The year of 1972 was a turbulent one around the world. You had the conclusion of the painful, drawn-out Vietnam War, the Watergate Scandal, but also violent acts against humanity, such as the terrorist attack that happened at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. At a time when many Americans felt frustrated and defeated, in the world groups like The Temptations, there were also changes on the horizon.
Recovering from the departure of Lead Vocalist Eddie Kendricks, who left amidst the recording sessions of 1971’s Sky’s The Limit, there was also the fact that Paul Williams had fallen ill and was forced to be largely removed. With this in mind, the group relied heavily on the vocals of Dennis Edwards as the lead, with new members – Bass Vocalist Melvin Franklin, Baritone Tenor Vocalist Richard Street, and First Tenor Falsetto Vocalist Damon Harris – joining original member Otis Williams.
Truly a whole new version of The Temptations, while 1970’s Psychedelic Shack and 1971’s Sky’s The Limit took them in a Psychedelic Soul direction, 1972’s Solid Rock is arguably the most expansive of all their albums in this era. A factor that drew long-time Producer Norman Whitfield broad criticism, with many saying he was utilizing The Temptations for his own recording experiments; yes, Solid Rock is essentially absent of the group’s signature ballad, but it does not mean it lacks quality.
Originally released at the start of 1972, Solid Rock has arguably the most Rock-n-Roll feeling of any Temptations album largely because of the fantastic guitar work of players like Eddie Willis, Joe Messina, Robert White, Wah Wah, matched with outstanding rhythmic drumming from Andrew Smith and Arron Smith. These musicians, matched with Pianist Earl Van Dyke, Organist Johnny Griffith, with Bass Players Leroy Taylor and James Jamerson, make Solid Rock live up to the title.
Now, this is not to say Solid Rock lacks any more radio-friendly Pop songs; because you have the chart-topping single “Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are)” and “It’s Summer” (which is actually the only track on the album to feature Paul Williams). You also have two easily recognized songs, “Smooth Sailing (From Now On),” which fall into this category. Still, there are also truly exceptional moments in the soulful “Take A Look Around” and a rendition of “Ain’t No Sunshine,” completely unique to the original Bill Withers edition released that same year.
Truly a mixed record of different sounds, perhaps the most stunning moments come with non-conventional songs like “Stop The War Now” (where Melvin Franklin’s haunting recital of the Lord’s Prayer sticks inside you) and the exceptionally Funk-driven instrumentation of “What It Is?”
Overall, while Solid Rock may not be the first album Temptation’s long-time fans turn to, it is a spectacular odyssey to separate from any preconceptions of the group. That is why it is even more fascinating that Element Music selected it as one of the last albums to be reissued on vinyl in 2024.
Set for release on December 13, 2024, alongside Gladys Knight & the Pips’ Neither One of Us from 1973 and The Undisputed Truth’s 1971 self-titled album, the new pressing of Solid Rock is packaged in a special gatefold cover. Fittingly, you can open it up and gaze at the carefully crafted design while diving deep into some superbly rich-sounding music. Sounding sonically perfect, Cryptic Rock gives this Limited Edition reissue of Solid Rock 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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