Review of Temptations - All Directions 

Just when you were cozying up to the simplistic pop Motown formula of the early Temps' records, the Temptations released an album in 1972 that is vivid, dense, terrifying, and expansive - an experience that is as cognitive as it is sensory. 

While All Directions' running length is a little short by today's standards (34 minutes), the tracks flow together in a seamless collage of echo wah-wah guitar and conga beats. This is the first album recorded after the departure of original Temps Eddie Hendricks (solo career) and Paul Williams (suicide). With new members Richard Street and Damon Harris filling in admirably, the Temps don't miss a beat. They continue to push the musical envelope by using increasingly complex jazz and rock arrangements and by incorporating recording affects. 

The album immediately kicks things into high gear with a live version (how's this for a surprise) of "Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On," while an energetic reading of the Isaac Hayes hit "Do Your Thing" is transformed into a raucous, pulsating dance groove that leaves the listener begging for more. The glowing achievement on this record is the Grammy Award winning "Papa was a Rollin' Stone," featured on this album in its original 12 minute length. Although tracks such as the tender "Love Woke Me Up This Morning" and "Mother Nature" might not be as famous, they are just as satisfying musically. 

Unbelievably, this was the Temps' only album to reach number one on the Billboard Top 100.

Released Date: 1993
Motown Records
France

Tracks:
Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On
Run Charlie Run
Papa Was A Rollin' Stone
Love Woke Me Up This Morning
I Ain't Got Nothin' 
The First Time Ever (I Saw Your Face)
Mother Nature
Do Your Thing

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