Reviews (page 6 of 14)
Just a really good album. It's probably a 4.5 because of the 9 minute sing that could've easily been 4 minutes shorter... but I'm still gonna round up. I'd buy this on vinyl.
good vibes, it's feeling like you got a free whole day for yourself.
Hahaha den här spelade jag när vi hade Temptations förra gången för att få en referens. Så den är i färskt minne. Ok ingen "Papa..." här men titelspåret och "Run away child..." är nästan lika bra. Annars är kvalitén på det här albumet snäppet högre än den andra skivan. Gillar det här gränsslandet där dom har ett ben kvar i det gamla och ett ben på väg in i det nya. Whitffield är en superb låtskrivare vilket gör att albumet känns sammanhållet och jämt, det är inte massa klassisk Motownutfyllnad och två singlar. Däremot är jag frågande till varför inte samtida singeln "Ball of confusion" är med, den hade passat bättre in på "Grapevines" plats på skivan. För jag saknar nån riktig topp till för att nå fyran
Jag tänker att Tempations är ett bruksband. De gör jobbet - lika säkert som en pålitlig hantverkare. Alltid en stabil lägstanivå, men sällan fantastiskt. Alltid bra sång, men aldrig gåshudsframkallande. Hantverksmässigt utförd soul helt enkelt.
Jämfört med förra Temptationsplattan vi hade med finns mer av det traditionella Motownsoundet här, även om det redan nu går att höra de psykadeliska influenserna. Hursomhelst det låter bra. Fint let him… (som Håkan gjorde en fin cover på) är alldeles underbar. Sen om detta är originalet eller om Four tops kom först låter jag vara osagt. I regel spelades ju samma låt in av flera artister i hitfabriken, sen fick man se vilken som funkade bäst. Precis som Heard it through the grapewine. Temptstions version har sina styrkor men når inte riktigt upp till Marvins. Funken i titelspåret gungar fint. Temat tuff uppväxt är gångbart (samma i Papa Was a Rolling Stones). Ett bra album helt enkelt.
Fina låtar men lite splittrat för ett album. Cloud Nine ger en föraning om Withfielfds psykedeliska soul. Texten är politisk på ett sätt som Motown inte brukade vara. Cloud Nine verkar inte riktigt höra hemma på albumet. Övriga låtar är bra, men kanske inte fantastiska. Jag uppskattar att temptations tagit sig från den sockersöta Motown-popen till något annat. Ibland låter det nästan southern soul om dem.
Loved it
los primeros tracks están buenos, llegando al final se pone medio repetitivo musical y liricamente. la produ está muy bien
Gotta love the Temptations, excellent album, more of this please!
Fine - other than the title track, this was a pretty bog standard Motown album. Nothing bad, but nothing else really stood out.
Hell Yes!!! Finally an album I can get behind! Not their best album but I definitely liked this better than yet another overrated 70’s rock or folk act.
Quality 60s soul. Enjoyable
It IS THE Temptations
Best Song: Cloud Nine. I liked the building crescendo to kick off the song/album. Worst Song: I Heard It Through The Grapevine. It's just all around worse than the original and many of the more famous covers. Overall: Pleasant but unexciting. It verged too far into the psychedelic realm for me, whereas I wished it stayed more in the Motown/soul area.
Favorite: Why Did She Have to Leave Me (Why Did She Have To Go)
Album muito bom, muito gostoso de ouvir. Ritmos muito bons com um swing muito bom
I liked this a lot. Fun music, heartfelt performance, and entertaining. I liked the motown stuff more than the funk, but even the funk was good.
No one is begging to keep their love with a funky horn and percussion anymore!!! Smh Anyways much love to DETROIT royalty...those who get it get...and those who don't well...🤷🏿♀️
Este challenge me esta haciendo escuchar soul todos los días, no me quejo igual pero no eran sonidos a los que esté tan acostumbrada como para hacer tanta review. Este tambien sería un 3.5 si se pudiera. De todos los que tocaron del género, fue el que menos me cautivó. Hay veces que las vocals están medio crudas, parece que lo estas escuchando en vivo. Por que hay un nene llorando que quiere a su mama?? No se si de todo lo que sacaron los temptations este era justamente el indispensable. Me causo tambien mucha ternura la foto de perfil que tienen en spotify 😭 Favs: I Heard It Through The Grapevine, Love Is A Hurtin Thing, I Gotta Find A Way.
I get it, son los Temptations y son muy imprescindibles en general, pero me parece que tienen trabajos más pulidos. Sin ir más lejos, hay cosas suyas de 4 años antes que suenan mejor y son más rompedoras. En cualquier caso, me gusta mucho este tipo de música así mala nota tampoco le voy a poner. Favs: Cloud Nine, Love is a Hurting Thin, Gotta Keep On Trying Till I Win Your Love
Según he leído, este álbum es un puente entre dos eras: los Temptations clásicos diciendo adiós y los más psicodélicos diciendo hola. Como tantos otros artistas, mi experiencia con este grupo hasta la fecha se ha basado en escuchar singles en Spotify después de haberlos reconocido en películas, y debo decir que, con lo poco que conocía de ellos, ya me temía que fuese otro ejemplo más de banda cuyo punto fuerte son los hits puntuales, y no necesariamente los álbumes. Sin embargo, hay algo fascinante en ver a una banda tan asociada al soul más pulcro lanzarse de cabeza al sonido funk. Dudo que este sea su mejor álbum, pero me parece uno que refleja riesgo, transición y curiosidad artística. Y eso, viniendo de un grupo con una fórmula de éxito tan asentada, ya dice mucho. Favs: Run Away Running Child, Love Is a Hurtin' Thing, I Gotta Find a Way (To Get You Back)
Disco transicional al soul psicodélico (al menos en las primeras dos canciones), que más allá de la curiosidad de escuchar a The Temptations incursionando en el género no me generó mucho más. A la playlist: Cloud Nine.
This is a different version of the Temptations, that's for sure. I did not love their version of I Heard It Through the Grapevine, as I think it pales in comparison to Marvin Gaye's version (though, whose version does not?) and the CCR version. I find it a bit odd there are two Temptations albums in this book and neither of them feature the approximate 354 hits from the 60's they had, other than Cloud 9 of course. I see the move towards a more psychedelic soul in the sound of the album and overall the results are really strong. I admit that Runaway Child, Run Wild is a bit of an outlier due to it being almost 10 minutes long and there is a child screaming for his mother in the middle of it. It's difficult because this album is not a great representation of the Temptations sound, as it is more of an outlier. It is probably one of their better complete albums and the back half of the album trends more towards the "traditional" sound they are famous for. I like this one though, as it has a nice edge and different instrumentation from their other music. Cloud Nine Hey Girl Why Did She Have to Leave Me (Why Did She Have to Go) I Need Your Lovin' I Gotta Find a Way (To Get You Back) Gonna Keep on Tryin' Till I Win Your Love
Музыка на фончик
Love me some Motown. Pretty chill album
Tempted to go higher, but just didn't quick click with this one.
I wanted to love this and some songs were very cute, but ultimately I was bored. I am not bored by the two impossible whoppers I am currently eating in a parking lot
Maybe I fell asleep listening to this because it was so good but I’ll never know because I only made it through 4 songs.
AH, THE TEMPTATIONS- Dewey Cox The title track always clung around in my head with the dynamic harmonies. Love the extra deep voiced guy. The rest of the album is alright but nothing as clingy (3.5/5)
15.10.25 klo 12.30, hima, varvas, spotify very good very nice
Koselig album.
9 I’m giving this album a (cloud) 9!!! HA HA HA!
was ok to listen to...
Pretty good Motown.
Husker ikke stort av det siden jeg hørte på.. Men virket helt ok. Kommer ikke til å høre på igjen.
3/5
It was good. Didn’t really blow my socks off and I wouldn’t rush to listen to it again. I think other artists do this better, Otis Redding for example. Favourite Track: Runaway Child, Running Wild.
Easy listening. Inget starkt intryck. Trea.
sentimento de cafezinho numa manhã de quinta-feira. 5/5
Some good, psychedelic soul. Brilliant singing, obviously. Just doesn't capture my imagination as much as I'd hoped it would.
Very cool and nice, but did not have any song that was like "wow, THESE are The Temptations!". Love their work, the presence, and the history/context in the Motown scene, but did dont feel like this album was "the" one. Excited for the "Grapevine" cover, but did not like it too much. Overall, good album and musicianship, but kinda bland.
I love the Funk sound, never heard this album and it is so refreshing to finally hear this genre. 4.5 stars
Ca m'a pas "stick" à l'écoute
Music that's nice to cook your dinner to on a Friday evening to or breakfast on a weekend morning. Seems to have been revolutionary at the time so props to the producer. It just doesn't blow my mind in 2025. 3/5.
C'est doux, sensuel et chaleureux ce petit album polyphonique Pas mal d1ns une ambiance cosy
2.5/5
Didn't love it. A few songs were alright.
I heard it through the grapevine that I was feeling fine on cloud nine jamming these tasty grooves.
Fine background music I guess
The Temptations are obviously legendary for their awesome vocals, great motown and funk sounds. For people unaware, The Temptations were pioneers in creating a sound that transcended race and help bring black artists to mainstream radio during segregation. Their sound inspired the Jackson 5, The Beatles, Rolling Stones.....basically everyone. Not saying these guys are copycats or lack originality, but it's the nature of art. You hear something new/different and want to incorporate parts of it. Like the funk in this BUT just not a fan of the falsetto wailing. I know that's kind of a part of it in this time period, but there's something grating about it. I do, however, love the deep bass vocal interjections and the bass guitar riffs. Psychedelic funk though? I'm not sure. I hear the funk. I'm not really hearing the psychedelic parts. This album was The Temptations starting to transition from Motown to something new, but it definitely feels like a WIP here for sure. B Side for example feels just like straight Motown still. I'm also not a fan of Runaway Child........it's just not for me. Idiot kid shouldn't have ran away. Listen to Psychedelic Shack or their stuff post 1970 and it's way better imo. I was looking for their connection to Funkadelic because I love their album Maggot Brain....and it's post 1970. So this album is a catalyst to their transition to something more. Personally, I prefer what they evolved into over where they started. Cloud Nine isn't my cup of tea exactly, but I recognize this was an important fork in the road for The Temptations. All the elements I really like from this album are featured more prominently in their later work, and it's disappointing if people listening to this don't explore what came after. Honestly, listen to this album and then listen to Psychedelic Shack or Take A Stroll Thru Your Mind and it's shocking it's the same Temptations just ONE YEAR later.
Good. Very good even. Extremely groovey and slick. Just plane old fun. I really enjoyed my time listening to this.
Not that interested by this. The vocals are good, they harmonise beautifully, there's some great singing here. To my untrained ear I don't really hear much of the funk / psychedelic style which makes this notable though, the second side especially just sounds like standard Motown to me. Considering these guys have loads of classic songs, bit hard to understand why this album is in the book. Enjoyable enough listen but not that excited by it
Okay I love the Temptations, so I’m expecting to be wowed. We shall see. I enjoyed this album. The Temps will always have some of my favorite songs!
Psychedelic Soul is just not my genre in general. I'm positive The Temptations body of work is WAY above of 2 but this album just isn't something I want to revisit (which is my criteria). I didn't hate it but I feel like they must have a better album.
Pretty sure I would enjoy early Temptations far more. I Heard It Through The Grapevine did NOT need covering 🤨
Not as catchy as I expected, and let down by a “Grapevine” that compares poorly to Marvin Gaye.
Funky and smooth in equal measure. A good time but minus one for a rendition of heard it through the grapevine that doesn't slap anywhere close to as hard as Marvin Gaye's. If you're gonna do a cover you have to do it better!
Nice, chill album. Doesn’t fully grab my attention all the time, so not five stars, but a solid four! 4/5
Another case here of phenomenal album from a musicianship angle, I'm glad I heard it, but is it really a 1001 albums you need to hear before you die? They also sure love making a song way longer than you'd expect it to be. This is making me want to go back and give more specific numerical scores to my reviews because I want to give this a 4 but it is just not at all the same 4 that I just gave Judas Priest. After sitting on it for a while, I simply can't do it. It is undeniable that the temptations are great, but this is not their strongest album that's made it on the list.
Probably way out in left field for their typical album, but I liked it. Kept the melodies but jazzed up a bit.
Funky greier, jeg er her for basslinjene. Alle tekstene handler om det samme, men liker viben. 3/5
Ser hvor Big Bang henta inspirasjon Et ganske fint album, behagelig. Ikke sånn at jeg oppsøker det igjen tror jeg. 2-3 et sted
Pretty sure they've had better albums.
It’s got none of the hits I know but it’s still a cool vibe. But yeah, none of the hits I know.
4.6
Great album!
Out the gate, the driving beat of "Cloud Nine" is such a relief to my ears. The bongos are mixed so well with the driving beat being held down by the drummer. No one is trying to climb on top of the other to be heard, which has been an issue with some of the albums we have listened to from this decade so far. Norman Whitfield did his big one with this record. This is such an interesting departure from their previous work and such a welcomed change to their sound. The late sixties seemed to be a time for a lot of experimentation for pillars of the industry. The Beach Boys and The Beatles doing it around the same time too. "Run Away Child, Running Wild" is such a sick track. There is so much tension musically happening as the frame for the story. The harmonies are mixed to the left almost like the voices of your anxiety. The building of the instrumentals to a climax around 5 minutes in really paints the picture of this lost child wandering the streets at night, scared. Hearing a child cry "I want my momma" around 5 and a half minutes in was a haunting experience. This track takes your mind on a wild and unsettling ride, but I think it is the standout of the whole record.
Finally some good music. Hearing the original Heard it Through the Grapevine really highlights how crazy Marvin Gaye went on that track. Runaway Child was pretty funny. Lots of simp anthems Not the Temptations best, but I liked this a lot
I’m always here for thirsty boys with anxious attachment styles singing their hearts out. Story telling: on point. I too have dated hoes, I get it. They may need a little therapy but that’s ok. Beats: on point. How do you hold still listening to this? I’ve looked like a crazy person at work all morning… Oooohs: completely on point. Oooh! I 100% picture the California raisins when I listen to I Heard It Through The Grapevine.
This is some high quality Motown. Back when Simpin was just good natured Yearning.
3.5
3.5
3.5
"Cloud Nine" and "Runaway Child, Running Wild" are the clear front runners of this album. Their version of "Grapevine" the fourth time Whitfield produced that song for Motown is good, but lack the smooth of Gaye's and the energy of Gladys. Although side two does not shine a bright as side one, I think this does a better job at sounding cohesive than most deep cuts Motown and shys away from genre hopping to show depth, which made this one even out a bit more than most Motown albums as a whole. I'm gonna give it a light 4, because og the strength of the two mentioned, but it's mostly 3½ material. (4.01) ★★★½
Very uneven soul album, but "Runaway Child, Running Wild" is cool. 3.5 stars
Apparently, this was the Temptations attempt to switch up their style and sound more like Sly & the Family Stone. I'm not sure I'm particularly sold on that version of the band, but by the second half of this album, it kind of reverts to a more classic Motown sound, which I found pretty enjoyable. 3.5 stars.
3.5
Far from Cloud Nine, this is the kind of ho-hum Motown (Ho-hum town?) that leaves me fully planted on lousy terra firma. And so greedy of Temptations that they have multiple albums on this list that are super average. Album sleeve is pretty gross too and looks like a big 60s mamma gushed a huge whoopsie period onto it. Or maybe it’s spillage from the murder scene of Heard It Through The Grapevine.
A 9 minute song as the third track is wild. A full 6 minutes longer than any other track on the album. It seems like they did the same thing on each of their albums. Interesting. Luckily, that song ended up being my favorite on the album (I remember thinking the same thing for Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone on All Directions). The rest of the album, however, didn’t do much for me. 3/5 Highlights: Runaway Child, Running Wild
Nothing like being told I’m just a scared little kid who’s not tough enough for the city. Great song topic, guys. I love the early hits of The Temptations, so I find listening to some of their albums interesting. But, maybe because my ears aren’t trained on these songs, or maybe because this is the funk/motown crossover album, or maybe because these songs simply aren’t as good as the tried and trues, I simply found this to be a forgettable experience. Not bad, but not grand.
Although not their best album in my opinion (that would be "All Directions"), this is incredibly great funk, especially in the first half of the album. From the psychedelic funk in the opener "Cloud Nine" to their remarkably fresh take on "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", culminating in the timeless groovin' and jamming soul/funk of "Runaway Child, Running Wild", this album is a goldmine for lovers of pure funk music (which I consider myself to be). Although the album continues in their previous "Motown" sound in the second half, it certainly foreshadowed what was to come with their masterpiece "All Directions". Solid 5/5!
Psychedelic soul. Propper Motown.
good groove, perhaps a bit too topical for me. Also, I didn't like some of the wailing.
regular rnb
5/5 - i really loved it!!! Amazing album! Wanna purchase it!!!!!
It's ok, first track is groovy 3.2
24.09.205 Favourite song: I heard it through the grapevine. Grade: 7/10
Motown vibes. Probably pretty OK dinner party listening. Not my daytime vibes tho - nor for gym. Love is a hurtin' thing is the best track on the album.
I think this album is alright but I never really think of the Temptations when it comes to their full-length studio albums. In their early days and like mosts artists/bands during that time, they were known for their hits and singles. Songs that were played on the radio a lot and listened to by almost everybody. But this album is still pretty good and innovative for its time and really pioneered funk as well! Favorite Tracks: I Heard It Through the Grapevine, Runaway Child Running Wild, Love Is A Hurtin' Thing, Why Did She Have To Leave Me (Why Did She Have To Go), I Gott Find a Way (To Get You Back) Rating: 4/5
Wanted to like this more than I did, but unfortunately psychedelia can come with insane innovation for a band or turn them into something that sounds all blended together, mushy and you can’t really distinguish one moment from another. I feel the latter on this one.
Tempting...
It's nice background music and would listen to again if it came up
I don’t know much about soul, but this was so unmistakably Motown that even I could tell. I don’t dislike it, but it feels like the kind of music that loses some of its appeal when heard as a recording rather than live. The title track, “Cloud Nine,” is genuinely exciting though.
Good psychedelic soul on side A with a more standard sound on side B
I had no idea that The Temptations had that kind of funk in them! Those first couple tracks were wild!
Good album, Motown!
Starts and ends strong; contains ‘Superstition,’ arguably SW’s best-ever track. ‘Big Brother’ is breezy w a lyric that is very relevant to the current moment. Would say tends a bit too saccharine elsewhere. For me this completes the 2 album ‘warmup’ to SW’s peak period: his next 3 albums.
this is an album where the hits are very good, and the other songs are rather forgettable, with the exception of Gonna Keep on Tryin. The vocals are good as you would expect, but it all sorta starts sounding the same
Honestly not what I expected at all based on the sound of most of their classic hits, but really dug it - this is apparently where they pivoted sound almost entirely from their romantic Motown roots and I loved the funkier, grittier, more psychedelic sound, as well as the more sociopolitical themes. Sounded more Stax records than traditional Motown which is the sound of 60s soul that I greatly prefer. Cool instrumentation, extended solos, excellent vocals - sign me up.
The funk grooves are excellent, while the more Motown feel gets a little same-y toward the end of the album. Enjoyable start to finish.
2 stars I was not familiar with this album or its tracks. Not really what I would have expected from my first Temptations album. While I read “Cloud Nine” was a Grammy-winning single, it didn’t do much for me. The rest of the album was similarly kind of generic filler soul. This is the first album was a different lead singer in the group and I feel, from my limited experience and knowledge of the group, that he wasn’t as strong. The album is listenable enough, but doesn’t break through as something worth more than the sum of its parts, and those parts are adequate enough.
For soulful groups I prefer the Persuasions, but the funky selections where the band shines are fantastic.
This album started real strong with the Sky and the Family Stone influence, with thick bass and strong vocal messaging. On the A side. Then that B side is a window onto what they were before this moment. I've heard them be better at being themselves. The A side could've gone with a driving force on the second half of the album but I'm not music producer. I'm confused why this is on the list. 3.2/5
This album washed over me nicely but after listening I had no particular inclination to listen to it again.
Admittedly I had never listened to many of the Temptations songs before. I really loved it - the vocals are incredible.
I needed this today. Short and sweet. 4/5
I would never though to listen to this, really glad I did
65
3/5
It was interesting listening to a version of The Temptations that I wasn’t familiar with, I just don’t think it was the best version of the group. Best Track: Hey Girl
легкий, позитивный, очень приятный альбом. очень рада находке!
Classic 60s Motown sound mixed with a great group is a mix for a huge success. I love the temptations and this album proved my love for them even more. Throughly enjoyed this album. Fav track: I gotta find a way to get you back Least fav: I heard it through the grapevine (a cover we did not need)
This was a lot of fun. I'm more familiar with the Ruffin-era Temptations, although I had obviously heard the title track. Some of these songs were fairly standard crooners done by men with great voices, but some were far beyond that. I'm thinking in particular of the title track and especially "Runaway Child, Running Wild," which had some great vocal and instrumental flourishes. A very good listen.
Classic late 60s tunes.
Un peu chargé pour moi, mais j’aime comment ce type de groupe à plusieurs chanteurs utilisaient vraiment la voix comme un instrument à part entière
Incredible production. I like formulaic but the formula works!
good! easy
Great album. Broadens the horizons of the Motown sound beyond the classic pre-packaged pieces.i’ll play it again.
Nothing earth shattering
Not specifically aware of this album, but this is pretty great.
For an album titled cloud nine, these guys don’t seem overly happy about the recent break up…
The guitar burts on Love Is A Hurtin' Thing reminded me of Worried About You on Tattoo You by The Rolling Stones
A good classic Temptations sounds
It's got a mix of upbeat and sombre tracks. It's good, but there wasn't really a standout track here, nor were any too memorable. Favourite Track(s): Cloud Nine Least Favourite Track(s): Hey Girl, I Need Your Lovin'
Funkier brand of The T’s
Funk appreciated
The Temptations getting psychedelic is funny and awkward but mostly enjoyable. But Motown is really more of a singles operation and I would not have put this or any Temptations album on this list. They had some great material but there are no hidden gems on their albums. You already heard everything they did worth a close listen.
A nice contrast to some of the recent albums in my rotation (Steve Winwood, GZA, Aerosmith, M.I.A), and also nice to finally get the other Temptations album in this collection. I enjoyed the album, but not as much as their later "All Directions", probably because they were only dipping their toes into the Family-Stone-style sound with "Cloud Nine". I really enjoyed the title track and the epic "Run away child, running wild", but most of the rest was less engaging, even their slightly funkified version of "I heard it through the grapevine". This would have been a much stronger and more interesting album if they'd stuck with the style of Side A and ditched the more traditional fare on Side B, but I suspect that would have been a hard sell to either Motown Records or their diehard fans.
Always nice to hear Motown in the morning!
Mellow tunes, good vibe
Good stuff
Ok
awesome!
Not nearly as good as All Directions but still a good listen.
It was ok.
Runaway child, running wild is the standout so far. This is nice. Super wide stereo balance again, though. Not so nice in headphones.
That album art! Banger.
Easy Sunday morning listening
Cloud nine the song is good but the album tails off pretty quick i think.
Absolute bopperino
ok, no comment
Incredible vocal performances and an irresistable groove through the entire record. Cloud nine, i heard it through the grapevine, runaway child running wild are all bangers. What a pleasant suprise this is.
No está en mi agenda este tipo de música Funky, así que
Classic and timeless
The soul flows through me
Temp-ta-tion
I like a lot of this, particularly the funkier first half. But quite a few of the songs are pretty forgettable. I wasn't really into the Motown style ballads as much.
For today's 1001 albums to hear before I die, I rolled a group I had been wanting to hear a full length project from but somehow never officially got around to. Today I am listening to The Temptations' Cloud Nine from 1969. The Temptations are a Soul group spanning from Detroit Michigan yet helped immensely in expanding and defining the Philadelphia Soul sound during their run in the 60s. Their greatest hits are easily some of the most underrated I have ever heard and I'd totally check that out if you ever get the chance, but that is not what I am here to talk about today, I am here to talk about one of their last 60s albums and see just why this is considered a "must hear" by some. As far as Soul, Funk, and even that small bit of Psychedelia the band mixes in goes this album doesn't really push any boundaries whatsoever and honestly just shows how much the group is able to adapt to the ever-changing sonic landscape of their respective genres. I have never heard a 9 minute song from The Temptations before but man do they pull it off with quite the swagger and style of a group with their elaborate resume. While I did enjoy this project, I don't think I'd say this is anything extraordinary or even all that memorable. It is good for what it tries to do, but is by no means a "gold standard" of any of the genres it is a part of. I am glad I finally got around to a Temptations' project but this one really wasn't all that I hoped it would be.
interesting
Highlight: Runaway Child, Running Wild
Good listen
Really enjoyed this one. Lots of funk and soul, easy to vibe to. Simple, yet varied.
I could have totally done without the odd version of Grapevine and the child screaming for their mom in another song.
Fav: Love Is A Hurtin’ Thing
Fantastic album
Amazing voices and great harmony, solid album. Best song: Runaway Child, Running Wild
Funky and groovy. Can’t say much else about this album, but it was a fine listen.
Everybody knows The Temptations, you know, My Girl, Ain’t Too Proud To Beg, The Way You Do the Things You Do, but in 1968, radical changes were happening. First, David Ruffin, one of the main voices of the group, was fired for missing shows and regularly powdering his nose. He was replaced by Dennis Edwards. Another radical change was that Sly & the Family Stone was changing R&B/soul music, making it more psychedelic and funkier. Otis Williams, the de facto leader of the Temptations, talked Motown into letting them try a more psychedelic sound and spreading the vocals around a bit. The result was Cloud 9, which was a hit and won the singing group a Grammy. I like the Temptations, both the more pure Motown R&B pop sound, but I really liked the 70s psychedelic Temptations. Cloud 9 had examples of both sounds, with the songs Cloud 9 and Runaway Child, Running Wild being more psychedelic and the lyrics having more of a social bent and not just about wooing a pretty girl. I listened to this album three times and I really liked it, but did I think it was a great album that needed to be on the 1,001 list? Not really. Maybe it’s on the list more for history’s sake. But, as a preview of what the Temptations later became with a look back at what they were, it’s a fun listen. Maybe after All Things Pass, anything I listened to would fall flat. For R&B/soul fans, you’ll like this album, but it’s not one you have to hear before you die.
This was fine. Generic soul. It feels out of date for 1969.
The drums across the whole album 🫶
The Temptations were the best of the Motown era and this early album helped launch their career. A Cloud Nice of a production from start to finish.
A stronger 3 than some but wasn't at that next level for me. Enjoyable album.
Great music to groove to, like you can play this shit when you get up early in the morning and you're cooking some breakfast in kitchen you know. You just start moving your body while making some coffee
It’s nice that the Temptations made it onto this list. I have seen them perform twice back in the early 1980s, so naturally they are one of my favorite groups. There are two covers on this record (Hey Girl, Heard it Through the Grapevine), which are the weakest tracks on the album in my opinion. Cloud Nine is the best song, and the remaining tracks are ok but nothing spectacular.
From one The XYZers band to another! This is also fine. Nothing really reaches the heights of 'My Girl', not that I particularly like 'My Girl'. The genre is "progressive soul". I probably like regressive soul better (is that what Elvis is?). In theory I like the idea of multiple singers with really different vocal ranges (i.e. unlike the Beatles I can tell them apart), but in practice the variability might be a net negative. I like most of Melvin Franklin's deal (including the name "Melvin Franklin"), Dennis Edwards and Paul Williams are good-to-OK, Otis Williams is okay, and Eddie Kendricks in falsetto mode is my nightmare. So, a mixed bag. In general the sound is pleasant and old-timey, but none of the songs stood out. A 2 feels too harsh, but this is a low 3 for me because it's sooo boring.
Smooth and Revolutionary. This album essentially created the Soul/Funk fusion that drove Motown into '70s. This is great round the house music if you are in the dancing while you get things done mode.
I was definitely not expecting this to be as good as it was. I'd add it to the collection if I found a copy.
Better than Coldplay
Not my personal taste
Better than I expected when I started playing it. Good background music.
sounds forced and phoned in
Loved it. It was funky and fun. Some songs I already knew
Awesome. Peak funky dance hall music
Very good music, but I won't be going back to it
Loved this! What a groove. Cloud Nine, I Heard it Through the Grapevine, Runaway Child Running Wild, Don't Let Him Take Your Love all added to Liked Songs.
Funky at first, then looses a bit of puff and is straight motown. Good for a Sunday morning listen whilst doing the housework
Another one of those records I wouldn't have thought to put on. Some really catchy funky stuff on here I found myself grooving to. Clearly hear the 70's coming (so maybe this album was a bit ahead of its time?) Not generally into Motown, although I appreciate it. On whole, I'm giving it a 3, but I think there were some moments when I coulda gone 4 on this one. I'd definitely listen again, and it seems like a good record to put on in the background while doing stuff around the house to put you in a good mood.
Hey, George Harrison already took this album title. No fair. Heavily dated sound, almost resembling a 50s record. Other Temptations records (Psychedelic Shack, Sky's The Limit) would be a little more suited to a list of the 1000 most important albums of all time - but less so this one. Still, the keyboard-heavy semi-psychedelic feel definitely places the record solidly in the late 60s. There's a kind of divide between Motown and (proto?-)funk throughout the record, and both are done reasonably well. Points docked for the songs having relatively few streams, suggesting the present-day audience doesn't find this music as important or enduring as Robert Dimery et al. might. Points added back for some seriously cool cover art, and for the final track being the strongest on side 2 by a very wide margin. The lead vocal there is angelic. I Heard It Through The Grapevine is unremarkable, and inoffensive. I think I would enjoy it more if I hadn't heard dozens of more impressive/interesting covers previously. The version on CCR's Cosmo's Factory is simply better, featuring crisper instrumentation and a much more distinctive vocalist. (I disagree with the reviewers who are complimenting the production on Cloud Nine. It's not that good.) Marvin Gaye's cover is even stronger and probably the "definitive" one. The version here has some decent falsetto, but otherwise it kind of fades away as quickly as it began. (The following track, Runaway Child Running Wild, has much stronger vocals.) This brings up another slight issue with the record: the instrumentation and musicianship isn't *that* impressive for the year it was released. In 1969, Cloud Nine had competition like Abbey Road, Led Zeppelin I and II, King Crimson's debut, Let It Bleed, the Velvet Underground's self-titled... Cloud Nine's title track won the 1969 Grammy for "Best Rhythm & Blues Performance by a Duo or Group", and while it's a great tune, I'm a little surprised given the heavy competition. 3/5 Key tracks: Cloud Nine, Runaway Child Running Wild, Gonna Keep On Tryin' Till I Win Your Love
What a joy to drive my Boomer mom around on a sunny day, playing this pleasurable ‘60’s soul that she last heard in her 20s. Although there are no recognizable hits to me on this record, and their cover of Gladys Knight’s “Heard It Through the Grapevine” pales in comparison to the original, this is still some great Motown soul. Special points to the singer with the deepest baritone you’ve ever heard.
Funky soul. 4/5
Fun and groovy album
Ça sonne comme une bonne bière sur le bord du charcoal, il manque juste un peu plus de oumph pour pour un 5
A solid 3. I like it enough to listen, wouldn't seek it out or buy it. Wouldn't turn it off, or get pissed that it is on this list.
Good stuff, but then The Temptations are always worth listening to.
groove. heavy. soul.
Cool, but not my sound
Pretty good
I think everyone in my generation has heard at least one Temptations song, but Cloud Nine shows them taking things in a new direction. This album marked their move into funkier, more psychedelic territory while still holding onto the Motown polish that made them legendary. You can hear the influences of the late ’60s swirling through it, but it never strays too far from their roots. The result is fresh, funky, and full of energy - an album that makes you want to keep moving. There isn’t a bad track on here, which only reinforces how monumental the Temptations were, not just for Motown, but for popular music as a whole.
My ex liked this one. No thx
Great classic R & B
that’s type shi i fw
Cool and funky
It’s good it’s fine whatever we just had a Temptations album let’s move on
First R&B album i listened to. Getting used to it. i can see now why they were a cornerstone of Motown Records in the 1960s and had numerous #1 hits like “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” and “I Can’t Get Next to You.”
Very enjoyable album! There are some songs around the middle that felt like it didn't belong. It may just be how the first 3 songs set up the album. It may be added to my every day listen just because of how I felt during my initial listen.
Музыка: 7/10 Разнообразие: 5/10 Тематика и вайб: 8/10 Цепляемость (отдельные песни зашли): 3/10 Реиграбельность (можно ли рандомно врубить на фон): 8/10 Итог: 6.2
Interesting souly vibes. Good rhythms, good vocal performances. Got some nice energy to it and enough weird stuff to keep it interesting.
Classic album
Hyvät vibat!
7/10 - great funk music, nice to have playing in the background
very middle of the road for me, didn’t feel too special but i liked it
Can’t go wrong with the Temptations.
At first I didn't like this as much as what I'd consider the "classic" temptations. More motown, less funk, but this grew on me with a second listen. Standouts: "Hey Girl", "I gotta Find a Way". Was pumped for I heard it through the grapevine but i'm not digging this rendetion.
Unverzichtbar. 4/5
This was great. Nice tunes.
Legendary! Didn't know that I have already heard some of their songs.
Great production great arrangements and I love the intent and conviction that they sing with. Very enjoyable album
I much prefer side A of this record, especially the title track and "Run Away Child, Running Wild". The psychedelic soul leanings are a lot more interesting to me than a lot of the overblown string-heavy arrangements that dominate side B. I definitely like it more overall than All Directions, though, even if The Temptations (and 99% of artists in this genre) will likely always be a "songs" group for me in general. 3.5/5
One of the best classic records!
Pretty decent. Not really my vibe all that much. Very 70s even though its a year early I guess. Its not totally acapella but there are some fun parts where the vocals make up alot of the music if not the whole thing. I had some fun with this and saved a song or 2. Hearing not Marvin gayes hears it through the grape vine was a bit tripping. Good time
Not really my kind of music, but it was alright
What a sweet listening this was. Love it!
This is another one where the spatial stereo is just a little much. Interesting to hear two different kinds of drums in each ear. I have to imagine living when this is released and just blazed out of your mind on a shag carpet listening to the thing.
I heard that this is pretty decent, but where did I hear that? Somewhere involving fruit.
This was my birthday album. And this record was just fine. Nothing special. I’m happy these albums from this era are around the 30-40 minutes mark. Nice vocals. With the exception of the scat vocals which weren’t impressive. Music is nothing special. But the overall feel of the album worked.
I think my expectations. Wee a bit too high for this one
As with many Motown acts, it isn't the artist that makes the difference; it's the music. This album is pretty much standard stuff, except for the first few tracks.
It’s fine. Neither the best nor the worst. I like this version of Grapevine better than others.
51/1001 The Temptations - Cloud Nine Heard before? ❎ Revisit? ✅ An album of two halves, in which the first is so much more interesting. The first half really delves into funk elements, whilst retaining the soul sound from previous work. The second half mines more of that classic motown soul, which I still enjoy, it's not as interesting.
Full of soul. Great album that had me dancing and singing along, not my usual taste, but still fantastic.
Super uneven, first and third tracks are great, funky listens (I even like the kid crying halfway through “Runaway Child, Running Wild”), but the “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” cover is atrocious. Last few songs are back to a more traditional early Temptations sound, but nothing really HITS. Probably makes for a good dinner party album. There’s no denying the vocals and production really are top notch.
nice
Classic soul Motown group! Not quite my style, but can’t deny the legends. I had no idea they did a “hi heard through the grapevine” cover. Interesting to see the evolution from Doo-Wop to soul music. They certainly set the foundation for classic/modern R&B.
The Temptations are a familiar artist and sound as part of Motown Records. I enjoyed the listen to explore beyond the hits I was already familiar with and appreciate the record’s significance as a turning point for the band - I definitely noted the different style. But again, middle of the road for me and not necessarily a band or album I’d seek out.
This is a great album. Temptations are always a good listen!
Cool, have some goods songs but overall not really my style
Short and fun album with an old school vibe. Intro was a banger and quality was solid throughout.
I needed some soul today! Went down smooth.
Not for me. Very much formula music 2 star
it was a really enjoyable experience to listen to it
A beginner introduction to a white Anglo Saxon person. Great band. Lasted longer than others, because of their style, soul, and band members who I believe still like each other. A very good start to an amazing group
It was fine. I didn’t hate it and I didn’t love it. It was an easy listen.
Cloud 9 is almost like two totally different albums, which I guess is understandable considering how experimental the first few tracks were for the Temptations and Motown. The first few tracks are early examples of psychedelic soul, inspired by Sly and Family Stone’s song “Dance to the Music”. The Replacement’s answer has less of a dance vibe, with the guitar and precussion borrowing more heavily from psychedelic rock. Each of these early tracks is groovy, my favorite “Runaway Child, Running Wild” gaining the prestigious spot on my Favorites playlist. The later motown ballads on the album are good, for me they just not as fun and interesting as the earlier, experimental tunes. Though it is hard to not to enjoy the beautiful, soulful singing. Cloud 9 marked a turning point for the Temptations and many critics credit this experiment with saving Motown Records which was being left behind by the counter culture at the time. In fact, this album won Motown Records their first Grammy. This album is a great example of the continuity of music and the influence that musicians have on each other. It started from band members being inspired by a single song, progressed with their producer being forced out of his comfort zone, incorporating elements from several different genres. The result would take the TheTemptations in an entirely different direction, making them legends in the industry. It is also interesting to see how elements of psychedelic soul and psychedelic funk would ultimately help to establish disco and much of the pop music that followed. Listening to this record made me realize that I’ve never thoroughly explored the sounds of psychedelic soul, giving me a new project. Normally, this would be sufficient for me to give 5*, but the lack of internal consistency holds it back.
Runaway child, running wild is a special track. Some other highlights on the first half. Second half tailed off
This is potentially amazing, but in order to fully enjoy it, I'd probably need a lavish dinner party, ice clinging in drinks. I'd be standing on the terrace, looking at the sunset. As it is, I'm sitting at my desk, working and listening with headphones. It doesn't quite work.
Okay, not that interesting
Strong first song, but kinda a one-hit album. Maybe this just isn't me genre but it didn't hit. Soft 3 - Groovy! Optimistic - Lame cover of "Heard it Through the Grapevine", doesn't hold up to Marvin Gaye version (and this one came later) - Didn't really recover after first song
Un ritmo funky y muy buena energía en lo general, obviamente resalta la homónima Cloud Nine como un resumen excelente de lo que encontrarás a lo largo del disco. Definitivamente, The Temptations entró a mi radar de gustos musicales con tanto estilo como el mismo disco.
Great tunes.
I love the Temptations and certainly their more groovy funky (70's) stuff. This album has a little bit of cheese left from the earlier albums but is mostly amazing esp. the first three songs. It would almost make me dance (and that's saying a lot). This is really amazing musicianship (also the band who never get enough credit). My only reason to pinch a star off would be that this band is a bit of a construct of singers. They don't play instruments and the songs are also not written my themselves. But that's how it was done. I'll just imagine Strong and Whitfield (the authors) are band members, and I also can't blame them for using the Funk Brothers as a band! So still a five.
Everything is well made, well produced, and well preformed, it’s just not that much fun. It’s a transitional album but it is clear that there was older material and newer material. The album never really gels between its two halves. 3.5/ 5
My knowledge of The Temptations is very vague. I know they did 'My Girl' and that's pretty much it. This is an easy, if unexciting listen. It's pretty much just your standard Motown but the first few tracks are actually have a psychedelic soul sound and they're the best tracks! A whole album of that would have been much better than the pop soul that the majority of this ended up being. It's just not really my thing although I did resist the temptation to skip any track.
ICONIC, I think they set the bar for this genre. I have never taken the time to listen to them. I quite like the mixing, and they sound great together. 4/5 Great album, great vibes
This was great!
A classic, fun and retro. Oldies as oldies get
Just by looking through their profile and catalogue, I'm expecting a huge mood shidt from the last few albums. Not complaining though. Oh hell yeah, the title track is immediately a stand-out. Lots of fun. Same thing can be said for the second track. I swear if I wasn't bed-ridden I'd be tearing it uuuppp on the dancefloor. Runaway Child is a giant, it does not quit until you are dancing along with it! Next few songs are more soul than blues dance, but still a lot of fun. And that same kind of mood keeps going until the end. This is the kind of music that you just can't help but smile and tap your foot along to. Could never give it a bad rating, even if it does get repetitive after a while. While the first three tracks are by far my favourite, there isn't a single bad song here.
Never knew that I'd like progressive soul before.
I loved this album. My fave genre. Love the funky vibes. Great harmonies. Raw power and passion. Kept me hooked throughout.
Short but sweet. I liked it but didn’t love it!
It's fine, not my thing though
Pretty good, I’d listen to it again
Really well rounded and accomplished for this style of music. Perhaps not as catchy as some soul hits, but more substance too them.
I've had it for many years, good to hear it again, not their best album by any means.
I enjoyed this way way much more than I thought I would. This is the first album from 1001 that I saved to my library.
I'm not surprised this was a polarizing album. People probably expected more "My Girl" from the Temptations instead of psychedelic soul message songs, but those are definitely the best part of this album. When they segue into the love songs, it gets repetitious and tedious.
Cloud Nine marks a clear turning point for The Temptations, as they stepped away from the polished Motown sound they were known for and embraced a more psychedelic, socially aware direction. This was their first album with producer Norman Whitfield leading them into funkier, edgier territory, clearly inspired by Sly and the Family Stone. The title track, “Cloud Nine,” sets the tone immediately — gritty, rhythmic, and layered with group vocals that feel far more raw and urgent than their earlier hits. While the shift is bold and interesting, the album as a whole doesn’t always maintain that same energy. Some tracks, like “Run Away Child, Running Wild,” push the boundaries with long instrumental breaks and darker lyrical themes, but others fall back into more traditional soul territory, making the album feel a bit uneven. The experimentation is admirable and historically important, but not every risk pays off musically
Can't go wrong with the Temptations
Solid
Great album
The first song starts off super strong, but I feel like it drops off from there. I love a lot of the things that came after (and because) of this album, but the source material itself unfortunately isn’t my favorite. 3 stars.
A significant album in the discography of The Temptations, "Cloud Nine" also demonstrates a generally shift away from traditional Mo Town music into more psychedelic soul and funk, pioneered by Sly and the Family Stone. The first side is joyful, bold and free, celebrating a break from their previous formula that brought such hits as "My Girl". Unfortunately, the second side plays it too safe, sticking to their previous sound without much to really write home about. Despite that, the first side is incredible even if it's only 3 songs. The 9 minute "Runaway Child, Running Wild" is the easy highlight here, combining a radio friendly funk single with an extended jam outro that sounds great all the way through. Overall, this album marks the beginning of a new phase for a band that was at risk of running their course. It's a shame this era is less well known as they made some great songs here.
I can listen to older R&B any day of the week, and The Temptations are an amazing example of why. Not their best album, but it's like pizza...even the not best is still incredible. Title track on this album seems to be the favorite, and it was a wonderful example of triumphing over adversity. Need more Motown on my list stat!
Pretty much as it says on the tin. It's The Temptations. Good soul music. I don't know where the "psychedelic" comes on though, except Runaway Child drags on a bit. But all in all a pleasant listen.
An interesting and funky first half, but the second half gets really schmaltzy and I got bored.
Apparently this album marked the beginning of a new funkier direction for the Temptations. But it's not the most interesting funk direction. It's not bad...
Ok, varied. Easy listening. Maybe not in the mood 3.3 (Listened two times).
Not bad, enjoyed listening to these Motown legends
Sometimes it sounds like exactly what it is, the evolution of Motown to funk. But then it just doesn’t live up to that lofty reputation. Why is this the least soulful version of Grapevine I’ve heard?
Я точно слушал, но лучше всего я помню песню Марвина Гея. Лучшая песня - Cloud Nine.
Álbum interesante por los temas que toca.
Pleasant
Loved this. You seen the band shifting and adapting to the times. Classic Temptations, but with a sound reflective of the moment.
Cloud Nine is one of those discoveries that will last. At its funkiest the temptations straight up deserve a five star rating. The track Runaway Child, Runaway Wild is a heavenly masterpiece. Only issue is the second half of the album being not as poignant as the first.
Fantastic. Such memories. It back in my playlist
Svag motown. Var är hitsen?!?! Ok sound men trött och sång stundtals svajjig. Inte tillräckligt psykedeliskt heller om det var dit de ville. Tog sig lite på slutet Lyssna igen: nej Bästa spår: i gotta find a way Don’t let him take your love from me Betyg: d - 4 av 10 (2 av 5) Dw - 3 av 10 (2 av 5)
Digging the Motown sound
#656. I think maybe this is one of those things you would have had to be there to get it. It's probably better in context. Because I can see that it's good, but I just don't really care, if that makes any sense. 3/5: solid
Love the baritone Fun and funky
Good album, interesting to hear their shift in sound from the more mellow style of "My Girl" to a more funk sound with songs like I Gotta Find a Way and Cloud Nine. Thoroughly enjoyed Cloud Nine, I Gotta Find A Way, Runaway Child, Running Wild.
Enjoyed the variety and rhythm.
Deserves to be on the list. It was great/fantastic
Good. Groovy. Funky. Really no complaints.
this was not what I expected from a Temptations album-still have solid harmonies but the additional funk vibe was a welcome surprise
Gillade verkligen detta, funkigt, härligt, bra vibes, Cloud nine är en jättebra låt. Också kul att jag upptäckte att Håkan Hellströms låt Augusti i helvetet var från deras låt Dont let him take your love away
Bien. Est-ce que je vais réécouter ? Je ne pense pas.
okee
Banging - wall to wall jammer. Perfect friday album.
excellent album - easy listening with the excellent harmonies, soul, & raw vocal talent you’d expect from the temptations. struggled between giving this a 4 or a 5. i think i’ll come back to this album, but ultimately i feel like none of the tracks hooked themself into my brain a la “my girl”, etc. maybe that’s not the fairest comparison, but leaving this album without any tunes stuck in my head makes me want to give it a 4. maybe that will change on subsequent relistens.
Really fun album, always love Motown groups. It was nice getting more familiar with the Temptations. Not every song hit me the same way and can't say I'm a fan of listening to a child cry which was off-putting but a great album to put on in the background.
yaaaaaayyyyy
id' get nasty to this
Beautiful
You can definitely hear the Sly and tHe family stone influence and it gave this talented vocal group a new lease of life. There's some really cool floor fillers on this album
Cloud 10 hombre tunes.
Hard to not love the Temptations. I prefer the funkier stuff, and 'Heard it through the grapevine' somehow jarred a little but otherwise solid and reliable
First impression: Barrett Strong was a hell of a song writer. I love this slinky funky shit. Wikipedia says this was a response to the strength of power of Sly Stone's brand of psychedelic soul, and it does have a lot of that in it. It's a shame this is the music industry's response to copy a thing rather than someone making an expression of their own. Final impression: Maybe a bit sentimental, maybe cynical, but I still like the tunes.
I did not like their cover of Heard It Through The Grapevine. The rest of the album was decent mix of funk and soul.
Would you say you are on cloud 5 stars?
⭐︎3.5 モータウンの代表グループらしい。 サイケっぽさもある。一曲だけ気になる曲があった。気になる曲二曲かと思ったら、長尺の一曲だった。 子供が母親の声を呼ぶ声が印象的な曲だった。
upbeat af