Cloud Nine

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is some high quality Motown. Back when Simpin was just good natured Yearning.

3.5

3.5

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

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

regular rnb

It's ok, first track is groovy 3.2

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.

Tempting...

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

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

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.

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

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

good! easy

Nothing earth shattering

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

Runaway child, running wild is the standout so far. This is nice. Super wide stereo balance again, though. Not so nice in headphones.

Easy Sunday morning listening

No está en mi agenda este tipo de música Funky, así que

The soul flows through me

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.

Highlight: Runaway Child, Running Wild

Fav: Love Is A Hurtin’ Thing

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.

A stronger 3 than some but wasn't at that next level for me. Enjoyable album.

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.

Better than Coldplay

Better than I expected when I started playing it. Good background music.

Very good music, but I won't be going back to it

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

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.

Cool and funky

It’s good it’s fine whatever we just had a Temptations album let’s move on

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

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.

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

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

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 think my expectations. Wee a bit too high for this one

It’s fine. Neither the best nor the worst. I like this version of Grapevine better than others.

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.

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.

Short and fun album with an old school vibe. Intro was a banger and quality was solid throughout.

It was fine. I didn’t hate it and I didn’t love it. It was an easy listen.

Runaway child, running wild is a special track. Some other highlights on the first half. Second half tailed off

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

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

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.

Short but sweet. I liked it but didn’t love it!

It's fine, not my thing though

I've had it for many years, good to hear it again, not their best album by any means.

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

Solid

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.

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.

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?

Álbum interesante por los temas que toca.

Pleasant

#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.

this was not what I expected from a Temptations album-still have solid harmonies but the additional funk vibe was a welcome surprise

Bien. Est-ce que je vais réécouter ? Je ne pense pas.

okee

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

I did not like their cover of Heard It Through The Grapevine. The rest of the album was decent mix of funk and soul.

⭐︎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。

Easy listening, not too exciting

This album was okay but certainly not the best of the Temptations in my opinion. 3 stars or C.

Fun album. Not completely my style but enjoyable and upbeat

A solid but very by-the-numbers soul album.

Really good. 3/5

Motown sound. Another great genre. Some great songs by many well known groups such at The Temptations. A great rendition of I Heard it Through the Grapevine.

it was pretty good, but i wished it had more otis

Pretty neat, but not too crazy. Well deserved 3/5 stars. I like this style of soul music. Favorite Track: Runaway Child, Running Wild

Some cool stuff going on here but don’t know that I really love these songs

3/6

I love The Temptations in their motown era, but this was fun and groovy.

The tagline that this is the introduction of the psychedelic soul genre is stronger than the sound of this album being the birth of psychedelic soul. Three stars for the A-side.

groovy and fine

Loved the funkier aspects, but didn’t make waves throughout. Stronger first half. Faves: Cloud Nine; Runaway Child, Running Wild; Hey Girl. Pop/Soul/Funk. February 17, 1969. American/English. 10 tracks. 34:35 runtime.

This was awesome to listen to, the mix is actually quite impressive given the year.

Starts strong then slowly becomes kind of unremarkable. Favourite Song: Runaway Child, Running Wild

A truly soulful and funky album

The funk and psychedelic-leaning tracks are stronger than the straight-Motown tracks. Their voices are consistently lovely. The sound of a group moving forward.

No es mi estilo pero no estuvo mal

Not a genre I desire to listen to, but its a very good album.

Yessirrrrr. Nothing too standout but harmonies rule

A little underwhelming tbh! I love me some soul but this felt less interesting than the CD I bought in San Fran in terms of soul music…

3 estrelas

When you can listen to music written a lifetime ago and the power and validity of the music and lyrics are still in full force there you know you have a classic. That said, not every track hits.

I'm pretty neutral on this one. I love the style and the temptations in general, but it started grating on me after a while.

There is no doubt you’re listening to the Temptations. But make no mistake, this is not your parents Temptations. It is 1969, the Summer of Love after all. These Temptations are heading down a harder, funkier path. A few of the songs, in the title track, sound like they could be from a mid 70’s blaxploitation film. Don’t worry, there are enough classic Temptation's songs in there too.

Aikas groovy intro. Vähä liian öäh mikäköhän tää genre nyt sit onkaan mulle. Mut jos tykkäsin tästä genrestä ni tykkäisin :D ehkä lämpenen tälle. Kyl tää menee mut not my favourite

Interesting album. Weird version of a Motown classic

The Temptations classic soul meets Sly & the family stone type of groove. I enjoyed it. Probably 3,5 star album, but maybe more leaning towards 3 than 4.

I love soul, old school r'n'b and Motown/Stax sound, but was very surprised how unpolished this album sounded. I'm probably more familiar with Temptations latter sound or something, because these felt stripped down and basic.

Um lindo presente em uma manhã chuvosa de segunda feira. Extremamente agradável e cativante. Acho que sou a minoria quando digo que prefiro as faixas mais tradicionais do som Motown nesse álbum do que as faixas mais infusas com o toque Funk. Pelo menos é a impressão que tenho lendo as reviews! Um ótimo disco, mas não me vejo colocando ele pra rodar com alguma frequência. As faixas nele? Claro, adicionei grande parte delas na minha playlist. Mas o álbum em si, como um todo, não tem tanto valor de replay assim. 3/5

Beautiful voices but this was bland The equivalent to having soggy biscuits in your tea 3 ⭐️

Smooth all the way through. But nothing made me hit repeat so a solid 3 star.

A tale of two sides of a band. The three songs that lead off the album - especially the title track and Runaway Child - break the mold. There's a real charge to start thing off before the album settles I to pedestrian fare that they and other have done better. But the first three tracks warrant it's inclusio on this list if they fall short of elevating the album yo truly classic status. And the house band is smoking throughout.

Really solid album, always loved this genre of music. Anyways excited to hear more of this kind of music, heard a few hits that were fun. Love if this came on at some point on.

Perhaps due to some really strong competition in the soul genre on this list, I just didn’t find myself getting as engrossed in this one as I have with others. I wanted to find something that I really engaged with here and was gutted when I got to a track that I was enjoying more than the rest only to find that the album had actually finished this album and Spotify had moved me on to different songs from the band

Look i I've listened to this album like 3 times now and each time I've taken notes by hand and then lost them so this is what you get. 7/10

This feels like two albums. Side A is well crafted: Cloud Nine is a great opener and a fantastic track (albeit with some weird production value, the vocalist sounds like he is moving away from the mic at times), I Heard It Through the Grapevine is fine but Marvin did it best sorry fellas. Run Away Child, Running Wild is a cool jam until they got a crying child which really threw me off, but that doesn't stop this from being a really solid track. Side B is filled with shorter songs that are definitely here as a backup in case the band's venture into psychedelia didn't pay off. I'm sure this side would have hit hard in 1969 (or maybe not idk) but to me, these are very serviceable pop songs that I am struggling to recall to memory after three listens. One great side, one side of background music and tastefully short. Highlights: Cloud Nine, Run Away Child, Running Wild

3.5

First listen

Decent soul album. Has its highs and lows. “Runaway Child” was an upsetting listen, but I loved “Why did she have to leave me.” The falsetto lead songs were a little grating and out of key at times. Not bad, not amazing.

Dig the jam at the end of Runaway Child. Guitar tone on Gotta Find A Way is nice. The album was 35 minutes long and I was glad that it wasn’t any longer. Obviously solid tones and music but in general I only really enjoyed parts of each song. Great tones and musicianship.

Not the best temptations albums

Ik was op de hoogte van The Temptations' transformatie van een classic soul ensemble naar psychedelische contreien. Wat ik niet wist - maar wat me totaal niets verbaasd - is dat dit vooral kwam doordat ze hoorden en zagen dat opperbaas Sly met zijn revolutionaire, progressieve sound het volk voor zich won. Dit schijnt het eerste album te zijn die echt een andere weg in slaat, al is later werk van ze in dit straatje bekender bij mij. Met het hele verhaal erbij, en de staat van dienst van de groep, had ik er toch eerlijk gezegd iets meer van verwacht. Het is funky, de dynamiek is als van ouds, maar echt heel veel experimentele vernuftigheden hoor ik nou ook weer niet. Gewoon een prima soul plaat, maar overstijgt het genre niet, zoals ik dat wel enigszins had gehoopt. 6,5/10 Highlights: Cloud Nine Runaway Child, Running Wild

Temptations staan altijd hoog op mijn lijstje van favoriete soul-artiesten. Cloud Nine stelt dan ook niet teleur. Het is funky en houd van de variatie in zang en zangers. Gewoon goed. 7/10 Highlights Why Did She Have To Leave Me

Great record

I've always been a fan of 60s and 70s soul music. Particularly the Motown and Stax catalogues. I hadn't heard this one all the way through, but knew several of the individual songs. A solid album - the first after the departure of the legendary David Ruffin, and the first to venture into psychedelic soul. Enjoyed the whole album, but I'm hoping we get another one at some point, as I really like both their earlier "classic 5" era, and their later, more psychedelic era. This one was more of a bridge between the two.

This was fun, started off strong then started to fade a bit. But do we really need another version of "I Heard it Through the Grapevine"?

Started out strong with the funk vibe I wasn’t expecting, but then got a little samey for the last 2/3.

Me gusto, algunas canciones las noto algo monótonas o muy parecidas a las demás, pero esta bien

6/10 Nice tight album. Maybe missing some big tracks that really grabbed me, but I loved the second half of really solid Motown. Not the biggest fan of their cover of Heard it through the Grapevine. And not happy about the track with a baby crying. Don't do it! It's horrible. Lost a mark for that.

good

Listening on headset, and it's super annoying to have the drums hard panned to the right. What a dumb choice. The music is fun, but the panning ruins it

Not great but still good funk (is there bad funk?). There are better versions of I Heard It Through The Grape Vine, but I feel like this is the original

All the Temptations albums sound pretty much the same, but they declined over time.

Our psych record has precisely on psych song

Some funk early on, some motown soul later, something for everyone. Their version of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" lags far behind Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight & The Pips and even Creedence Clearwater Revivals versions though.

How have I never heard of this. Funky AF for the first three then drops down to traditional Motown. Good anyhow.

good

Them streets are rough, no doubt … all seems like a grind. So yeah, where is Cloud Nine?

These fellas have a lot of trouble in their relationships.

nice funky songs. nice orchestrations and vocal harmonies. Just sad that the songs are really repetitive in the themes and rhythms. 6,5/10 fav songs : Don't Let him take your love from me & I heard it through the grapevine

First three songs - funky, dancing around the house doing chores. This is great! The rest of the album didn't maintain the funk - nice, but more lovey-dovey Motown grooves that felt more dated.

I enjoyed some of these, but as the album went on, I enjoyed the totality less.

Just ok.

Whoever wrote these songs had some relationship issues.

3/5 best song cloud nine

I was curious about the Temptations move to psychedelic soul, but ended up being a little underwhelmed. I don't think the Band wrote any/many of the songs so it doesn't really come across as a natural progression, more like a Whitfield producer project. Also the mix of older Motown and the newer material as they transitioned on this album was a bit odd.

Motown was amazing. Really, no notes. Just not enough of the hits.

Thought I'd enjoy this far more than I actually did :(

Not bad

Nice motown sound 3/5

A beautiful album that bridges Motown and funk. I much prefer the A-side but solid all-around.

A style of music very much of its time. I can totally understand why they were a big band, as they did what they do extremely well. It's really my sort of thing, but I'd be happy enough to have any track appear on a various album. Got to be a 3

Bueno

Listened Before? N Interesting sound from the Temptations and a piece of their history I was unaware of. Not really my style of music but still interesting. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Cloud Nine

Groovy, enjoyed it quite a bit. We'll conveniently ignore the fact that it has one of the worst versions of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" I've come across.

The Temptations are solid. Cloud Nine is a great funky soul album. It starts off upbeat and really gets you going. This album has a lot: up-tempo beats, some slower ballads, etc. so some good variation. I appreciate The Temptations for putting their 9.5 minute long "Runaway Child, Running Wild" track, which is largely instrumental, up at the front of the track listing. Many bands put their "freeform" solo stuff towards the end of an album when the vibe is running thin, so I enjoyed it hitting earlier in the experience and I liked it better for that. All the other songs are pretty short and keep the album moving so the pacing was good, although I think it suffers from some "samey" songs in the back half (I will say this about a lot of albums). Standouts were "Cloud Nine," and "I Need Your Lovin'." Overall, the album is good. I had some issues with the mixing at points and some of the lyrics weren't coming through very well. It's light and easy to listen to. A solid effort, though nothing earth shattering for me. I've been trying to find that funk/soul album that really makes me go "Oh yeah, I get it now" and I had high hopes for this one, but it didn't quite get there. I'd still call this a pretty strong average 3/5 on my scale.

Obviously very influential. A classic that makes me move my head. Don’t know that I would put it on repeat though. Solid 3, would go 3.5

Quite enjoyable listen.

Much like the other album of theirs on here. Starts off funky as hell and you think you’re onto a winner (loved Runnaway child, the drum recording was incredible), and then it descends into average soul and Motown standards about (delete as appropriate) losing/missing/regaining your girl. More funk lads, that’s the good stuff!

The Temptations aren't really an album artist but they're still classic. Favorite track: Cloud Nine

Love the sound here, true soul. Inspired so many other legendary acts. 7.2/10

the temptations are chill. easy listening album, enjoyed this while taking a lunch time walk on Friday. Coming back after the weekend, I don't really recall much of the album, but it was fine.

Tough to rate this one because while it is good, I know it’s not as good as The Temptations’ other work. On top of that, having one track take up a third of the album adds an extra level of difficulty. I could hear arguments for a four, but I think a three is where this one is for me.

The temptations have such a weird history. They have had so many members and so many hits, but it's been going on for so long that the great ones are scattered few and far between. Their lows are never really that low, but I was expecting some bigger highs on this album. Decent sound, but it's not a greatest hits that I was hoping for.

I Liked this album. The vibe felt light, although there were a few hard time songs, and a lot of the subject matter is about lost/leaving love. I liked the interplay of the different vocal ranges and found myself doing the little temptation shuffle a few too many times. I got the sense that it's not their best work as it didn't feel like a cohesive album from them, but overall a worthwhile listen. 3.25

R & B

Classic Temptations

Feels like a Saturday afternoon drive with the windows down. Very fun, warm vibe. Easy listening.

Niet voor mij

A fun, if maybe a bit unremarkable, soul album. Great for putting on in the background when working, cooking, etc. for a mood boost.

omit the crying kid from track 3 and we'd be at a solid 4

Aight

It’s pretty good and enjoyable.

I like the original Motown Temps more than the funkier stuff.

Pretty good 3.4

Most of it sounds the same. It is good for its time, but isn't a repeat in my view.

Wasn’t really into this, but it was by no means bad. It just feels like paint by numbers via ChatGPT of an exploitation movie soundtrack.

It was fine. I get that you can point back to this one and say this inspired a lot of shit, but really, it was just pretty boring .

Tasapaksu ja aika mitäänsanomaton levy. Ei hirveästi herättänyt tunteita suuntaan tai toiseen.

custom_rating:7

Decent funk. I can get behind this.

It's a nice album. Nothing too special to note. The longest track, "Runaway Child, Running Wild", is arguably the best song on the album. The rest of the album is good but not great. When it gets to the 6th track, it loses steam. 3 stars for "Cloud Nine".

Tempted, seduced, at times spaced out. Will tap in again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1001 ALBUMS- # 33 Tempting me on Cloud Nine! Well this was quite an enjoyable introduction to a complete album by The Temptations, having only been familiar with their big hits (My Girl, Get Ready, Ain’t Too Proud To Beg) and I can say I wasn’t expecting the potent fusion between funk and Motown soul. Apparently this record marked a significant change in sound direction for the group (psychedelic soul), along with a new line-up, earning them their first Grammy after 8 previous releases. To my ears it is a very good album, however I would hesitate to say great, not that it was undeserving of its accolades for the time given what came after it in the 70’s funk scene. 🎧 Classic Track: Cloud Nine 🎧 Deep Cut Gem: Hey Girl 🚫 Skip Track: I Heard It Through The Grapevine Their rendition of ‘Grapevine is quite underwhelming and if you’ve read any of my other reviews you know how I feel about covers in general… This was a pleasant change of pace from the string of electronic and rock albums I have received from the list as of late, which had my fingers snapping and head noddin’ along to the excellent vocal harmonies. Hit the thumbs up icon below if you enjoyed my take on the album :)

Solid. Saved one song (Hey Girl) - hit an itch. Some of the songs had a generic Motown sound with meh vocals. Didn't save the title track, but I like the opening with the funk groove.

Good album that apparently marked a change for the group into funkier territory. And of course, I’m all for that. This was really good, not great, but definitely the top end of very good.

Very much enjoyed the first half but trailled a little. Loved y fact that a 35 minute album has 10 songs and one is 9 minutes.

liked it but didn’t love

Lots of layered vocals, pretty fun

This was sweet and catchy.

couldn't get into it

It was enjoyable to listen and would listen again. a few notable tracks. not necessarily my jam by still good. 3.5 stars

No one did R&B any funkier!

eu gosto dos álbuns produzidos pela motown e esse daqui parece ser uma das primeiras idas psicodélicas de soul. "runaway child, running wild" é uma música que toma um espaço muito central num álbum que é muito leve, divertido, mas pouco engajante. a capa é linda pqp.

Enjoyable, but nothing stood out as notable or remarkable. I'd definitely listen again, but probably not on purpose

Cool album that is split between funky psychedelic soul and standard Motown fare. First half has 2 excellent psychedelic soul songs: the single (Cloud Nine) and the lengthy excursion (Runaway Child) - both awesome in their own right and demonstrating the group’s range of possibilities. The rest of the album is just solid Motown soul with quality singing and instrumentals, particularly bass. I would have preferred more of the first half.

Questi sanno suonare

Solid in every way, but not groundbreaking

I enjoyed but not my genre. I'm not sure if I'd revisit it. 2.5/5

not my fave gorillaz album

p177. 1969. 3 stars. Fine example of late 60s Motown production line soul. Unfortunately Motown was focused on singles, so there is a lot of filler here - and how many covers of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" does anyone need?

Sounded like originals of classic dew wop songs. I prefer the more polished versions.

I was kind of disappointed by this album's recording of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine."

It’s not bad, but nothing is really speaking to me.

3.5 Good sound but it all kinda blurred together.

Way more jazz infused than I thought, some very loving and painful songs in a groovy way

it's groovy.

eNJOYED

I really love the funk sound and the pioneering sound of the record, but I didn’t truly connect with a lot of the tracks. I barely know anything about The Temptations, but I’d love to dive into more of their catalog.

I think I just don’t love this era of music, not terrible, just not particularly interesting.

Bardzo podobna do poprzedniej płyty tego zespołu. Melodyjne, spokojne, ale jakoś nie zostaje na dłużej w głowie. Każda piosenka jest zbyt podobna do poprzednich, abym była w stanie je rozróżnić. Przez jakiś czas myślałam że to ciągle ten sam kawałek. 6/10

Good stuff, I liked it more than I expected, having no idea that psychedelic soul was a thing. High 3 to low 4.

Had higher hopes for this one

Not bad by any means, but doesn’t resonate as strongly as I expected it would. Slight disappointment. It’s a shoulder bopper in most places that loses its effect by the end. Doesn’t have the hits I’m familiar with so maybe that’s a factor. Kind of found myself disassociating waiting for it to end after awhile. Again, not bad, but surprisingly forgettable. Not spectacular by Temptations standards to me, it’s decent but that’s me being nice because I have a soft spot for the group.

Overall: 6/10 I've realized by doing this project that I don't enjoy soul as much as I thought I did and that's honestly a bit dissapointing. The vocals are great and I enjoyed the funkiness of the early tracks. It's also a very easy listen at just 35 minutes. I think it's the constant strings that started to get grating to my ears. Maybe I just need to listen to more of this type of music outside of the project cause I'd like to enjoy these albums more than I have. Fav Song: Cloud Nine Least Fav Aong: Love is a Hurtin' Thing

Soulful and funky but also forgetful

I liked the music, but some of the songs were actually pretty bad. Great vibe over all though

Honestly, it was fine but I wasn't in the mood for 60s bopping. I feel like a lot of other bands can and have done these songs better

I did enjoy this, but I think I was expecting to recognise a track or two and didn't. I may have to give it another listen without that thought in my head. I like the sound of it though.

Neither the funk grooves nor the vocal hooks fully stand out, but it's a nice listen

Faniliar with the Temptations for their Motown hits- this was more funky than I was used to hearing them. Im actually surprised that I didnt enjoy this more- there were some parts I liked and some I thought felt forced. Overall- decent album, but didnt capture me.

This was fine. This was a pretty weak version of "I heard it through the grapevine", though.

Soul legends

-more 60s-70s Motown soul stuff… not bad at all but feels comparatively, well, soulless compared to like What’s Goin’ On I guess -idk it didn’t really stand out to me that much. he (they?) has (have?) a very nice voice though… Gonna Keep On Tryin’ Till I Win Your Love is a banger -Favorites are Cloud Nine and Gonna Keep Tryin’ Till I Win Your Love

Pleasant enough, but not a lot to catch my attention. Standouts Cloud Nine I Heard It Through the Grapevine 3/5

He es isch scho guet gspielt aber mir chli zu jammy. Und de guy mit de tüfe stimm nervt mi. Cha mer richtig vorstelle d lüüt hend da de lustigsti scheiss ever gfunde

hmm also d produktion selber natürlich nöd aber d lieder töned uf mich moderner als 69, coolio heard it through grapevine hend sie sicher ihres eigete ding drus gmacht, s het aber chli d magie verlore bim prozess hahaha sini chrazig stimm isch insaaane s hetmi aber trz chli verlore gad bi run away child HAHHAHA wie höch er singt love is a hurtin thing recht cool, dasmal jz aber fast z churz? hahaha jap di 2. hälfti scho sehr love-zentriert, aber finds sehr schön hobbla ehm teilwiis sehr schön, mit paar coole element aber leider doch für mich chli flach

come for the funky title track, mostly stay for the funky title track

Było ok. Pierwszy utwór mnie zachęcił i myślałem, że to materiał na czwórkę, ale dalsze utwory mnie trochę uśpiły. Były ok, ale nic specjalnego. Runaway Child strasznie się ciągnie, wynudziłem się przy tym. A potem to już tak tylko grało w tle. Ok, może kiedyś spróbuję sobie przypomnieć, ale tęsknił nie będę.

Oh my god I listened to this 2 times and I barely remember anything. I know it's a me problem but I just don't want to try third time. In few days i will see if I was wrong and there was something sensational on this album. But I didn't suffer listeining to it.

Decent Soul

I like it, but it doesn't stick. I had to play it twice to pick a favorite song. Favorite song: don't let him take your love from me

Pretty nice, just doesn't hit much.

This album feels very like the 70s (came out in '69...nice) - funky bass lines, crunchy guitar, soulful singing - lots of songs that are fun to vibe to. Unfortunately other than that, this album doesn't do a whole lot for me. I enjoyed it. But it felt...fine. Actually 2.75 out of 5 Liked songs: "Cloud Nine" , "Runaway Child, Running Wild" , "Hey Girl" , "Don't Let Him Take Your Love From Me" , "I Gotta Find A Way (To Get You Back)"

liked songs: Cloud Nine, Runaway Child, Running Wild, I Gotta Find A Way (To Get You Back) I liked several of these songs, especially the ones that pushed the boundaries of 60s music. I really disliked the drums being panned hard to the right; I don't know how anyone ever thought that was a good idea. 3.25

Very soulful and very cool. Really enjoyed the listen. Nothing really super special sticks out for me though. This is a 3 from me but bordering on a 4.

I jammed into this, and I am not ashamed

Fun listen but nothing really stood out or captured my attention

Der Sound, den ich mit den Temptations in Verbindung bringen. Keine bekannten Songs. Lässt sich gut hören. 3/5

man. fine.

Really solid motown and funk record but missing a few standout songs.

Such a great first half! The rest are good, although a bit by the numbers. 3.5

Too bad. I had expected a bit more from the album. The music was funky and good. But it didn't carry me away as much as I expected. 3/5

V easy listening although it didn't really do too much to capture my attention

Good version of heard it through the grapevine- quite distressing the child wailing though

3 out of 5. When this album gets funky it gets funky.

Quite liked it. Very smooth. Nothing particularly standout to me. 5/10

Good vibes. Pretty alright. Probably won't listen to it again

Nice and funky. Not many standout tracks, but a good listen overall.

Enjoyable Will I listen to again: 30%

A little goes a long way. Don't get me wrong. They're all good songs. It just is so achingly arch in places.

The album runs the gamut of soul, R&B and funk, with a lot of variation in style and sound from song to song, without an overall theme or harmony. Some are really good, some less so. Low 3.

It was a good album.Cloud Nine was the best song.

classic

Great R&B album.

It's good but not great

Didn't much enjoy this. I think that's just because I'm not a fan of the style: couldn't fault it musically.

This album is praise as a step forward into the future of Motown on side one, while keeping solidly in their traditional, doo wop styled songs that carried them successfully through the bulk of the sixties. I wish they would’ve dived fully into the future; the songs that kick off the album are fire. The second side is just mostly boring except for a few exceptions.

Started out strong but the end seemed to not the same caliper. Standouts were Run Away Child, Running Wild and Cloud Nine for me. Their version of I Heard It Through the Grapevine just didn't work as compared to the other versions out there. When they were in the funk grove I dug it - when it went more to the Motown Soul side, I wasn't as impressed.

Cloud 4 or 5 really.

3 stars

Not my thing. Seemed repetitive.

We are so back

No está mal, pero en 1969 hay muchos lps mejores.

Oldies, but goodies. It's funny to hear the Grapevine, which I think most people are more used to from Creedence.