Mini-LP Papersleeve CD Replica
Solid Rock (1972) is The Temptations’ first album made primarily without founding members and original lead singers Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams. It is a masterful LP of righteous trippy soul, recorded during the height of The Temptations’ strong association with Norman Whitfield. The album has more than a few political/social conscience songs – such as “Take a Look Around”, “Stop the War Now”, and “Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are)” – but the strongest point is the music, more than the message. The arrangements are super funky – with complicated stretched out passages filled with spacey effects,rumbling bass, fuzzy guitars, and cool processing on the vocals. “The End of Our Road” has some great tight drums, and “What It Is” begins with rolling snare work that’s in a Sly Stone sort of groove. Vocals are great as always, and the album also features a long mellow cover of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine”.
Tracklist:
1. TAKE A LOOK AROUND 3:12 Lead singers: Dennis Edwards, Damon Harris, Melvin Franklin, Richard Street, Otis Williams
2. AINT’T NO SUNSHINE 7:19 Lead singers: Richard Street, Damon Harris
3. STOP THE WAR NOW 12:30 Lead singers: Dennis Edwards, Melvin Franklin
4. WHAT IT IS? 5:15 Lead singers: Dennis Edwards, Damon Harris, Richard Street
5. SMOOTH SAILING (From Now On) 2:49 Lead singer: Damon Harris
6. SUPERSTAR (Remember How You Got Where You Are) 2:41 Lead singers: Dennis Edwards, Damon Harris, Melvin Franklin, Richard Street, Otis Williams
7. IT’S SUMMER 2:59 Lead singer: Dennis Edwards
8. THE END OF OUR ROAD 2:41 Lead singer: Richard Street
Credits:
All selections written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, except for “Ain’t No Sunshine” (Bill Withers), and “The End of Our Road” (Rodger Penzabene-Barrett Strong-Norman Whitfield). Recorded at Hitsville U.S.A. (Studio A) and Golden World Studios (Studio B) in Detroit, Michigan between November 1971 and January 1972.
