Reviews (page 10 of 14)
This album didn’t do it for me. They’re talented musicians but it just didn’t connect for me. I can’t put my finger on what exactly doesn’t click. I like funk and I like Motown, I guess I just don’t like the temptation’s take on funk/motown.
Not bad for expanding outside their Motown comfort zone.
Good album. The temptations are nostalgic for me
I recently developed an appreciation for The Temptations, and this is one of their good ones.
Groovy! Nice, smooth sounds. Compared to other soul or soul-adjacent music, it's been my favorite so far; I had heard Isaac Hayes and Curtis Mayfield before this, but enjoyed The Temptations much more. I think I just prefer my soulful, funky oldies albums a little more upbeat, so this worked for me.
110/1001 🌕🌕🌗🌑🌑
Men don’t be yearning and begging for their girl to come back anymore, that’s the real problem. They made simping classy
good stuff
V good
Good but not outstanding.
funky
4+
Соул-музыка, которая не сильно запоминается при прослушивании. Есть однообразность в звучании.
Classic soul. But not my kind of music.
After a great, funk-like start I found it a bit stale in the middle. Where’s my momma part is a lol. Overall great vibe for a chill sunday afternoon, glad I listened to it.
Pretty fun!
Some enjoyable mo-town for a friday.
Great fun stuff
Every single element of this album is infused with creative flair, boasting some of the best, subversive vocals I've ever heard. The track-to-track storytelling is excellent and the vocal performances harmonize perfectly with the instrumentals. Listened to: walking through Prospect Park. Favorite tracks: Cloud Nine, Love is a Hurtin' Thing
Not much to say about this album, other than I found it incredibly boring from start to finish... I saw "Grapevine" on there - and thought maybe they had written it, but they did not - they were just another cover version, and it's a pretty crappy cover at that... Marvin Gaye's cover is the definitive version... Boring will get you a 1 from me every time...
Hell yeah. The track really makes a strong statement and it continues for much of the album. All the musicians are really well trained and they make a great band. The Motown tracks were less interesting that the funk tracks.
That was fine?
Absolutely love the groove of the high hat in one ear and the bongos and tambourine in the other on Runaway child. Keys, horns and guitar popping in and out. I loved the funky grooves on the title track also. Those two alone get this over a 3 for me. Most of the rest is good quality music, but arguably more or less just the generic Motown sound. Very enjoyable listen, the passion and soul really comes through the music. 3.75/5
Just good soul-driven music with solid grooves that makes you forget about life for awhile. Runaway Child ironically seems a bit out of place here due to its length and jam vibe when compared to the rest of the tracks. But it doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment.
A total vibe with maybe a few low points, but what’s not to love about this record?
That’s just damn good music. When you put this on, if your head doesn’t start bobbing and your foot start tapping, then you have no soul. Bass guitar was the highlight for me. I want to isolate that and have it as the soundtrack of my life.
The perfect palate cleanser after that I Am A Bird Now shite. Also, Mavs going to the finals. LETS GOOO!!! 4/5
I’m not super familiar with the temptations but I enjoyed the album. Reminded me a lot of the Jackson 5.
The Temptations is one of the musical groups that has been on my waiting list for a long time. Then the day arrived and everything I heard met my expectations. The wonderful songs My Girl and Papa Was A Rolling Stone have been part of my life for years and this album gave me everything I expected and more. Sensational! What else can I say? That's my kind of music!
I normally love Motown (and the Temptations.) This has to be the weakest album of theirs I've ever heard.
groovy and smooth. An enjoyable listen
What the fuck is bro on about in half these songs. I understand that The Temptations did not write a lot of (if not all??) of these tracks, but lyrically, this is some 1960s nice guy fuckshit. Besides that, this was fine. Instrumentally pleasant for sure, but this was extremely by the books. My knowledge of soul is limited, but this sounds like soul at its default settings to me. Not offensive, but sometimes boring. Vocals are great, mix is great, and nothing (aside from dated lyrics) feels poorly executed. Not one I would really go back to if I were in the mood for a soul record, but I respect this project's place in the soul music canon.
Love the temptations
Álbuns de jazz e blues costumam ser mais agradáveis mas este é bastante desinteressante. Tem a pior versão do I Heard it Through the Gravrepine que eu ouvi. O álbum lucra por não se estender muito, visto que não tem nenhuma música marcante, mas também não tem nenhuma cantiga especialmente má. Tendo em conta a indiferença darei um 5 ao álbum. Nota: 5/10 27/05/2024
Passo fácil. Repetitivo, salvo uma musica ou outra parece que é tudo uma coisa só. É gostoso o som, mas nao é nada marcante. Nunca estaria na minha lista. Acredito que deve ter sido revolucionário à época e vejo a influência deles em muita coisa. Porém, não consigo por num pedestal não...
I enjoyed this. It had good rhythm and was catchy. Nothing in it particularly stood out to move the needle, but a good listen over all. 3.5/5
enjoy the funky beats
Not a bad Motown album, although I'm not sure it's the best I've heard by the Temptations.
4.5
Very good. A fun album.
Not great, like Papa Was a Rolling Stone, only they got distracted while writing the lyrics.
I feel very neutral about this one. 3/5
Fun starts, dropped off
When I read "psychedelic soul" I was concerned, but this was much better than I was expecting.
I'm starting to think that psychadelic soul might be my favorite genre of all time. Great album.
These guys knew what they were doing and they did it so well. I can't deny the importance of these songs, 3 stars!
This is not the sunny sound of 60s soul. This is gritty. Very different listen. Likely a new sound for me as a 52 year old white man, I never listened to the darker side of 60's Motown as they rarely played it on the stations my dad listened to. Give this a listen.
Ritmazo.
ei täysin minun tyyliäni, mestari on myös outo ja sitä on vaikea kuunnella, ehkä se olisi kiva vanhalla levysoittimella.. Jotkut kappaleen muusikot läimäyttävät täysin, mutta minusta hyvän varjostivat elottomat melodialinjat ja sieluttomat soolot, jotka kuulostavat siltä, että he ovat siellä vain siksi, että ääni soi samassa sävelessä. Tämä ei vain ole sitä. En voi uskoa, että arvostan Taylor Swiftiä tätä korkeammalle…...Ihan silleen bulkkihyvää, mut miks just tämä albumi... Epätasainen tuotanto myös. Runaway Child, Running Wild oli ainoa, joka kuulosti aidolta ja hyvältä.. cloud nine
I don’t know a lot of these songs. Before my time really.
Strange that "Grapevine" is one of my least favorite tracks on this album. Better than expectations overall.
Was hoping for better. Found myself tuning out.
Not as good as I expected. I know I’ve heard better temptations songs.
Not bad, enjoyed the baritone.
3.5
A great classic. Not really my thing but enjoyable listening. Great voice and music.
60’s don’t care
Really interesting to hear this from the Temptations, who you normally associate with a more doo-wop kind of sound.
Some classic Motown here.
Classic
really good stuff
Motown classic. Run Away Child, Running Wild is an epic classic, though the album gets a bit middling after that.
7 / 10 Mezcla de sonido Funky - Psicodelico y Motown. Tiene algunas canciones que sorprenden muy buenas.
Some grooves here. If a sunny day at the park were an album, this would be it.
Kind of enjoyed the chilled out music here, but it wasn't anything remarkable. It's a pretty middle of the road three star album for me.
Didn't do it for me. I don't need my Temptations jammy and psychedelic. I want the tight soul music of the early years.
After about 20 seconds I thought "Oooh yeah, I'm going to love this!". But the next 24 minutes just kind of washed over me in wave of 60s soul bass. Maybe I caught it on the wrong day? I like all of the ingredients, but nothing really hit home. Including a cover of 'Heard it through the grapevine' which I wouldn't have spotted if it wasn't for the track being listed.
Very enjoyable soul and funk. The standouts for me were the extended funk number “Runaway Child, Running Wild” and the light and airy doo-wop song “Why Did She Have to Leave Me.” This funky bass throughout the album is so good.
"Cloud Nine" is one of the best R&B / soul songs of all time! Kind of a shame that the rest of the album doesn't come close though. I'm listening to these others and I'm really missing the energy that that song brings. I really hate the panning choices. Percussion isolated to one ear is one of the worst things you can do at a mixing board, and thankfully this trend only happened for a very small period of time. The child crying "I want my momma" in the middle of "Runaway Child, Running Wild" really surprised me, and not in a good way! I do appreciate this 1969 entering the 70's sort of "experimental but not too much" approach though. This was a hard rate for me. I want to be generous and give it a 4 because of the pull behind "Cloud Nine", but really no other song comes close on the record to that one. Mix that with poor production choices and I have to give it a 3.
1. Cloud Nine - Super groovy, like kind of the song you see at the beginning sequence of a film introducing the main character n shit. The bass and drums of this song bang so much. The low register and high register voices in some parts do get a little bit goofy, but overall a very nice track. (added) 2. I Heard it Through the Grapevine - Cool guitar intro, not really digging the vocals that much, lost it's Motown growl from the first track. A pretty classic example of the Soul genre, especially with the antiphony between back ups and main vocals. I like the keys riff. 3. Runaway Child, Running Wild - Grooviest intro I ever did see, the guitar tones are pretty sweet. 10 minute track is a bit dodgy, but has a really strong start. Keep featuring different effects, amps and pedals, but they kinda stop doing that once they settle into the track. Kind of wished they kept their initial vibe that they started the song with, but I really do like the instrumental of this track. Don't know why that kid is crying though. (added) 4. Love is a Hurtin' Thing - Mixed feelings with the vocals, crossing between Bill Withers and Mickey Mouse. The strings sound nice, a good song for a sunny day. Quite short in comparison to the other tracks. 5. Hey Girl - Cool chord progressions, can't really see myself putting this on regularly but thats alright. Can't really say much else about the track. 6. Why Did She Have To Leave Me - These tracks are progressively getting more and more the same. I dig the mixing of this track a lot more, the drums are also really strong in this song. The vocalist is staying a lot more consistent on this track in comparison to the others, really like the raspy soulful timbre. (added) 7. I Need Your Lovin' - Angelic voice on this one, cool harmonies from the backing as well; feels like an old fashioned Bruno Mars in some areas. The groove is quite mellow, acoustic guitar was a good choice for this track, really fitting well into it's genre. 8. Don't Let Him Take Your Love From Me - The bass on this track is awesome. Really strong song, the vocalist is going off. Really catchy chorus and what not, I rate it. (added) 9. I Gotta Find a Way - The track feels like it's sticking to the same tune the whole way through, which isn't bad but sort of gets old, which is odd since tracks like Runaway child is three times long, but manages to keep it fresh. 10. Gonna Keep On Tryin' Till I Win Your Love - Don't really feel like the lyrics mesh very well with the compositional style, really clean bass lines though. Not a lot else to say about the song, the band sounds really tight, but there aren't really any outstanding moments within the track. Rating: 7.5/10
The temptations are amazing this album is only very good
This was alright but it all kind of ran together. Interesting version of Heard it through the Grapevine
Fun instrumentals and vocals
Different versions of the songs I have heard.
there are a few great bops on here. the rest is alright
Runaway child is odd - great groove with lyrics that aged poorly. Grapevine is great - it's neat to see how the song has grown from this version.
Ok
The title track is a decent little track with great energy, however the cover of Heard it Through The Grapevine isn't anywhere near the heights of Marvin Gaye's, it doesn't have the right vibe. Overall some great R&B and soul tracks with fantastic vocals. Favourite Track: Cloud Nine Least Favourite: Heard It Through The Grapevine
Funky
Nice album if not their best.
I always enjoy some funky soul. The first 3 songs are a great update to the Temptations sound. "Grapevine" funks so hard. "Runaway Child" is an extended jam that swells and ebbs to let everyone play around with the theme. The next few songs were less compelling for me, but had some great bass lines (both instrumental and vocal).
Sweet, silky, clear, soulful. Satisfying. I'll listen again. Good choice. 39 minutes! Sweet.
I think I enjoyed this :)
Clound Nine I do like The Temptations psychedelic soul period, after David Ruffin left. Like everyone I love their earlier ‘classic’ stuff but I was interested to hear this in full as I only know Clould Nine and Run Away Child, Running Wild. I love the excellent Cloud Nine, a brilliant bit of psychedelic pop soul. Running Away Child, Running Wild is also great, in that similar vein as Cloud Nine, Papa was a Rollin’ Stone, Psychedelic Shack, Ball of Confusion. Quite a simple electric piano riff, great bass and drums and nice guitar accents. Along with Sly and the Family Stone this really laid the groundwork for Funk and the Parliament-Funkadelic albums in the 70s. I think George Clinton worked at Motown so I’m pretty sure would have been around the Temptations and would likely have played on some of their songs. I’m Not as keen on their version of I Heard it Through the Grapevine, obviously Marvin’s is the definitive version but I don’t think the riff on piano works, and they style in which they’ve done it makes it sound quite lounge. The second side is almost like a completely different album. I was expecting more 9 minutes psych soul jams, but it’s 7 tracks in the traditional style of the Temptations and Motown. Even if they may not be top tier Motown tracks they are still all superior examples of the type of throwaway pop music Motown seemed to casually toss off at the time. Excellent playing, (particularly bass and particularly bass on I Need Your Lovin’), great vocal group harmonies, sympathetic production make an extremely enjoyable listening experience, especially on my final listen through this rainy Sunday morning. The last 4 tracks from I Need Your Lovin’ to Gonna Keep Trying till I Win your Love I particularly enjoyed. Again even though they aren’t top tier Motown they give you those little dopamine hits of joy in a way not much else can. Overall it’s kind of tricky to rate as it seems like two psychedelic soul freak outs, a weird demo seeming version of I Heard I Through The Grapevine and then half a record of classic Temptation style tracks. The first side is clearly very influential and Cloud Nine is a truly great track, and then the second side is very enjoyable vocal soul. Three feels a bit low, it’s not quite a 4, but I’ll go 4 for Cloud Nine, the playing and the vocals. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nice background music, but not really more.
Couldnt stop tapping my foot from start to finish.
вроде фанк (ладно, прог соул говорит вики) но хорошо легло на море и солнце, с удовольствием послушала
This album starts off super strong, title track and Runaway Child, Running Wild are both fantastic tracks. However, after Love Is A Hurtin' Thing and Hey Girl, the album quality dips into a seemingly random assortmant of love songs that sound alike. I also am not a fan of the production as a whole. But still, great vocals and killer 1st half of the record
It glides along without becoming noticeable.
Ok
8/10. Started off strong. Runaway Child, Runnin Wild was a top notch 5⭐️. Added two others as well. But as the album went on it did feel like the same song over and over eventually.
Ай как старички копчёные прокачали, я пока мыл санузел натанцевался вдоволь
I like the genre, and The Temptations was a hugely successful funk and R&B act in its heyday. While I liked the album, I did not love it...
Not my favorite version of Heard It Through the Grapevine, but a pretty funky album from start to finish.
A fine album but forgettable. A few surprises thrown in there like runaway child that make it more groovy that a typical Motown.
Enjoyed this. Something of a departure from the singles which is what an album should attempt to offer.
It's more flat than funky
The Temptations update their sound to stay current in the psychedelic era and wind up making the best album of their career
This was good but didn't hit as hard as "All Directions" for me. I'm shocked that I had never heard their version of "Through The Grapevine" - I just had the Slits version the other day - I wonder how many more takes on that song are represented in this collection.
why did she have to leave me e I gotta find a way <3
I thought I liked The Temptations. Now I'm thinking maybe I don't. Or at least I don't like this album. Also...why does every album on this list so far have at least one unnecessarily long song? Kinda driving me nuts. 2/5
Good. 4/5
This didn't make any sort of impression on me, frankly. Bad cover of 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine' and not much else.
Middle of the road between motown and funk. Tried listening to it a few time but nothing really grabbed me. A decent funk album if you are in the mood. I think I preferred the funkier songs to the more motown-sound. Weak 3?
Good - overall enjoyable but I found it a bit forgettable
Funky. I dig it
Thoughts before listening: I certainly know the Temptations, but I’ve never seen this album cover be though. This is a 60s Motown soul group that has some massive songs. Looks like this album has at least one of those songs with “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” which will be nice to hear. Review: These are the types of albums I like discovering through this project. I knew the Temptations transitioned from being Motown hitmakers in the 60s to a more psychedelic funk sound in the 70s, but I had never really dug in other than the Psychedelic Shack album I once picked up on a whim in a record store budget bin. The first three songs on this album have an incredible sound that is quite different from what the Temptations had released prior to this album. All three of these songs are going on the playlist, and I especially enjoy the 9 minute "Runaway Child, Running Wild". The second half is more traditional 60s soul sound that the Temptations are known for. This is an enjoyable listen, but nothing is standing out. 4-star album.
Really really great mix of styles here for the Temptations. I think I've been spoiled by other versions of Heard it through the Grapevine because I didn't think this one was all that good. The other tracks had way better performances all around. Favorites were Runaway Child Running Wild, Love Is A Hurtin' Thing, Why Did She Have To Leave Me, and Gonna Keep On tryin Til I Win Your Love
Wasn’t a huge fan of their version of I Heard It Through The Grapevine, but everything else here is fantastic. Put horns in all music. Didn’t realize I really like The Temptations until now.
CLOUD NINE is an album carried **heavily** by two songs: the title track and "Runaway Child, Running Away". The rest of the album, meanwhile... I mean, to tackle those first, the songs from the fourth onward are just fine Temptations fare. Good, but nothing spectacular. Kind of underwhelming, honestly, in the face of its stand-outs. And, boy, that "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" cover sure does exist, dunnit? But "Cloud Nine" is a great piece of Sly inspired music, and "Runaway Child, Running Away" is a damn sprawling epic work of psychdelic soul that helped pave the way for their daminger sprawlinger epicer "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone". It's a trip and a half, I tell you what. The album's absolutely worth hearing alone jusr for those two. And, y'know, based on those songs merits I wanted to say that elevated this album as a whole to a 4. But, like everything else that aren't those songs are so "it's fine" that I'm really feeling it's more a 3. This isn't an INNERVISIONS and "Living In The City" or HUNKY DORY and "Life On Mars?" case here, y'know? So anyway, that was my group's 100th album. A bit of a squib for the only 100th album we're ever gonna get, but there's always hope our next milestones are better bangs.
Asides from Runaway Child, Running Wild, this is just your average Motown Hitsville record with the usual shitty 60s "Stereo" mix.
Incredibly, it’s a 5. Yes, the last 7 tracks of this album are a sort of stereotypical doo-wop affair reminiscent of “My Girl” more than the funk-infused and experimental first 3 tracks, but I love both sides of it equally. I think the doo-wop is just incredibly smooth, and even though it’s all just love songs, it manages to blend in that sort of late 50s/early 60s feel with a lot of their contemporaries of the era in a way that makes it feel kinda fresh and nostalgic at the same time for 1969, when Beatlemania was surely still in full swing. Those first 3 tracks are still really cool; namely Cloud Nine & the 10-minute centerpiece that is Runaway Child, Running Wild; yes, it doesn’t need to be 10 minutes, but it fills its soundscape pretty well and it stays pretty engaging throughout, even if it plays it pretty safe the whole way through. I can’t really explain why it’s a 5, but I think there’s just something about this sound that clicked with me super well; I don’t think there’s a miss on this album in terms of easy listening, and everything here is just catchy as hell to me. I feel pretty good with a 5.
cool
sabrosito
Love, great voices, and love. 9/10
Funky muthr fukers
It’s a lovely smooth radio kind of album
Chill background music So much so I've forgotten what any of it sounded like
Just gold
More soul, personally I’m not huge into it, feels about the time which is great, wouldn’t throw it on personally. 2.4
listened 2x. 1.8/5
2024-04-07...
I almost gave this one a five because of the second track daaaamn is it groovy
could i write poetry to this? n
Groovy, def from a dif era
It’s got that psych funk sound of the post HDH, post 67 Motown. Not bad, but falls off a bit after the first half.
Nothing special, no disrespect to these gentlemen
Not much to say, man. Wasn’t impressed dude. Extra star because I’m having. A great morning with my baby
Not what I was expecting Really good with an edge to the songs that I was not ready for. Thought it would be twee easy lounge room songs
Runaway child was good. I didnt love anything else
I like the first half of this album much better than the second. The first half is like a cool blend of motown and funk, it's great. The second side is pretty much a straightforward motown record. Not bad but nothing really stands out to me. I'd like to give it more but 3/5 is where it lands.
Loved them when I was a kid. Love this now!
Hou normaal wel van soul, maar vond een heel album hiervan niet heel bijzonder
Hoeveel uitvoeringen van I Heard it through the grapevine zijn er Temptations altijd wel goed Kende dit album ook nie lekker kalme start van de dag en mooie liedjes
decent. groovy. 3/5
Fine background funk / Motown.
I enjoyed the title track Cloud Nine the most. I hadn’t listened to the groovier The Temptation songs before and I was grooving. At I Heard It Through the Grapevine, it started to lose me a bit- it was not my favorite version but definitely a take so I could appreciate it. Runaway Child, Running Wild has some vocal moments that I find really intriguing like the “I want my mama” cry blending into the groovy sound. I didn’t love the song but definitely stood out to me as an experiment. The latter half of the album was less standout and I kept forgetting what I listened to. Last I’ll say I like the album art and how it fits the record. Solid
WTH were they thinking with Runaway Child, Running Wild? I can't even put into words how I feel about having a crying child wailing for their mother embedded in a song. I had to immediately skip to the next song. Jesus. Immediate down vote for that. Fuck.
Ein wenig psychedelischer Motown.
Legit Motown sound. 3.2
Pretty good. “Runaway Child, Running Wild” took me by surprise.
Great Motown sound.
It was so fun
Pretty nice funk, but nothing stood out too much.
That’s another one listened from the legendary Mr Young
How do you even pick a Temptations album for this list? They have at least 8 four to five star albums in their catalog. As always their vocals are excellent. Solid.
Not sure why my previous rating didn't save. It might have been my most insightful yet. The psychedelic soul is good, but maybe a bit too much for me.
There are two tales here. Cloud Nine is weirdly psychedelic/funky, Grapevine is a troubling cover, and Run Away Child is a bit overdone (I think there was a "help me momma" in the middle that was quite a bit of a head scratcher. Then the album becomes a bit what you expect... 7 straight, sweet, short motown pop soul. Though none of them are super memorable, they are all solid.
It was a good listen, of course, although nothing really caught me. I probably wouldn’t put on again..
Not their best effort, but its got that Motown groove you just can't get anywhere else.
Such a great record. Never heard The Temptations for a full LP's length. "Runaway Child, Running Wild" feels so wonderfully out of place for a 60s record, running nine minutes in an album full of tracks that otherwise average well under three minutes. Lush harmonies and arrangements, brilliant grooves.
A fine example of '60s soul, though a touch on the repetitive side. A couple tracks got mighty funky though.
Ääh, vähän tuommoista hömppä soul musiikkia. Vokaalit hiukan ärsyttäviä ja se itkevän lapsen imitointi oli ihan kauheata.
Nice Fav songs: Why did she have to leave me Don't let him take your love from me :D
2 star. Hits and misses.
Decent album but not their best
Wow....soooooo good. Timeless and of its era at the same time. The title track blew me away- it was the funkiest tune I have ever heard them do. This amazing harmonies and the incredible arrangements. Beyond.
Was very nice and sexy and also you are all pedophiles
Ain't no Herbie Hancock, but pretty good for cooking or moving through the world
A bit more funky than I'm used to from The Temptations as they move into the 70s. I like it a lot.
Such a good group. Not my favourite version of I Heard It Through The Grapevine, but it fits their style. I was not expecting to hear a grown man cry for his mommy. Maybe they should have let a child do that.
I liked this. It totally sounded like the Temptations, and the production on it is really funky. Standout track for me was Cloud Nine. Marvin Gaye’s ‘Grapevine’ is preferable to me, though.
Funky delicious
stop
Fathers of groove.
Well this was a treat, it was great to switch up the vibe with these oldies. I loved it. It was hard NOT to hear sounds from some of their other more popular songs, like My Girl, Aint no Mountain High enough etc. 5 stars
Thought it was good, I’ve always like this style of music as a sort of background ambience, but not something I’d go out of my way to listen to
pretty good album, enjoyed it
just not my kind of music, not bad tho
Each song feels bubbly and fresh, despite its age and no idea is overdone in the short runtime
Legendary group with great musicians behind them. Good quality songs but hard to maintain there best
Title track saves the day…rest is ok. A couple more classics on the horizon for the Temps but they were nearing the end. Big part of music history.
I really enjoyed this album. Sent me on a journey through more of their stuff and artists like them
The Temptations! Out with the more soulful Motown from the likes of the four tops or the miracles and IN with this slice of dirty political funk and soul 🤘🏽
All blended into one. There wasn't really a single standout track
Upbeat throughout as you’d expect from a classic soul album. I’m sure this was one of the forerunners in the genre but I can’t help think it all just blends into one.
Starts strong, then every track melds into one, pretty forgettable stuff.
funky beats, I like "don't let him take you love from me"
Liked the music, listening with headphones I was a bit dissapointed with the mix as every track had the same vocal drum instrument pans so it became a little predictable sonically
I would guess that this is not the only Temptations album that will be on this list. If that’s the case, then I’m plenty happy to start with this one that is more “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” than it is “My Girl.” Fun, funky, and showing off not only the depth of their sound, but of Motown Records as well. Their take on “I Heard it through the Grapevine” is fantastic. Enjoyed the whole thing as much as I enjoyed having the whole weekend to listen.
Not really into R&B, but I was able to appreciate the funk aspects of the songs. Of course the vocals are great. I support long songs, but Runaway Child is too long for what it is imo.
Clasico de la Motown
Some nice easy listening music here. Not a lot of funk and flash but a lot class.
A good album, I liked Runaway Child, Running Wild and I Need Your Lovin' the best.
6/10 This is fun. 3/7/2024
Some serious feel good tunes on this jawn - damn near a fiver (not gonna just be throwing those out)
The first half of this album is pure fire! Funky, soulful, rocking even. A perfect first side of an album. It does tail off a little for me on the second side...BUT the consistently bad ass bass and strong vocal harmonies and passion of the vocals keep it fresh for me. A strong album. Favorite tracks: Cloud Nine, I Heard It Through the Grapevine, Runaway Child, Running Wild, I Need Your Lovin'.
I was looking forward to this one for some reason, but it disappointed me. Kind of boring - not unpleasant but didn't interest me as much as I expected.
B- Cloud Nine 3 I Heard It Through The Grapevine 3 Run Away Child, Running Wild 3 Love Is A Hurtin' Thing 4 Hey Girl 4 Why Did She Have To Leave Me (Why Did She Have To Go) 3 I Need Your Lovin' 3 Don't Let Him Take Your Love From Me 3 I Gotta Find A Way (To Get You Back) 3 Gonna Keep On Tryin' Till I Win Your Love 3 I expected way more. C'mon, fellas!!
Очень средний скучный соул.
First soul album I've heard in full, pretty good, but not my favourite. 7/10 Fav song : Runaway Child, Running Wild
Nothing special
Definitely a tale of two halves. The first half is different, experimental, and awesome. The second half is some classic motown, which just doesn't hit as good after the first half. Wishing the first half was more, or by itself.
smooth and warm. OK
Finally something that is more up to my alley. The vocal harmonies here? Exquisite. The production? Great for its time. I’ve heard of more complex music in my life but the passion, the attitude, the delivery? More than makes up for it. Also, soul singers made 10 minute songs before those progressive rockers ever did!
Liked the funky almost shaft like blacksploitation songs on the first half of the album as well as the more old school stuff on the second.
Really fun. Great sound.
This was a nice listen, there's something about older albums like this that feel so nostalgic.. even though they're decades older than me.
bueno 3,5
Skön soulig funk, najs.
Gillade denna snäppet mer än All directions, även om den saknar superhits.
Motown! Not the classic versions/songs that I remember from the radio. But still has that sound that can lift spirits.
Classic motow
totalnie nie moj styl, master tez jest dziwny i zle sie tego slucha, moze na starym gramofonie by to bylo przyjemne
Wish I had the time to listen more to it!
Loved this album. Makes you want to do some slow dancing.
Aight
Fairly solid but no real standouts.
Very solid album, very funky. Enjoyed every song but nothing complete wowed me. An amazing group.
Favorite Tracks: Runaway Child, Running Wild Cloud Nine I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Not great, kind of forgettable. 2.8
This was totally fine but it really didn’t scratch that 60s soul itch for me. I’m sure this is seminal to Motown and black music and the 60s music scene but I guess I just didn’t find it quite as fun as Smokey Robinson or Barbara Lewis. By no means a bad album I can’t stress that enough.
Fun little album
2/22/24
Produced incredibly. Stunning vocals. Track 2- beautiful pop ballad Track 3- great emotions. Musical break very good Very smooth listening experience. Track 5- mmmm Side two so far, very poppy and sweet 8- fucking funky bass Thank you for the recommendation.
I had no idea The Temptations ventured into this style of music. Interesting listen
Helt udemærket soul album. Klart flere lyt værd
I was excited when I saw the album, but it just didn’t connect. Very dated.
Not my favorite genre. They have good songs though. Didn’t love.
good shit, soul time
9/10 songs saved
I would have never listened to this if it wasn’t for this project. Pleasantly surprised. Top 3 were Cloud Nine, Love is a Hurtin’ Thing, and Hey Girl. Album cover looks like the guys are standing on a giant steak.
Fantastic album. Love the soul roots. Need to buy the vinyl !
Good ole music! Enjoyed it...some of the songs are redone...ie Marvin Gaye.... Heard it through the Grapevine!...I like his version better. Nice easy listening....good album.
Maybe it's just because it was Friday but I felt myself grooving along to this album at times, then the random "I want my momma"s started and threw me off.
The Temptations, classic R&B but this album was just ok for me
Good
Liked it more than I thought I would.
Really enjoyed running to this one. Groovy as hell. Haven't heard a ton of 9 minute motown songs.
Well worth a listen or two. Perhaps could be improved by trimming down runaway child to about half the length and remove the faux crying from the track? Vocalists in the group are an odd mix - lead singer is great - this variability is most jarring in Love is a Hurtin Thing. A prolific band with longevity - would be interested to know if this indeed the definitive work to listen to if dipping in.
This was good, but not as good as the previous one we listened to in the challenge. It was great to listen to as I chipped away at my work. Funky Friday!
I enjoyed this one more than the previous Temptations album - maybe I was feeling a bit more funky today? CCRs heard it through the grapevine still wins for me though - just sayin
When this album was released I would have avoided it like the plague. Did not like the Motown, soul, funk sound at all. But you could not avoid it as it was played almost exclusively in clubs and across the radio at the time. So indirectly it became part of the soundtrack of my life from that particular time. Listening to this album there are moments where the music takes me back to my youth. Music should evoke memories so in that respect this album in parts fulfills that purpose but now older I can begin to appreciate the musical value of this type of music. Still don’t like it personally but the millions who do cannot be wrong I suppose.
Oldie goodie
Who doesn't love the Temptations sound? Although I always appreciate their history and everything they've brought, I didn't think this album was anything special or exciting.
Very Motown, harmonizing and formulaic in the structure. Even songs that aren't happy have a cheery, harmonizing sound, which is such a strange disconnect.
Wonderful
Это, типа, госпел джаз? Ладно, википедия пишет "прогрессив соул". Ну я как обычно в жанрах ничего не понимаю. Соул соулом, а мне как-то никак. Омерзения не испытываю, ничего не испытываю. Как бэкграунд для фикса багов сойдёт, три звезды.
An unfortunately somewhat weak beginning to the Temptations' foray into psychedelia; side A is relatively inconsequential fluff (with a confusing potential message about drug abuse?) and a rather poor cover of "I Heard it Through the Grapevine"; side B moves into more traditional Temptations material, though none of it particularly memorable. This LP doesn't hurt the ears, but it also doesn't inspire, with relatively weak stereo mixing and a lack of funk and oomph subsequent Temptations records would have.
Un disco ameno de escuchar, pero no se quedará en mi memoria seguro.
Strong first song, the rest are just okay.
nice n jazzy just not my style
not one of their better ones
Not bad, just not my thing.
nice!
I liked the back half a fair amount. I was not a fan of the funk sound of the first half though. And even the back half didn't reach the standards of great motown. Kind of a bummer really.
Decent in places
Cool
Pretty good album. The first few songs are pretty funky for a band I associate with doowop—I like it. The second half is a lot more of the more traditional stuff I was expecting, which is also pretty good. I’m more familiar with the earlier Temptations songs with the other lead singer. But the new guy has a cool rasp to his voice. It’s got a James Brown feel to it. The bass singer’s voice is also cool. I personally prefer the Marvin Gaye version of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” but their version isn’t bad. A couple things I didn’t enjoy about the album—the falsetto guy’s voice gets very grating. Some of my favorite singers are famous for their falsetto, but this dude sounds like a whinier child Michael Jackson. The other issue I had is “Runaway Child, Running Wild” going for 9:30–completely unnecessary. I was crying for my mama by the end. I’d probably pick a few tracks rather than listen to the full album again, but I wouldn’t turn it off if it came on.
A fine psych soul release led by perfect singles.
Enjoyable. Favourite track: Runaway Child, Running Wild.
Old
I love The Temptations and lean toward the funk over the soul even though both are good. I had never listened to a complete Temptations album prior and while I liked it there were some surprises. I didn’t completely love this version of Heard it Through the Grapevine - surprising, right? Some tunes left me hungering for a tastier baseline that what it delivered. Other tunes were the perfect thing for grooving in my kitchen while cooking. A true mixed bag.
Bot too many outstanding tracks, but it's the Temptations.
Vibe
Decent listen
This is an absolute bop of an album. I wasn't sure if I'd like the last half since it started to have break up sings but it was a great listen.
This is one of those unfortunate albums that hits extra hard on track 1 with an incredible track, and then gets worse and worse as the album goes on. I think Runaway Child, Running Wild has a really neat vibe and concept, but unfortunately outside the first 3 tracks, this was a somewhat forgettable album. Not the Temptations best for sure.
Good soul album. Doesn’t have many of their big songs, but still a good one. 3/5 Might listen again
Fun, warm, groovy
I heard it through the grapevine. Iconic. For the quality of the song and its placement in the 80s California Raisins commercial.
Yeah, these guys are the real deal.
Motown did know how to make their art 👌🏼
I wonder if they were the NWA of the 60's
Motowns finest
Meh
Shout out Jenny Hayden
Won’t be coming back to it
Silky smooth.
Damn what a cohesive vocal unit. A nice newer iteration of the temptations that isn’t just “oooohh ahhh I like this girl.” Also the deep bassy baritone guy popping in every once in a while cracked me up. Sounded like a cartoon charecter
It's fine, comfortable, pleasant, but doesn't feel groundbreaking.
This was fine, but not my jam.
I enjoy this era of soul, when it has a cinematic feel.
Really good, what you'd expect from the Temptations, great soul sound
Overall good songs. Not something I'm likely to actively choose to listen to but still good.
Another album by The Temptations - the second in the 36 albums so far. I've played it three or four times this morning. This is a pleasant enough record to listen to, but I'm not very clear what elevates this to the 1001 records list. Perhaps if I knew more about soul music I'd see some significance that escapes me. 3/5
Chill af to say it in simple terms. Never heard of this album or the band before being given this album to listen to. But it sounds instantly familiar and sounds like I have grown up with it. Very disappointed this isn't talked about that much online. They have sold tens of millions of albums across the world. Seems like one of those groups who have been left out of this modern age of music discourse. This age of music discourse is very meme-able with the same albums being brought up over and over again and people being pretentious. And "Cloud Nine" doesn't fit into those molds being made by the community. Is it a masterpiece? No, I wouldn't say so; it's missing the special touch or oomph factor even though it doesn't have any bad tracks. But it is still at this point a hidden gem. I hate using that word but I feel that it is necessary for this description.
Pleasant but unremarkable.
This is not what I expected before starting this album. Coming from The Temptations, I am surprised to prefer the funkier, 70s style on this album verses the sound they are more famous for.
R&B; soul; funk; progressive soul; psychedelic soul Temptations became the definitive vocal group of the 1960s. One of Motowns most elastic acts. Motown: recording company founded by Berry Gordy, Jr., in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., in January 1959 that became one of the most successful Black-owned businesses and one of the most influential independent record companies in American history. The company gave its name to the hugely popular style of soul music that it created. Notes: To me it all sounds similar. It can be vibey and I liked the messages and relatability. Has a very classic sound. The album itself isn't something I'll listen to but I will check out more songs from the Temptations.
N/A
This album was pretty fun! Nothing earth-shattering, but I enjoyed my time with it. Thankfully it was succinct, which is always a bonus for me. Great harmonies and flow with these guys. Not my favorite style of music, but I liked it for what it was. Fav tracks: Love Is A Hurtin' Thing, Why Did She Have To Leave Me (Why Did She Have To Go)
I like The Temptations but feel like I've primarily listened to singles/compilation albums. I liked the album, but hard to compare to a "Best Of"
I should listen again
pleasant enough
The Temptations were the classic Motown sound! This album showcased their incredible talent and has all the vibes!
Pretty fun listen
Nice album overall. Definitely a good groove but I did not like their version of I heard it through the grapevine. Overall it’s good, chill background music.
Appreciate all that The Temptations have brought to modern music - this album was a one-and-done for me, though. Standouts: Cloud Nine, I Heard It Through the Grapevine
this album honestly was boring. i personally didn’t like this. the second half of the album had some groove to it but other than that there was one 9 minute long song and every other song was short and didn’t stick out
A pleasant, if unremarkable, listen
Great tunes..loved the tempations always
Pleasant stroll down memory lane albeit some of the songs felt quite dated rather than nostalgic. Would listen to it again.
Best R&B from Mo'town.
Uskomatonta soitantaa.. Jos unknown bändi incredible find.. mutta the temptaatiothan se siinä eli alenee arvosana.. known band
I was expecting to like this more. Like, a lot more. I know The Temptations are iconic, but is just sounds like a group of really good solo singers who try to support each other when the others have a solo. What bothered me most at first was realizing there was some really bad mic technique in the studio. The singer pulls back from the microphone on the title track “Cloud Nine” to reveal the size of the untreated room. At first, I loved the vulnerability of it, but then I started realizing some of the background vocals were pretty poorly arranged as if the group were a mediocre a cappella group who didn’t know how to around parts. Some of the musicians on the track absolutely slap, but to me the good was overshadowed by lifeless lines of melody and soulless solos that sound like they are there just to have sound playing in the same key. This just isn’t it. I can’t believe I am rating Taylor Swift higher than this….
One word: Classic
Amazing record. I think I listened through at least 5 times
They sure can sing. Pretty groovy. Favorite track was I heard it through the grapevine.
Просто не мій смак