Temptations- Temptations Sing Smokey Review

Temptations- Temptations Sing Smokey
Released: March 22, 1965
Motown

The Temptations are well known for their countless hit singles and timeless tracks.  Songs like "Just My Imagination" "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" "Cloud Nine", and many more help punch their tickets as the greatest stand-up group of all time.  However, they were never well-known for their LP's.  This doesn't mean they never had a great album.  "Temptations Sing Smokey" is an example of that.

All of the songs on this album are songs written by Smokey Robinson either for the Temptations, or covers of other songs he has written.  Though these are Smokey's songs, the Temptations do a fantastic job of making them their own.

The record is full of 12 just wonderful tracks.  "Temptations Sing Smokey" is 100% free of boring tracks, and each song feels warm, fresh, and exciting.  Those familiar with the Temptations hit tracks will instantly recognize the opener "The Way You Do the Things You Do", an incredibly catchy, innocent, and classic tune.  This is the first album to feature David Ruffin, and you can hear him singing lead on another great track "It's Growing".  By far the highlight of this album is "My Girl," one of the great songs of all time.

Side 2 is almost all songs originally recorded by The Miracles except for one (You Beat Me to the Punch).  The Temptations do a great job at paying tribute to The Miracles while keeping the tracks feeling new and original.  One of the best covers on this side is of "You Really Got a Hold on Me", in which the group puts their own flair on this incredible tune.

This music is almost 50 years old, yet it still feels fresh and engaging.  These songs are simply timeless, and you get this wonderful nostalgic feeling while listening, no matter what you're age is.  It begs the question, "Why don't they make music like this anymore?"  This record is not a landmark release, or a masterpiece by any means.  However, "Temptations Sing Smokey,"is a quality release and a criminally underrated recording that should be heard by any music fan.

My rating: 79/100