{"title":"The Temptations","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Temptations are an American vocal group known for their success with Motown Records during the 1960s and 1970s. With their distinct harmonies, choreography, and flashy wardrobe, they were highly influential in the evolution of R\u0026amp;B and soul music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormed in 1960 in Detroit, Michigan under the name The Elgins, they changed their name to The Temptations before being signed at Motown in 1962. They became the first Motown recording act to win a Grammy Award. Throughout their career, they have released four Billboard Hot 100 number one singles and fourteen R\u0026amp;B number one singles, making them one of the most successful groups in music history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe current members of *The Temptations* include Otis Williams (the only original member still active), Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Tony Grant, and Jawan M. Jackson. Over the years, there have been several changes in lineup due to various reasons including replacements for deceased members such as Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, Dennis Edwards among others.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-definitive-collection-6","title":"The Definitive Collection","description":"\u003cp\u003ein celebration of motown's 50th anniversary, motown release definitive collections of their roster. each cd features original stereo recordings, digitally remastered featuring number one hits, anthems and b-sides. the booklet comes housed with classic photos and extensive notes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"No Label","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50383582134603,"sku":"309968","price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/91e922c5-5e24-41ff-a643-8eb7914927d0_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726273318"},{"product_id":"masterpiece-rnueon","title":"Masterpiece","description":"\u003cp\u003eElemental Music presents a newly remastered 180-gram LP reissue of \u003ci\u003eMasterpiece\u003c\/i\u003e, the acclaimed 1973 album by The Temptations originally released by Norman Whitfield on the Gordy (Motown) label. Having already produced songs for The Temptations such as “Smiling Faces Sometimes” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”, which emphasised his instrumental musical backgrounds over the group’s vocals, Whitfield went one step further here. The title track, at nearly fourteen minutes long, includes just three minutes of group vocals. \u003ci\u003eMasterpiece\u003c\/i\u003e reached #1 on the Billboard R\u0026amp;B singles chart, and #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Hey Girl (I Like Your Style)” also became a Top 40 hit in the late summer\/early fall of 1973.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elemental","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50408557936971,"sku":"2015912","price":26.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/product_id._08b9d6b9_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726605382"},{"product_id":"all-directions","title":"All Directions","description":"\u003cp\u003eA great little album by the Temptations — not as famous as some of their earlier sides, but still a masterful bit of heavy harmony soul produced by the great Norman Whitfield. The album shows the group working in a number of different modes — from heavy early 70s funk, on cuts like \"Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On\", or their great cover of Isaac Hayes \"Do Your Thing\", to mellower mature covers, like \"First Time I Ever Saw Your Face\". Also includes the long version of \"Papa was a Rolling Stone\" and \"Run Charlie Run\".\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elemental","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50431231852875,"sku":"297089","price":37.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/All_Directions_b361db59_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726856744"},{"product_id":"psychedelic-shack-mcgnnx","title":"Psychedelic Shack","description":"\u003cp\u003eWith everything the Temptations released pretty much guaranteed to turn to gold, not to mention platinum, even their tripped-out forays into sweet '60s psychedelic experimentation were sure to fire a string of hits. 1970's Norman Whitfield-produced \u003ci\u003ePsychedelic Shack\u003c\/i\u003e -- while perhaps a system shock to those fans who grooved to the band's lame-suited, Motown dance-routined R\u0026amp;B classics -- was a magnificent stretch into an epic that ultimately emerged as another in a long line of enduring sets. Deviating from form across the first songs, it was with the whimsical and willful title track (and a big thanks to the band from Georgia retro-ists the B-52's, who took their own homage, \"Love Shack,\" to the top of the charts in 1989) that the Temptations broke their own mould with the acid-drenched party chant: \"Psychedelic shack\/That's where it's at.\" Opening that door and venturing outside the nonstop celebration, the band retains that vibe while returning to a slightly more staid stance on \"Hum Along and Dance,\" leaving both the oddly paced \"You Make Your Own Heaven and Hell Right Here on Earth\" and the totally tripped-out \"Take a Stroll Thru Your Mind\" out on their own plane entirely. With such a strong collection of songs, it couldn't get much better than that. But, of course, it does, as the Temptations blister through the groovers \"It's Summer\" and \"Friendship Train.\" And that, of course, just leaves the Whitfield-penned classic \"War\" to round out the mix. While fellow Motown-er Edwin Starr has etched what is now considered to be the definitive version of the song into the history tablets, the Temptations certainly took their own inspiration and added a unique spin as well. Not much else can be said, except that this is an absolutely outstanding album -- one which has stood the test of time, sounding as fresh as it did upon initial release.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elemental","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50443012440395,"sku":"2206950","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/product_id._e92d7753_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727007374"},{"product_id":"vacant-world","title":"Vacant World","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eVacant World\u003c\/i\u003e is the first studio album by Jacks. It was originally released on September 10, 1968. The Jacks managed to record a very unique album, very dark and introspective, an album full of tension and contained wrath that maintains its power by refusing to fully explode. You'll find fuzz guitars, tremolo, lots of reverb and the occasional use of flute and vibraphone.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Life Goes On","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP","offer_id":50457938886987,"sku":"336923","price":23.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/90d0c1fe-f3d9-4410-bea7-02480a38002b_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727209217"},{"product_id":"whenever-im-without-you-all-i-need-is-you-to-love-me","title":"Whenever I'm Without You \/ All I Need Is You To Love Me","description":"\u003cp\u003eMs. Clark is often cited as the Dusty Springfield of Motown, a white soul singer with a black Southern voice. And she is no stranger to the Northern Soul scene with songs like \"Love's Gone Bad\", her version of Frank Wilson's \"Do I Love You\" and the unreleased \"Something's Wrong\". But Clark's Motown legacy continues surprise with the 2018 discovery - \"Whenever I'm Without You\" - originally recorded in 1968. Finally making its vinyl debut 55 years on! \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e The Temptations need no introduction, they were, of course, Motown's most successful male vocal group scoring 18 No.1 R\u0026amp;B\/Hot 100 singles and 3 Grammy's. \"All I Need Is You Love To Me\" is another 1968 recording that eluded release at the time and is one the best, how could this slice of Motown magic escape. Finally making its vinyl debut 55 years on!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Passion Music","offers":[{"title":"Black 7\"","offer_id":50468947788107,"sku":"2019605","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_5648ab95_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727354195"},{"product_id":"temptin-temptations-cvz3ja","title":"Temptin' Temptations","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Temptations' third album for Motown's Gordy subsidiary in 1965 kept the hit streak alive with the inclusion of \"Since I Lost My Baby,\" \"My Baby,\" \"Don't Look Back,\" and \"Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue).\" As a matter of fact, this album churned out seven chart hit singles - or rather, they were included on this collection, as singles wagged the album dog back in those days. Either way, Smokey Robinson produces the lion's share of tracks (six) on here, including \"You've Got to Earn It,\" \"I'll Be in Trouble,\" and \"You're the One I Need.\" The album also introduces Ivory Joe Hunter and Mickey Stevenson's production work on \"Just Another Lonely Night\" and \"Born to Love You\" and future producer Norman Whitfield on \"The Girl's Alright With Me,\" \"I Gotta Know Now,\" and \"Everybody Needs Love.\" Another classic album by the original group.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elemental","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50484407664971,"sku":"2022327","price":26.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/product_id._ba79e6c0_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727590561"},{"product_id":"60","title":"60","description":"\u003cp\u003eA brand new album of brand-new songs from the No. 1 R\u0026amp;B Group of All Time, The Temptations. Features tracks written and produced by Narada Michael Walden, the young hip-hop producer K. Sparks, longtime group member Ron Tyson, founding member Otis Williams, and the equally legendary Smokey Robinson, whose classic songs launched the group’s original hit streak. The new album release will coincide with Otis Williams’s 80thbirthday, and the Broadway return (and road show edition) of the hit musical, Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"UMC","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50512732324171,"sku":"1139486","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/5bd601db-d6d2-4f98-a89d-349f2f67e312_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727905870"},{"product_id":"all-directions-us-rsd-2023-edition","title":"All Directions - US RSD 2023 Edition","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eAll Directions\u003c\/i\u003e is the superb album produced by Motown’s psychedelic mastermind, Norman Whitfield. It includes one of the Temptations’ signature songs, “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” which won three Grammy Awards in 1973 for Best R'n'B Performance by a Group, Best R'n'B Instrumental Performance, and Best R'n'B Song. The album was #1 on the Billboard Top R'n'B Albums Chart and reached #2 on the Billboard 200, making it the band’s most successful non-collaborative album on the chart. This is the first official U.S. vinyl release.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Anagram","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50530380022091,"sku":"2019526","price":34.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/All_Directions_858cfdd5_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1728077769"},{"product_id":"5-classic-albums-4","title":"5 Classic Albums","description":"\u003cp\u003eA selection of 5 classic studio albums packaged together in a new slim line slipcase from one of Motown’s greatest groups, The Temptations. Featuring the albums - \u003ci\u003eThe Temptations Sing Smokey, The Temptin' Temptations, Gettin' Ready, With A Lot O' Soul and Diana Ross And The Supremes Join The Temptations\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"UMC","offers":[{"title":"CD | x5","offer_id":51006308352331,"sku":"1008828","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/5f18e2d8-a9d3-4f23-927b-f960ba6a3cda_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1734999615"},{"product_id":"puzzle-people-p27uza","title":"Puzzle People","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe eleventh studio album by American soul quintet \u003cstrong\u003eThe Temptations\u003c\/strong\u003e for the Gordy label, \u003cem\u003ePuzzle People\u003c\/em\u003e, was released in 1969. Produced entirely by Norman Whitfield, it expanded on the psychedelic soul sound of \u003cem\u003eCloud Nine\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough a few soul ballads are present, the album is primarily composed of Sly \u0026amp; the Family Stone\/James Brown-derived proto-funk tracks, such as the number-one Billboard Pop hit \"\u003cem\u003eI Can't Get Next to You\u003c\/em\u003e.\" The album peaked into the Top 5 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart and spent fifteen weeks at number one on the R\u0026amp;B Albums chart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to AllMusic reviewer Mark Deming, this is \"the work of a great vocal group firing on all cylinders and getting inspired support in the studio, one of the group's strongest late-60's efforts.\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elemental","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":51116464275787,"sku":"2239945","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/product_id._81167f71_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1737124837"},{"product_id":"cloud-nine-mobile-fidelity-verison","title":"Cloud Nine (Mobile Fidelity Verison)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Temptations Get High on Psychedelic Soul: Cloud Nine Soars with Ambitious Arrangements and Production, Features Standout Vocal Performances and Instrumentation by the Funk Brothers \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Temptations’ Cloud Nine announced that Motown — and “The Sound of Young America” — would never be the same. Influenced by the emergence of cutting-edge rock and pop currents, as well as increasing sociopolitical turmoil, the album broke down barriers between rock, psychedelia, and soul while heralding the arrival of visionary arrangements and production techniques. Bookended by traditional R\u0026amp;amp;B numbers, the 1969 record sent the Temptations in bold new directions and signaled the advent of psychedelic soul.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSourced from the original master tapes, strictly limited to 3,000 numbered copies, pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing, and housed in a Stoughton gatefold jacket, Mobile Fidelity’s 180g 45PM 2LP set presents Cloud Nine in audiophile sound for the first time on a domestic pressing. This collectible reissue bestows Norman Whitfield’s extraordinary production with the grand-scale dynamics, natural tonality, expansive openness, and low-end weight it deserves. The timbre of each of the five members’ voices is readily identifiable — even within the group harmonies — bestowing a realism never experienced outside the recording studio. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaking its debut on 45RPM, the album further benefits from the wide groove space by playing with greater separation and more realistic presence than prior editions. Everything from the brassiness of the horns to the dry snap of the snare comes across with reference-grade clarity and positioning. And since Motown’s renowned Funk Brothers backing band plays on many of the cuts, you’ll want to savor every note. The imaging, soundstaging, and organic bloom-and-decay of the notes make that possible. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmid Cloud Nine, the instrumentation and architecture stand out as much as any element. Never before had a Motown album contained such ambitious patterns and complex passages. Seemingly conscientious of the departure from their past methods, the Temptations and Whitfield bunched together the tracks that mark a deep dive into psychedelic territory and counterbalance them with seven sterling soul cuts that dovetail with Motown tradition drenched with heartfelt vocals, swelling strings, and finger-snapping beats. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the original 33RPM release, traditional Motown soul — laden with heartfelt vocals, swelling strings, and finger-snapping beats — occupies Side Two. These songs reveal an ensemble still very much on top of delivering pristine pop-soul material graced with romantic sweetness, persuasive insistent, and soaring highs. Re-energized after the departure of lead singer David Ruffin, who was fired for a variety of reasons in June 1968, the Temptations seamlessly meld with his replacement, Dennis Edwards, on one melodic gem after another. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collective tackles five songs co-written by the legendary Motown team of Barrett Strong and Whitfield. Not the least of which are the smooth, shuffling “Why Did She Have to Leave Me (Why Did She Have to Go)” and deceptively simple, horn-spiked “Gonna Keep on Tryin’ till I Win Your Love.” On these tracks, as well as on a lush rendition of the ballad “Love Is a Hurtin’ Thing” and pleading, tender send-up of the Gerry Goffin-Carole King classic “Hey Girl,” Edwards and Paul Williams take turns on the lead with the estimable Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin, and Otis Williams providing backing support. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll five vocalists trade-off leads on the simmering title track, a groundbreaking composition shot through with wah-wah-pedal effects, liquid funk, deep bass lines, Cuban percussion, saturated reverb, and gang choruses. Whitfield mines each member’s natural vocal range with spectacular results, keeps time with cymbals, and channels both the heated temperatures and escapist desires of a society embroiled in war, conflict, and experimental drugs. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmazingly, the Temptations top themselves on the similarly revealing “Run Away Child, Running Wild.” Nearly 10 minutes in length, the song explodes R\u0026amp;amp;B parameters and harbors a cinematic scope. Urgent pianos, distorted guitars, stripped-down percussion, steamy Hammond organs, minimal bass motifs, five distinct voices narrating the tale of a boy who fled home and now finds himself amid the scary, unforgiving external world: They combine to give the urgent tune a walls-closing-in atmosphere where fear and desperation reign. Bolstered by an extended instrumental section that precedes a climactic return of the singers’ voices, “Run Away Child, Running Wild” equaled the success of the record’s title track, with both reaching No. 6 on the pop charts. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mobile Fidelity","offers":[{"title":"2LP - Black","offer_id":56170614686027,"sku":"R8864-7165","price":94.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/unnamed-2025-12-23T120818.497.jpg?v=1766491709"}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/collections\/the-temptations.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}