The Temptations - The Temptations Sing Smokey (Mono)
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The Temptations [click here to see more vinyl featuring The Temptation]
- Eddie Kendricks – vocals
- Paul Williams – vocals
- Melvin Franklin – vocals
- Otis Williams – vocals
- David Ruffin – vocals (all tracks except A2)
- Elbridge "Al" Bryant – vocals (A2)
The Andantes – additional backing vocals (A6)
The Funk Brothers – instrumentation
Detroit Symphony Orchestra – strings
Written by Smokey Robinson (all tracks), Bobby Rogers (A1, A4), , Ronald White (A3, B3), Warren Pete Moore (A6), Berry Gordy (B6)
1 LP, Stoughton tip-on jacket
Limited to 2,500 copies
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : Black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Mono
Studio
Record Press : Record Technology Incorporated (RTI)
Label : Motown
Original label : Gordy Records
Recorded 1964–1965 at Hitsville Studio, Detroit
Produced by Smokey Robinson
Remastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio
Lacquer cut by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio
Originally released in March 1965
Reissued in December 2019
Tracks:
Side A:
- The Way You Do The Things You Do
- Baby, Baby I Need You
- My Girl
- What Love Has Joined Together
- You'll Lose A Precious Love
- It's Growing
Side B:
- Who's Lovin' You
- What's So Good About Good Bye
- You Beat Me To The Punch
- Way Over There
- You've Really Got A Hold On Me
- (You Can) Depend On Me
Reviews:
“The Temptations' debut album signaled that the band were ready to become stars. It wasn't overloaded with hits, and their trademark harmonies weren't quite polished, but the potential emerged on such songs as "Check Yourself" and "Farewell My Love." Both Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin had their bright moments, and "The Way You Do The Things You Do" marked the official beginning of The Temptations' reign.” AllMusic Review by Ron Wynn
“In various permutations, combinations, and names, The Temptations had been singing together since the late 1950s. When they got to Motown in 1961, they had seven singles, none of which gained much traction. Then, through a series of fortunate circumstances, David Ruffin joined the band and gave them their much-needed lead singer. With the except of several early singles, their recording career was captured on Gordy Records, one of the divisions of Motown.
They burst onto the scene with Ruffin and their first hit single, “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” from the 1964 album Meet the Temptations, which was an adequate if not spectacular introduction to soul audiences across the country. What followed, however, were two simply brilliant 1965 releases that never miss a beat. It would be “temptin’” to call The Temptations Sing Smoky the group’s early masterpiece, but the album that followed, Temptin’ Temptations, turned out to be a match.
If the Temptations had never sung any music by composers other that William “Smokey” Robinson, they would still belong in the pantheon of soul and pop superstars. For this album, Smokey penned every tune; five were co-written by Miracles bandmates: two by Robby Rogers, two by Ronald White, and one by Pete Moore; Berry Gordy co-wrote two others.
A wise decision was made to include “The Way You Do the Things You Do” on this second album. Eddie Kendricks sings lead here; in fact, he sang on the first four singles before Ruffin’s voice stole much of the limelight. Of course, this was an incredible group, with Kendricks, tenor and falsetto; Ruffin, tenor; Otis Williams, tenor and baritone; Paul Williams, baritone; and Melvin Franklin, baritone.
From there, we got a beautiful ballad in “Baby, Baby I Need You,” followed by their unmistakable signature tune “My Girl.” On this and on every track, The Funk Brothers, the Motown house band, simply CRUSH. Take this or any other song and listen numerous times, once to the bass, another to the horns, yet another for orchestration, keyboards. WOW.
Ruffin sang lead vocals on some of the songs, but the magnificent “What Love Has Joined Together” was Eddie Kendricks all the way, with those lyrics that could only have come from Smokey.
Five of the six tracks on side two were previously recorded by the Miracles, and it’s great to compare them, especially since Kendricks’ and Smokey’s voices were so similar in their silkiness. The other track was a huge hit for Mary Wells, the incredible “You Beat Me to the Punch,” Ruffin in the lead. It was interesting hearing this song turned around from female to male protagonist.
Ruffin also sang “Who’s Lovin’ You,” the first of three tunes drawn from the debut album Hi, We’re the Miracles (1961). And then comes this heart-rending ballad, “What’s So Good About Goodbye,”.
Kendricks takes lead on the last three tunes. “Way Over There” and “You Can Depend On Me” are ballads from that first Miracles album, and the most recognizable track, “You’ve Really Got a Hold On Me,” honors The Fabulous Miracles, their third album (1963). Pure magic.” Music Fest News
Ratings:
AllMusic : 3 / 5 ; Discogs : 4.67 / 5