Released: November 1965
I’ll go ahead and give the Album Grade away on this one… it’s an A-.
Temptin’ Temptations doesn’t have the peaks that The Temptations Sing Smokey (B+) has, but it also doesn’t have any dips.
It also provides a mesmerizing breadth of early Golden Age Motown. The previous album was obviously dominated by Smokey Robinson. Meanwhile this album has the handiwork of several Motown writers and producers in addition to Robinson.
We’re talking Norman Whitfield, Eddie Holland, Ivy Jo Hunter, and Mickey Stevenson, which means we’re talking some good stuff.
And look at the lead vocal tally…
Eddie Kendricks: 4
David Ruffin: 2
Paul Williams: 2
Melvin Franklin and Eddie Kendricks: 2
David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks: 1
Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, and Paul Williams: 1
Eddie Kendricks gets the most leads, but it’s by no means a domineering situation. And the backing vocals, as usual, were stunning. Lastly, none of these songs were big hits. So you’re getting Grade-A Motown that’s not been overplayed. Your ears will be in for a delight.
The one track, in my mind, that stands above the rest is the dance floor stomper “Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue)” that brims with energy provided by propulsive drumming. It was produced by Whitfield and co-written by him with Eddie Holland.
Some of the mid-tempo tunes include “Since I Lost My Baby”, “The Girl's Alright With Me”, and “Don't Look Back”, which would become Paul Williams’ signature song.
Williams also turns in a stellar performance on the absolute slow jam “Just Another Lonely Night”, which features the Andantes.
I’m not going to bother with the rest of the songs because I cannot stress enough just how solid everything is here.
However, there were no big hits. “Since I Lost My Baby” and “My Baby” both cracked the R&B top 10 and pop top 20, but they weren’t blockbusters. Just all part of the charm of this LP.
ALBUM GRADE: A-
Song Scores
Since I Lost My Baby: 8/10
The Girl's Alright With Me: 7.5/10
Just Another Lonely Night: 7.5/10
My Baby: 7.5/10
You've Got To Earn It: 7.5/10
Everybody Needs Love: 8/10
Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue): 9/10
Don't Look Back: 8/10
I Gotta Know Now: 7/10
Born To Love You: 7.5/10
I'll Be In Trouble: 7.5/10
You're the One I Need: 7/10