Released: April 1964
Well, it’s a disservice to really call this an album. It was a collection of the Temptations’ (mostly failed) singles from 1961 through 1964 thrown out to the public after the success of “The Way You Do The Things You Do”, which is easily the best song here.
With Eddie Kendricks on lead vocals, the song reached #11 on the pop charts in early 1964. It was written by Miracles members Smokey Robinson and Bobby Rogers. The Miracles would go on to write most of the Temptations’ early hits with Smokey being the producer.
The lyrics at times get a little too cute like a nursery rhyme (As pretty as you are, you know you could have been a flower) but they’re also endearing enough that you let it pass (If good looks was a minute, you know that you could be an hour). Furthermore, this is entering the Golden Age of Motown, so the musicianship was just immaculate.
The only song on Meet The Temptations that gives that hit a challenge is “I Want A Love I Can See” written by Smokey; and with Paul Williams on lead. “I Want A Love I Can See” should have been a hit too, IMO, when it was released as a single in 1963. It wasn’t. Still darn good, if you ask me.
It should be noted at this point that although the Temptations had lead singers on these tracks, the backup vocals and harmonies are just as integral to the performance.
For example, on “Paradise” Kendricks again has the lead, but Melvin Franklin’s bass vocals are just as important as the official lead vocal in propelling the song. Written by Berry Gordy that song was another failed single that shoulda been a minor hit.
(“I Want A Love I Can See” should have been a major hit.)
The final top-shelf song here is “Slow Down Heart” with Paul Williams on lead once more with the entire group working their harmonic assess off. Gotta love the little peppy flute on this song too.
“Dream Come True” and “Check Yourself” also acquaint themselves well.
But there are some underwhelming songs here. Not every failed single was unjustly denied hit status.
“Isn’t She Pretty” is 100% atrocious. Kendricks’ falsetto is completely out of control and hurts your ears. Some other songs aren’t awful, just boring: “May I Have This Dance” and “The Further You Look, the Less You See”.
Finally we have songs that are pleasant in the moment, but quickly forgotten afterwards: “Just Let Me Know”, “Your Wonderful Love”, and “Farewell My Love”.
ALBUM GRADE: C-
Definitely some growing pains here for the Temptations as half this album serves as good music and the other half more as a historical curio. The important thing is that “The Way You Do The Things You Do” was a certified hit and gave Motown a reason to let the Temptations record a proper record after years of cutting singles every now and then while being backing vocalists for other acts that were successful.
Lucky for us all, the Tempts very next album would deliver tremendous pay dirt and vindicate Motown’s decision.
Song Scores
The Way You Do The Things You Do: 9/10
I Want A Love I Can See: 8/10
(You're My) Dream Come True: 6/10
Paradise: 7.5/10
May I Have This Dance: 3/10
Isn't She Pretty: 2/10
Just Let Me Know: 4/10
Your Wonderful Love: 4/10
The Further You Look, the Less You See: 3/10
Check Yourself: 6/10
Slow Down Heart: 6.5/10
Farewell My Love: 5/10