Released: 1983
After a decade, the Temptations reunite with their with most successful collaborator: Norman Whitfield. This was the man who had produced a slew of hits for the group while also kinda getting on their nerves with the psychedelic experimentation. Well, it was now 1983, so nobody was in the mood for a 12-minute trip to funkadelica.
That said Whitfield’s production (which accounts for five of the album’s eight songs) is really not that different from how it was in 1973. There’s minor tweaks and updates here and there, but this album during the Whitfield portions—for better and for worse—could have easily been an early 70s Temptations release.
The first song “Miss Busy Body (Get Your Body Busy)” lays out this dated-but-contemporary proposition quite nicely. There’s a drum machine straight from 1973 that anchors the funky beat, but there’s also use of a vocoder. I gotta show some love for the vocal arrangement here too. Whitfield always had a knack for having the Tempts deftly switch vocals and they are on fire here. Lastly, the rhythm guitar, piano, and bass are all straight from Whitfield’s mid-70s work with Rose Royce. I’m not complaining, I’ll take it.
The nostalgia tour continues on “Sail Away”, which sounds like a slight remake of “Just My Imagination” or “I’m Going Down”, both ballads written and produced by Whitfield. New Temptation Ron Tyson, who replaced Glenn Leonard on falsetto, has the lead vocal and carries himself quite well. The breezy ballad reached #13 R&B and #17 on the Adult Contemporary charts.
After the unremarkable “Outlaw”, Side One of this LP concludes with “Stop the World Right Here (I Wanna Get Off)”. Oddly, the lead vocalist on this track was guest singer Ali-Ollie Woodson. Apparently, Dennis Edwards decided to go solo during the production of this album, so wasn’t around for the recording of this song. Well, I guess things went so well that Woodson would be Edwards’s replacement as the group’s primary lead singer on the next album. (Don’t worry, Edwards would later gain revenge.)
As for the song, it’s a decent funk-rock jam. Nothing special.
Side Two only had one Whitfield production, which we’ll eventually get to. Nonetheless it leads off with some Motown veterans thanks to “The Battle Song (I’m The One)” which was written by Berry Gordy and produced by Willie Hutch. It’s a ridiculous piece of music where the Temptations “battle” the Four Tops for vocal group supremacy. It’s good for exactly one listen, but once you’ve heard it once, you don’t need to hear it again. It’s the definition of novelty.
The song was inspired by the Temptations and Four Tops doing battle at the Motown 25 special, FYI. Now that is worth watching over and over.
Then comes the finger-poppin’ “Hollywood”, which has James Jamerson on bass. If Jamerson is on bass, then you know that bassline is slappin’. The song is sunshine fun as Dennis Edwards and Tyson have wonderful vocal interplays. Pop the top down and enjoy this production from longtime music vet Harvey Fuqua.
An unnecessary remake of “Isn’t the Night Fantastic” (which first appeared on their album Power) ensues. The song was only three years old. Not exactly crying out for a remake and this isn’t drastically different from the original. That means it’s still a good song, but also means it was a pointless remake. Whatever, I guess this is what happens when Edwards leaves during the recording sessions. Just go into the vault to rehash an already recorded tune.
Now that I think about, the illustrated album cover would also be explained by Edwards leaving early. Couldn’t do a group photo shoot.
Anyways, Whitfield returns to finish out the album producing “Make Me Believe In Love Again”. It has Whitfield’s classic moodiness. You didn’t think he’d let this whole album pass by without at least a touch of that psychedelica? Nice way for him to shoehorn it in at the last minute.
ALBUM GRADE: C
A very strong C. This album wasn’t adding to the Temptations’ legacy, but at least it wasn’t harming it. Decently enjoyable from start to finish with no songs you’ll feel compelled to skip if you’re into funk and early 80s R&B.
Song Scores
Miss Busy Body (Get Your Body Busy): 6.5/10
Sail Away: 7/10
Outlaw: 5/10
Stop the World Right Here (I Wanna Get Off): 6/10
The Battle Song (I'm The One): 5/10
Hollywood: 7.5/10
Isn't The Night Fantastic: 6.5/10
Make Me Believe In Love Again: 6.5/10