As times changed between the early ‘60s into the ‘70s, so did many recording artists. Transitioning, or growing as songwriters and performers, The Beatles went from “Love Me Do” in 1963 to “Let It Be” in 1970, while The Beach Boys would go from “I Get Around” in 1964, to “I Know There’s an Answer” in 1966. Just two examples of a shift in styles, there was also The Temptations who helped solidify the Motown Records sound with hits like 1964’s “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” to completely metamorphosing into Soul-driven Rock sound with the release of Sky’s The Limit in 1971.
Their fourteenth album in less than a decade, you could look to both 1969’s Puzzle People and 1970’s Psychedelic Shack as a focal point in their evolution, but Sky’s The Limit seemed to take everything to a whole new level. Originally released on April 22, 1971, Sky’s The Limit would be a historical record for The Temptations for many reasons. To start with, Paul Williams was dealing with health issues. Something that clearly could have weighed heavily on the group, on top of that, Eddie Kendricks was becoming distant from them. Very unfortunate to hear of, while Kendricks does sing on Sky’s The Limit, it would be his final album as part of The Temptations. Think that is where the struggles ended? Think again, because around the time the album was in the works in 1970, Otis Williams’ mother tragically passed away.
Aspects that would lead you to believe that the cohesion of a solid album would be next to impossible, somehow The Temptations dished out one of their most albums ever. Very experimental and ever so diverse, while this is the album that featured Kedrick-led number 1 hit “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me),” there are still so many layers to peel back. Giving their fans a total of eight songs, there honestly is not a dull moment to be had with other exceptional songs like “Gonna Keep on Tryin’ (Till I Win Your Love),” the original recording of “Smiling Faces Sometimes,” and the ever-so potent messaging of “Ungena Za Ulimwengu (Unite the World).”
Just a few highlights, the songwriting team of Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong really drove home some wisdom-laden and thought-provoking lyrics. Brought to life by The Temptations’ performances and Whitfield’s simply outstanding production, Sky’s The Limit is an album that crosses boundaries into Rock, Soul, but also much more. All these positive allocates to consider, even still, the hand’s down highlight of it all is “Smiling Faces Sometimes.” Yes, the song would become a Top 5 hit with The Undisputed Truth instead, The Temptations’ twelve-plus minute edition is nothing less than an experience you have to hear to believe.
In the end, Sky’s The Limit did connect with audiences… because the album reached number two on the US R&B charts and 16 on the US Billboard 200. Impressive considering all the trials and tribulations behind the scenes, to this day it still sounds freshly unique. That is why it is extremely exciting to learn Elemental Music has selected it as one of their Motown vinyl reissues in 2024.
Released on October 18th, this new limited edition release is pressed to a 140 gram vinyl, and let us just say the sound really pops with every twist and turn. Sounding warm and rich, this new vinyl captures the magic of the original recordings. This is all while you also get the original cover and back art on a very solid single vinyl jacket. Overall, Elemental Records made an extremely wise selection by reissuing Sky’s The Limit to vinyl, because Cryptic Rock gives the release 5 out of 5 stars.
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