Search - Temptations :: Psychedelic Soul

The Temptations: Phase II (1968-1973)

Reginald D. Garrard | Camilla, GA USA | 09/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like their contemporaries The Beatles, The Temptations went through a second phase in the careers. During the late 60's much of the youth were "turning on," rioting in the streets, or marching against The Vietnam War. The Temptations, like fellow labelmate Marvin Gaye, jumped on the protest bandwagon and released hit after hit the spoke to the young or "the establishment" in an attempt to confront the issues of the day.



The songs on this compilation, all produced by the legendary Norman Whitfield, feature a group in transition, not just in personnel but in musical presentation. The lyrics are harder, the harmonies are tighter, and the songs themselves are extremely experimental, many of them foreshadowing the "extended cut" which would be so popular during the disco days of the late seventies.



There is no filler here. Each selection is a funky trek back in time when Motown ruled the airwaves. Of course any listener has his favorites but it would be unfair to single out some as better than others when the entire album is a piece de resistance.



Over two hours of Temptations...Now that's funky!"