Time for another compilation album, this time from Motown legends the Temptations. A five man act that has experienced a decent amount of turnover over the years, their prime run of hits came in the mid to late 1960s, although they continue to release and perform even to this day. The album that was selected was “Anthology”, which was #365 on Rolling Stone’s Top 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. It is also #6 on the digitaldreamdoor.com Top 10 Soul Albums of All Time. I couldn’t find this exact album on my streaming service, so I went with a comparable greatest hits collection.
Like the other dominant forces of Motown such as Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross & the Supremes, The Four Tops, and many others, the Temptations were a hit factory during their run. “The Way You Do The Things You Do”, “My Girl”, “Get Ready”, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg”, “Just My Imagination” and “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” are just some of the most notable songs from these legends. Not only were each of these songs massively successful in their own right, they fueled many successful cover versions that are just as recognizable now.
This album rolls into the 1970s as the Temptations evolved their sound to a more contemporary, funk-based sound with the civil commentary “Ball of Confusion”. The funk just keeps on coming with “Shakey Ground”, keeping the Temptations relevant for many more years. Their run of hits measures up against any of the Motown legends, and I certainly consider much of this collection worthy adds to my master play list.
A Lifetime-Plus of Music 