50 Years of Soul Power

Posted February 20, 2013 by J Matthew Cobb in Features

Temptations
Cloud Nine
(Gordy; 1968)

In the glowing age of rock evolution, the classic Motown Sound became lost in the trail winds of Beatlemania. Producer Norman Whitfield felt it was the appropriate time to reshape the Temptations’ sound, especially with new frontman Dennis Edwards replacing a departed David Ruffin. The famed quartet was known for their Top Ten hits, but many of their early albums lacked cohesion and the finesse of a memorable album. Cloud Nine became their crown of glory. Psychedelic soul reverberates all throughout the infectious title track, as well as the sharp-shooting nine-minute voyage of “Runaway Child Running Wild.” On the album’s B-side, Whitfield returns the group to their roots with memorable three-minute radio-friendly singles (“Love Is a Hurtin’ Thing,” “Hey Girl”).