A Song For You (A-) in early 1975 was a commercial and artistic triumph for the Temptations. Another #1 R&B album with two #1 R&B singles. Nothing but ominous signs thereafter.
House Party (C-) in late 1975 reached a pathetic (for the Temptations) #11 on the R&B charts and disappeared after a mere 11 weeks. Wings of Love (C) in early 1976 did not bode well for them either. Sure it peaked at #3 on the R&B album charts, but it was only on the charts for 16 weeks. Temptations albums didn’t disappear that quick…
Things would only get worse. Much much worse.
The Temptations Do the Temptations
Released in August 1976 after having fired producer Jeff Bowen, the Temptations as the title implies wrote and produced this album themselves. The vocals are alright, but of the eight songs only three really nab your ear.
“Why Can't You And Me Get Together” (6/10) is the lead off song. A sugary mid-tempo R&B ballad, it has stupid lyrics, but acquaints itself well enough. “Who Are You (And What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life)” (6/10) has less stupid lyrics, but still isn’t the height of songwriting. It also has dangerously stereotypical disco bass. It is simply saved by the charisma of the Temptations.
The one song that is an unmitigated success is “There's No Stopping (Till We Set The Whole World Rockin')” (7/10) because the fellas are just worried about getting you to boogie on the disco-funk.
The rest of the songs mostly underwhelm and a couple genuinely suck. The album hung on the R&B charts for a mere 12 weeks.
ALBUM GRADE: D
Hear to Tempt You
Motown had heard enough and released the Temptations from its roster. An unthinkable development just two years earlier. Even worse, Dennis Edwards temporarily left the group and was replaced with Louis Price.
Louis Price has an *ahem* distinctive voice. I wouldn’t call it bad, but it’s not built for popular R&B. Fortunately, no one bought Hear to Tempt You when it was released in 1977. It’s the absolute pits of hackneyed Philly Soul/disco.
One horrific trope after another. Stay faaaaaaaaaaaaaaar away. Literally not a single redeemable song. They all suck.
The album was the worst clunker yet for the Temptations (#38 R&B, 10 weeks).
ALBUM GRADE: F-
Bare Back
After going for the hackneyed, the Temptations now go for the crass with Bare Back. In case you were like, “Nah, the Temptations wouldn’t be talking about that.” The album cover erases all doubt and the song “Bare Back” (5/10) slaps you in the face with lyrics that are like, “YES! We do mean just that!”.
Anyways, this horrible album does manage to produce a good song in the sweet soul ballad “Ever Ready Love” (7/10), which is followed by “Wake Up To Me” (6.5/10), which isn’t as good but is competently performed. What a delight to have the Temptations put together back-to-back tracks you feel good about.
Oh how the mighty have fallen.
Bare Back had a sorry performance (#46 R&B, just four weeks) on the charts.
ALBUM GRADE: D-