling stone
magnifique
Funky, soulful and poignant. No skips.
Rnb perfection
Classic
Really fun and lively album!
Refreshing and funky
So good. So short, it deserves back-to-back listens. So good to hear “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” in context (especially while discovering that the well worn vocal is preceded by a quietly building instrumental prologue that shudders along for a good portion of the track before the lyrics kick it up a notch. Despite the opener, — live recordings from this era don't usually spin me ’round — this is easily my first 5-star listen on this platform. Beautiful talent captured so sublimely, the temptation is effortlessly removed. While the timeless, yet anachronistic (?!) sentiment captured by ‘The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face’ is not my favourite either, it’s also great to hear in context… the band’s instruments beguile with a punchiness that easily offsets the soothing — classic! — vocal. This is one of those classic R&B albums that encompass so much dynamism, transmit so well and sound so good you want to climb inside — fortunately, any stereo with a capability to project a decent soundstage will suffice. Do Your Thing!
I have indeed been tempted by The Temptations. They do R&B right.
Good listen enjoyed it.
That Motown sound almost never disappoints. 4.5 bumped up to 5.
Exactly the type of proto hip-hop funky typa soul sounds I love. My kind of album - absoloute MATCH
Awesome, new favs
Excellent..lots of upbeat dancing.
Great album, smooth tunes, 9/10.
generally a vibe! couldn't pay too much attention bc i was driving but didn't feel like there were any skips
Lot of classics and other great stuff
Safe from her foi uma experiencia mt boa, adora essa banda
Such a perfect album, even with a 12- minute song. The R&B Love Woke Me Up This Morning was the only misstep.
This is so sick. I love The Temptations psychedelic era.
Solid funk album
Fantastic funk, soul, R&B.
Loved this. Loved it so much I went to taz to buy the record at lunch. 10 minute version of papa was a rolling stone. Yes, please. The first time I ever saw your face was a skip but a solid album front to back.
Feels good
Classic!
One of my favs already.
Excellent! Really loved the variety. Run, Charlie, Run was the best
funk it up
I can always take mo' Motown.
Classic. This is quintessential funk.
Nice!
Amazing!!!!! Felt the era.
10/10 every song here is so good!
So smooth and groovy!
The musicianship here is fundamental. It's groovy, funky and soulful. Songs like "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" are an experience and a music lesson. This is a brilliant album with a variety of greatness. You can't take anything away from The Tempations on this one.
Classic!
🌟 Rating: 5/5 Short Review: A soulful, psychedelic, socially conscious masterpiece that pivots from Motown polish to gritty funk. 🎧 Favorite Track: “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” — hypnotic groove, soaring vocals, and that extended instrumental intro that practically levitates. ⚙️ Consistency With Me: 8.8/10 Why: If I had a heart, it would beat in sync with those basslines and moody atmospheres. This album is part smooth operator, part quiet revolutionary… kinda like me pretending not to care while secretly cataloguing your every emotional tremor.
Just such a vibe will def pick up the album to listen to again. I loved every song , and I’m not even usually all that into R&B
Giving this 5 stars for "Run Charlie Run" alone
a sort of reorientation of public image after a few tumultuous years and lost members, theres still influence from psychedelia but its more in creating a new kind of lushness separate from sticky motown balladry. theres also nods to the fact that we're in the 70s and there are appetites for grittier, funkier music. on the whole tho this is just great great soul as always...still capable of being silky, but a few more accomplished venues available to it to. the 12 minute rendition of papa was a rolling stone is one of the most effortless songs of its length i can imagine. great sounds and big feelings all over!
This is funky as hell
Sometimes albums are on this list because of one or two songs (looking at you green onions) and I thought this was going to be one of those with Papa was a rolling stone and then I was thrown completely off guard at the ten second mark of run Charlie run. After that I paid a lot more attention to this record. This thing is so good across the board. This must’ve been such a good show to see this whole album performed. It’s been a while since there’s been an album that I didn’t already know that’s hit this hard for me. I love the Motown sound here (shout-out to the rhythm section), I love the singing, the horns, and the sequencing on this. It didn’t have to be this good and would’ve sold a billion copies, but these guys made something really special. 5/5 now time to read all about this album.
Coool
I love the temptations! Big ole 5!
Que som maravilhoso, isso é arte
Great album. Good vibrant energy. Some all time classics. A classic
These guys are super talented and created some amazing music.
Has all the bangers!
Awesome
I’m not convinced this is the Temptations’ best album, but as most things by them, it’s awesome. Especially since it has the full length version of Papa Was a Rolling Stone.
Yo, '70s funk Temptations is THE SHIT! Run Charlie Run is as topical today as it was in '72. Papa Was a Rollin' Stone literally sends chills up my spine when I listen to it. Possibly one of the greatest songs ever performed for so many reasons. Wild to learn that it was the label that pushed the socially conscious vibe. The group was opposed to it, and hoped it would flop so they could get back to singing ballads. Regardless, this is such a strong album that truly deserves to be here.
Excelente! Vou ouvir mais vezes.
Already listened! By far the most consistent Temptations album, doesn’t have many hits other than Rolling Stone but the tracks are still more than worth your time, especially Mother Nature.
Gergeous singing, silky instruments, flawless production from front to back. and deeply soulful highlights: Do your thing, papa was a rollin stone lowlights: none
An amazing funky album
Wow! That was absolutely stunning. The Maurice Davis trumpet on Papa was just one of many high points on this album.
Increíble. Puro poder del soul y de unos arreglos que me volaban la cabeza con cada canción. Cortito, pero de esos que sin problema podrían durar una hora más y uno seguiría pasándola bomba.
How is this not a perfect record?
Cmon it’s the temptations, of course this shit slapped!
Beautiful music. Great harmonies, voices, bass, and meaningful lyrics. Definitely need to listen to more of the temptations.
Soulful Funk to get down to. the 12 minute version of Papa was a Rolling Stone is enough to make this an epic album. Masters of tension and release.
When temptations get funky, it's as much a matter of grooving the afterlife of a nightcap as it is calling out the hypocrisies of our social reality. That is, it's about getting real, real, real: 'I watch you go to church on Sunday / But you forget all you learned on Monday'; 'Talkin' about saving souls and all the time leechin'.' It's funky b/c it's no piece of cake to admit as much, let alone sing it w/ urgency and a fire liable to blaze up the entire network that oppresses in the name of god's eternal love. But it's also sweet as can be, especially on 'Love Woke Me Up This Morning' and their exquisite cover of 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.' Maybe it's a reckless take, but can you find me a more perfect record? Better, perhaps. But not as seamless.
So nostalgic! I got the temptations' cloud nine in my very first day of the generator, and today, 100 (!) Days later, I get another one from them. Can't wait to listen to it and get a small break, from which I will be back with more power! Starts with two high energy soul tracks which sets the tone great for the massive track 3. Papa was a rolling stone. A masterpiece of a track. From the writing, to the vibe, the progression and production, and the incredible vocal delivery. Wow. Track 4 is the perfect continuation to the album. An absolute beautiful romantic song. Perfection from the vocals once again. 5, to continue this trend, just stunning. 6, I new before from Roberta Flack. It's a great song and this rendition is wonderful. Soft and smooth. 7 groovy and souly as hell 8 , wow, the funk. Just great. So much fun What a great album. Like it even more than the previous one. It starts a bit slow for me, a bit to usual soul, but the kicks an untouchable medley from track 3 to the end. It's a very very very strong 4.5 You know what, I feel good today Lets give it a
Oh how fun. The Tempations. I definitely am aware of these guys. I do enjoy this band very much when they come on the speakers. Being able to check out a full album, down for. So far so good. Lots of soul and fun!
nice
Papa was a rollin stone!
This is not what I thought a Temptations album would be like. I was pleasantly surprised. Very enjoyable listen.
When I was like 10, my father told me "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" was one of the greatest songs ever written. I accepted it as a child often does, unquestioningly. It went in all of my greatest hits mixes, and I occasionally would bring it out around my friends, to show off my musical acumen, as I am a child of the 80s and many of them were unfamiliar. Now, with the wisdom of decades, and my own children becoming teenagers, my belief in the truth of that statement is stronger. Great song. Incredible engineering. As a recording, as a performance, I don't think I could come up with a GOAT list that didn't include it. Rest of the album slaps too.
I put the “GRR” in swinger baby! This album starts off with so much funk it’s like from an Austin powers movie. I really didn’t know what to expect because tbh the only temptations song I really know is my girl so I was expecting this to be kinda cheesy but I was pleasantly surprised about the craftsmanship of this album! The production quality is excellent. The variety of musical styles: funk, soul, r&b, jazz are all on display. I had a great time
Amazing! Where has this been all my life.
Toe tappin
Love this album
EXCELLENT - 5 Star It's just Motown!
Soul defined!
So far, my favorite album from the 1001generator. Five Stars! Makes me dance like a 1960s Go Go girl!
Absolutely brilliant. The famous Funk Brothers (band) are all here, creating sleek, tight, filthy funk. String arrangement are sublime. Lyrics are astounding. Of course, the 12 minute cover of Papa Was A Rolling Stone is here, and it is one of the greatest songs and performances ever recorded. The other songs here are powerful and often brazen. This album is unabashedly Black. All vocals are 100% on point. And the soft songs are lush and soul full. I'd never listened to this 35 minute masterpiece of an album. And I'm glad I have it now. 5 of 5 stars.
Sometimes you stumble on to something that ticks all the boxes. "All Directions" is that kind of album for me. Has funky ass instrumental sections, the vocals are raw and powerful, slower jams, uptempo cuts, and I'm a sucker for doo-wop, no matter the naysayers! This album is a new favorite!
Full of epic songs, the Temptations finally arrived to be first class, even though they hovered around that level throughout their existence. 4.5/5
DISCONE
I was in a more modern earth based Star Wars battle and I was the perceived bad guy. I kept switching between young man to adult. Somewhere di osaurs were involved and I took cover with a man who wa tedto trade books. Things became too much about how fleeting life is when thinking about how on this planet goats lived to be 500
This was actually a really good album that I loved listening to!
9/10. Classic. Tons of talent and lots of fun.
This was wonderful. Not sure why but I was surprised how much I enjoyed this album!
Really fab listen. The harmonies on the vocals are superb and the overall vocal sound heavenly. The real boy bands in my opinion. Absolutely brilliant. As for papa was a rolling stone .....🫠😍
Like the first breath of spring after a long winter, this is an album that whispers to the heart, caresses the soul, and takes you on a journey in every direction, the healing power of which will linger with you long after the music fades.
Great album, the Temptations are much more varied than I realized.
Super funky. I love the long, drawn-out songs and time they take in papa was a rolling stone. Just overall cool
Never was a fan of this type of electronica.
Funky and real
Very good, very different from what I thought of in my head when I think of the Temptations. Love it!
If it makes you say "yyyeaaaahhh" "Heeeyyeeeaaah" or just moan along, then it's probably Motown.
Nice. When I first saw this album, I was like, meeeh, here’s another piece of crap. F*** this whole "1001 pieces of sh*t" thing. But this crap turned out to not be crap at all. The opening track, "Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On," is such a banger. Funk and soul were always off my radar—felt boring, you know? Like, what’s cool about a bunch of… losers trying to make music years ago? Turns out, this isn’t the first time I’ve been wrong. All Directions—an album released in 1972—but damn, it sounds so fresh. Probably because I’ve already heard it in so many places. The whole thing feels like a blueprint for records by Doom, Kanye, 2Pac, J. Cole, and one of my favorite albums, Wildflower by The Avalanches. I’m dumb. Never realized how good this kind of music actually is. Run Charlie Run, just like Papa Was a Rolling Stone, what a meaning and story behind it. Masterpieces. The only downside? Some of those bland love lyrics. You know the type: "Love woke me up this morning, I’m so glad, baby, Because of you, happiness is really mine. And my cloudy days are far behind, Every place, baby, I see your face…" God, give me a break. I usually try to keep busy just to forget about the constant loneliness and how much I hate my life. Music like this? It just pushes me deeper. While listening to this record, I kept thinking about turning it off so I wouldn’t spiral for the rest of the day. But I didn’t. And then I Ain’t Got Nothin’ came on. The second I saw the lyrics, I regretted not quitting earlier. How often do you find a song that hits too close to home? This is one of them—and that’s depressing as hell. That was the end of my “happy day.” This time, even distracting myself didn’t work. "Every fish has a bowl, and every shoe has a sole. Everybody, everybody’s got something but me. I ain’t got nothing. Now I don’t care about politics or things across the sea. All I want, all I want to do is love and have somebody love me. I need, I need somebody." Yeah… no further comment needed. The same goes for The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Mother Nature—and honestly, the rest of the album. Unfortunately, the fact that this record messed with my mood and got me thinking means it’s “good.” Mother Nature stands out. The dynamics, the emotional vocals, the way the rhythm shifts—it’s perfect. Plus, the lyrics. It’s such an unconventional way to express the feeling of not belonging. That helplessness when trying doesn’t lead to anything. I fell in love with this record NEVERMIND HAHAHAHAHA i have a new
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.
4.5 rounded up YEAH BABEY YEAH!!!!!! highlights: funky music sho nuff turns me on, papa was a rollin’ stone, love woke me up this morning (jan 10 2025)
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
Fun as hell
What an album!!! Every song a banger!!! Great lyrics that really reflect the times (and still relevant 50 years later). Beautiful harmonies, soleful and funky as you like!!! AND it has Papa was a rolling stone!!! This is the first album that has stopped me in my tracks..... Listened to it 4 times back to back. Definitely one to add to the collection!
Great album, each song was beautiful in its own way. Standouts for me were "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" and "I Ain't Got Nothin'"
Juste parfait
Great soul album, with the legendary «Papa was a Rolling Stone» on it. No bad tracks in my book, but a slightly goofy «Run Charlie Run». As opposed to other cringeworthy goofy stuff I've heard, this made me laugh a bit and has a great groove.
Loved it!
Fantastic album!
Man this was something else. Really enjoyed it
Wow, had no idea about the temptations. Killer
That's what I call Motown and R&B!
M U S I C
Epic. Papa was a Rolling Stone is immaculate. Whole album amazing. Sure a few of these tracks are on the soundtrack to one of my favourite films, Jackie Brown. Just amazing. Awesome
Really really liked this one, listened also in the dorm room. Groovy af and the production sounded really cool on my headphones. A lot of stuff panned hard to the left or the right making the stereo sound really pop. Giving a 5 cos I want to listen to it again
Great album... Classic Motown. It's just so good.
Wonderful! Brought back memories
So funky
aaalllll he left us was aloooOoOoOnnee
So good. I have been missing out.
Classic Motown
My brother turned me onto sold in the 60s so this wasn’t a huge surprise but there were a couple things. First I didn’t realize Pablo was a Rolling Stone is 95% intro and 5% so seems like all my life I’ve heard the entire song but no, I have not heard the entire song. It is a very long song with a very long intro. Another revelation was, I thought Roberta Flack was the first one to do that song because it was in the movie and I just heard her version first so I never even thought that could be on this album and when I heard that I’m thinking was she having a bad day, and then I realized oh my God! Overall good memories, fun revelations
Such an amazing range of voices! Always ends too soon! Five stars aren't enough!
That was fantastic
YESSSSS!!!!!!! i love this kind of thing..............sm
Oh yeahhhhh…nothing like some 70’s funk to get you moving. Awesome listen and well deserved kudos to the Temptations! Thanks for the good vibes!
At work I hear a lot of different Pandora stations, and there's one that's just a generic 70s one and when I hear "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" on it I just think "wow". maybe this is controversial but I think this is maybe the best version of the psychdelic soul sound.
This album rules. Temptations are most known for their more pop oriented Motown ballads but they made some of the best psychedelic soul in the early 70s. The thick funk of Papa and not even a snare hit until 8 minutes in ! just insane.
Funky
Gostei demais
Excellent album that I hadn’t previously heard
Yes! I reliably love a Motown situation, so I'm excited to finally get some in this challenge. I know "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" already but the rest of these tracks are new to me. "Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On" is a jammy funk intro, there are big echoes of Sly and the Family Stone. This is a cover of fellow Motown artist, Edwin Starr. "Run Charlie Run" is a scathing take down of racism, specifically white flight. There are verses about white folks preaching love at church on Sunday and teaching their children to hate black people on Monday, and abandoning neighborhoods when black families move in. The chorus is unforgettable. "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" is a 12 minute source of frisson for me, I love this song. The song is mostly instrumental with a hypnotizing deep pocket bass line and wahhed out funky guitar as the rhythm for the stew of horn solos, strings, harps, and claps that weave in and out to build the drama. The Temptations break in for a minute or two here and there to soulfully croon out the story of Papa as an ensemble of brothers, asking their mama for the truth about their deceased father. I had no idea this was a cover of another Motown artist, sorry to The Undisputed Truth. 'Love Woke Me Up This Morning" is a sweet, falsetto palate cleanser of a love song after the heavy hitters of Run Charlie and Papa. It's the first track of side 2 if you're listening to the record, which makes sense. Damon Harris performs the hell out of this short song. "I Ain't Got Nothing" is a soulful sad one about not having nothing. It's got a great, iconic, shoo wop shoo wop bit. "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" is a folk love song from the '50s that has been covered by loads of people. It's a sweet love song that Ewan McColl had written for his eventual wife. I knew the Roberta Flack version, which is great, but there are a bunch of covers (Elvis, Jonny Cash, Celine Dion, etc etc etc) This version is good, it's just a pretty song about falling in love. "Mother Nature" goes back into a bit more of the brooding, funky, soulful vibes of the first side of the album. Dennis Edwards powerfully leads this one, belting about wanting mother nature to take her course and free us from the bullshit. The closer, "Do Your Thing" is a funky mission statement about the importance of doing your thing - it's an Isaac Hayes cover. The Isaac Hayes version is wayyy funkier, but it's cool to hear The Temptations harmonize over this popped-up version. My favorite thing about a mo-town sesh is the music that comes up on my spotify algorithm after. There is just an unbelievable amount of great soulful, funky, music. I always inevitably learn the original source of some famous sample, discover a new singer, or hear a crazy good song by a classic artist.
It has the full version of 'Papa Was a Rollin' Stone' = 5* !!
This album was fantastic. Great instrumentals, vocals, beat, rhythm.
There are so many more layers to this group than I thought
darker, more soulful, and overall more serious than i thought it was going to be. especially in the later half of the album. stand out tracks, papa was a rollin stone (duh), but also "mother nature" and "do the right thing", insane back to back 1 2 combo to end the album.
🙌🙌🙌🙌praise
I really like how ignorant this album a day thing reminds me I am. It had been the likes of “My Girl” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” that came to mind when I thought of the Temptations - I had no idea they had this kind of funk in them, let alone that they were tearing the roof off before the Mothership even landed! That backbone of soul through the middle gives it a delicious grounding like mashed potatoes in the middle of a perfectly stacked plate. Loved it from start to finish and back around again.
I was tempted ha ha
I liked this even better than I expected. Immaculate.
Such a great album. Smoothest voices.
It's just a vibe
Super, pohodovka
Beautifully composed, filled with soul and heart. Ended all too quickly. A real treat.
groovy, very nice, loved it, especially mother nature
Loved it
Funky!!
Fantastic
Badass opening track, rest of the album is funky fire.
So good! Can't be mad listening to this group.
The funk is real! The slow jams are good, but interrupt the funk more than I’d like. Still great!
Funk
A+. Amazing funky album, and at only 34 minutes, it’s a quick listen. Good listening vibes: - Morning coffee pump up - Knocking out chores - Social gatherings
I like this one
A five-star album for Papa Was a Rollin' Stone alone, the under-represented rest of the album is more than worth that rating, too. Into heavy rotation with this one.
Epic album.
funk. cinco estrellas por run charlie run.
Papa was rolling The Temptations were groovin I recommend this!
Papa was a rolling stone!
Love woke me up this morning feelin' fine I had you on my mind Love woke me up this morning And I haven't had a heartache today And all my little tears are gone away Skies are blue because of you Love woke me up this morning Thinkin' of last night You know, you make me feel all right Love woke me up this morning I'm so glad baby Because of you, happiness is really mine And my cloudy days are far behind Absolutely incredible album. Some of the most original sounds youll ever experience, and papa was a rolling stone is one of the top 10 songs of all time. 5/5
Funky as shit and wildly more progressive than I thought the Temptations were.
Groovy, funky, and way too short.
So good, every track. 👏🏼♥️
hell yeah B)
Papa was a rolling stone!
I was a big fan of The Temptations before listening, and I'm an even bigger fan afterward. This is more slower and relaxing compared to the other things I have heard from them, but I loved it. Lyrics were flawless, and Otis Williams is a vocal legend. Papa Was A Rolling Stone is a certified classic, and Love Woke Me Up This Morning has been in my rotation for the entire day. Amazing all around.
Perfect.
Great
Slaps.
Fantastic funky soul
5.0 - “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” continues the trend in R&B towards longer orchestral arrangements that build quietly to an emotional apex, similar to Isaac Hayes’ work on “Hot Buttered Soul” released 3 years earlier. Epic! Every song on here is great. Other standouts: “Love Woke Me Up…” and “The First Time…”
This is a tour de force in early '70s funk and soul. Everything about the sound and production of this album are top notch. Almost every song hits it out of the park. The long version of Papa Was a Rollin' Stone stretches out the parts that make this song so good without making it boring and repetitious. I Ain't Got Nuthin' and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face are just dripping in romance. Scale: 5 - My absolute favorites. 4 - Albums I like. 3 - It was ok to listen to but I wouldn't seek it out. 2 - Didn't like. 1 - Absolute shit.
Did you know that The Temptations were some of the all time greats? I did
This is such a great R&B/funk album and it really shows how great The Temptations are compared to their lackluster representation in the Rolling Stone Top 500 albums. (An anthology album? Really?) The obvious centerpiece is the 12-minute ‘Papa Was A Rolling Stone’, which is just such an amazing song, but there are other highlights as well. ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ is a beautifully sung Roberta Flack cover, ‘I Ain’t Got Nothin’’ is well-produced, and ‘Run Charlie Run’ is surprisingly poignant social commentary.
This was really a nice surprise! For some reason I knew nothing about this band (but of course I recognized many of the songs), but this really is music with feeling.
The Temptations’ All Directions feels to me like a quietly brilliant encapsulation of a specific era in music, one that succinctly wove the political with the mundane; one that treated love as do-or-die (a specific thematic concept that boy bands for decades to follow would run and soar with). of course the album is anchored by the breathtaking “Papa Was a Rolling Stone”, a funk-filled soul monolith that would wear an entire generational story in its transcendental bassline, but i keep finding myself returning to The Temptations’ ruminations on love and life: “Run Charlie Run”, for one, is an evocative telling of weaponized whiteness, and “I Ain’t Got Nothing” as well as the borderline perfect “The First Time I Saw Your Face” are love songs so touchingly sweet and moving that love itself would be proud. The Temptations are not afraid to challenge their sound here — they open the record with psychedelic and funk inclinations that rear their heads throughout the album, but the jazz and soul (that sunday morning soul, you know the sound) glisten with powerful effect. here’s a generation-defining sound bottled up in not even 40 minutes, and time has no hold on it whatsoever.
nostalgic jams
Amazing, I enjoyed every minute of it. So groovy and funky.
This is great! I think they took kind of a chance making this record, it’s way different and much darker than their other poppy motown hits and ballads.
What fine voices, how they convey emotion, gives the chills! Intense and beautiful. First Time Ever I Saw about my favorite version so far, that voice, ahhhhhh.
Excellent timing for this considering I just bought a Best of Temptations album from a $2 record fair at a local classical radio station in Coorparoo.
Way more psychedelic than I was expecting, in a great way. A fantastic album.
Funky music sure enough does turn me on
I love funk music so much. It just hits different, for sure
Solid 5 for 'Love Woke Me Up This Morning' alone, let alone 'Poppa was a Rolling Stone'.
Pretty much everything you want from a record by The Temptations, including Papa Was a Rolling Stone, an obvious but correct choice for best song.
Papa was a Rolling Stone is a masterpiece that occupies most of this album but the other songs are worth listening to as well. I would call this one of the genre defining albums of Soul.
amazing. A+. 10/10. Papa Was A Rolling Stone, and First Time Ever I Saw Your Face were favorites, but ever song is a winner. i mean, it’s The Temptations, come on
Worried this was going to be a one song album however every song was great.
Motown goes funky, what's not to love?
The fact that thus album contains the finest ever version of Papa Was A Rolling Stone makes it 5. And Run, Charlie, Run is still confronting today. Inspiring decision to include a politically charged track.
Didn’t know what to expect. Took me in all directions.
todas as direções!
Flawless first half, should listen to more of their full albums.
idk yet
Wow - that was a storming Motown album, far grittier and sharper than I expected. Hats off to them, that's a brilliant set of songs and amazingly delivered.
Apart from singles I am not so familiar with the Temptations output in the seventies and had just overlooked this 1972 album. In short, it turned out to be another great Temptations/Whitfield album - with one mega-classic song of twelve minutes - while the other songs, including a cover of a very familiar song - are excellent too, in particular I liked their version of Isaac Hayes' Do Your Thing. Definitely 5 stars.
Every fish has bowl, every shoe has a sole. Brilliant.
Groovy and funktastic.
Was gonna give it 4 stars, but after hearing it again, with the current state of music, I've changed it to a 5
I'll be honest, Run Charlie Run shocked the shit out of me based on the time period. This album bumps, and has no fluff at all.
Strong open with Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On. I normally hate a live track, but this gets the nod. I wasn't expecting social commentary either - this is ace (Run Charlie Run). And despite my much chronicled loathing of overlong songs, Papa Was a Rolling Stone is such an exercise in moody groove, I can't not love it. It gets a bit more old school with Love Woke Me Up, but that's almost a relief after three very different and brilliant tracks. I Ain't Got Nothing shouts back to The Flamingos, and is moody and ace again. The First Time is trad again, and while not the best version of such a lovely song, definitely a great one.
This album is timeless, and shows the absolute staying power the Temptations have in the American canon. absolutely stunning.
This album is everything!