Imagine a time when some Motown staffers had referred to The Temptations as the ‘hitless Temptations.’ Honestly hard to believe, there was such a period in the group’s early years where they were still struggling to find an audience. Signing on with Motown Records in 1961, their first two singles (“Oh Mother of Mine” and “Check Yourself”) failed to even chart. From here their 1962 single “(You’re My) Dream Come True” did break into the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles charts, but still not what anyone had hoped for. Then in 1963 singles like “Paradise,” “I Want a Love I Can See,” and “Farewell” followed, but again, nothing broke through.
Something had to give because these guys were way too talented not to succeed. Finally, in early 1964 the stars aligned, and “The Way You Do the Things You Do” would be the milestone first single on the Billboard Hot 100. Peaking in the Top 20 at number eleven, it also went to number one on the Cash Box R&B chart. At this point, The Temptations were finally getting the credit they were due, and the story goes that when they learned they had a hit Otis Williams and David Ruffin almost immediately broke down crying.
Truly a joyous experience, it seemed like it was prime time for the group to release a studio album, and that is exactly what they did in April of 1964 with Meet The Temptations. An album comprised of twelve songs, six of which were previously released singles, including the biggie “The Way You Do the Things You Do.” Showcasing a very different sounding Temptations, the album featured the classic five lineup of David Ruffin, Melvin Franklin, Otis Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and Paul Williams, but you have to remember that Ruffin had only joined the group in early 1964, so he is only featured as backing vocals for “The Way You Do the Things You Do.” With that in mind, many of the lead vocals were handled by Paul Williams, with Al Bryant part of all the backing vocals before departing from the group in December of 1963.
So how would you describe this early release from The Temptations? You could say it was certainly more Doo-wop mixed with Soul. Not at all a bad sound, it was just vastly different than what most recognized them for as they moved forward. However, there are still some enjoyable, fun songs here; which include “Isn’t She Pretty,” the passionate “Your Wonderful Love,” and the catchy, rhythmic “Slow Down Heart.” From here the rest is history because they would go on to thirty-six more singles to reach the Billboard Top 40 in the US.
An important album that started a string of success for The Temptations, as it celebrates a sixth anniversary Elemental Music has rightfully selected to reissue it in 2024 to vinyl. Released in the original mono format, and taken from the original mono master, the new vinyl pressing of Meet the Temptations arrived on September 13th. Including all the original tracks, it also features the original front and back cover for an authentic vibe. Beyond this, and most importantly, the sound is as rich and smooth as ever with a pressing to a high-quality classic black 140-gram vinyl.
Offering you a glimpse back to the beginning, it is a great companion to other Temptations albums reissued to vinyl in 2024 including 1968’s Wish It Would Rain (released on May 10th), 1969’s Cloud Nine (released on July 12th), 1971’s Sky’s The Limit (released on 18th), and 1972’s Solid Rock which arrives right before Christmas on December 13th. A great time to be a Temptations fan, Cryptic Rock gives the new reissued mono edition vinyl of Meet The Temptations 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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