Released: March 1976
So, Jeffrey Bowen produced A Song For You (A-), which was the best Temptations album in nearly a decade. Noticeably, Dennis Edwards got the lion’s share of lead vocals on the album.
After the toss off House Party (C-), which was composed of various unused tracks recorded in 1974 and 1975, Bowen went into the studio on a mission as 1975 turned into 1976: record a Temptations album that put Dennis Edwards as the lead vocalist on all but one track.
And mix the backup vocals far into the background they’re barely discernable on some songs making this seem like an Edwards solo album.
The other Temptations were not happy with the final result and booted Bowen as their producer after this.
At least Bowen had Sly & the Family Stone working as the backing band for half of this LP!
Side 1: Funky Stuff
The first half of this album is nasty filthy funk. Although the songs all share a basic DNA based upon early 70s Family Stone sludge funk, they each have their distinguishing marker.
“Sweet Gypsy Jane” is the raunchy bad ass
“Sweetness in the Dark” is a slow groover befitting its title
“Up The Creek (Without A Paddle)” is the liveliest and poppiest
“China Doll” is the bargain bin cut
Given Bowen’s proclivity toward Edwards, of course he gave “China Doll” for Richard Street to sing. Also, “Up the Creek” is the only song where the backing vocals are prominent. Indeed, Glenn Leonard’s peppy falsetto gives the song a needed zest. “Sweetness in the Dark” has the backing vocals almost non-existent.
Side 2: Prog Rock
After courtesly (and barely) indulging the Temptations’ desires to be vocal group, Bowen on Side Two goes full steam ahead with his scheme to isolate Edwards. And he uses an array of synthesizers to wash away the other Tempts.
“Mary Ann” is the most pretentious of these songs running at 7:40 as the other Temptations are tasked with delivering airy ahhhhhhs and ehhhhhhs. You coulda hired session singers for this. Which I guess was Bowen’s objective.
“Dream World (Wings Of Love)” actually has a delightful piano performance and the other Temptations get to sing actual words. Sure it’s the same words (“you got me dreamin’”) over and over, but at least they get to say words!
Lastly there’s “Paradise” which has only Edwards. The other Temptations aren’t mixed way in the back. They just ain’t there. Anyways, this sounds like B-level early 70s Stevie Wonder song. Think something off Music Of My Mind, but worse.
ALBUM GRADE: C
Okay, so I know it seems like I was shitting on this album. In reality I’m shitting on the premise of this album. The actual music is overall fine and the novelty of hearing Sly & the Family Stone being the Temptations’ backing band for four songs is delightful.
Fans of 70s funk will like, nay enjoy!, Side One. The second side, though… only if you really like moody synthesized ballads.
Song Scores
Sweet Gypsy Jane: 7/10
Sweetness in the Dark: 8/10
Up The Creek (Without A Paddle): 7.5/10
China Doll: 6/10
Mary Ann: 4/10
Dream World (Wings Of Love): 6.5/10
Paradise: 5/10