UB Spotlight: The Temptations Don’t Miss A Beat On ’60’ + New Documentary
The Temptations new album “Temptations 60,” being released via UMe on January 28th, consists of nearly all-original songs that are both modern and classic in feel and sound.
The album features tracks written and produced by Narada Michael Walden, hip-hop producer K. Sparks, longtime group member Ron Tyson, founding member Otis Williams, and the equally legendary Smokey Robinson, whose classic songs launched the group’s original hit streak. “Temptations 60,” features the lead single with Smokey Robinson “Is It Gonna Be Yes Or No.”
The Temptations were among the first African American musical artists to crossover into mainstream America and appear on popular, national mainstream television programs. The Temptations helped change the face of primetime television and fueled the growth in the performing arts and entertainment world for African Americans artists forever.
The Temptations presence across multi-media platforms has never been more vivid, and their popularity is ever-increasing. Most recently, adding to their dozens of sampled tracks, their hit “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” was used as the foundation of the Migos smash hit, “Avalanche.”
“Temptations 60” is classic Temptations sound with some new flavor that fans of the iconic group will enjoy. From the mellow opening track “Let It Reign” featuring rapper K. Sparks. A touch of old school vibes with the new school. This track doesn’t miss. “We need peace, we need change, save my soul.”
“Time for The People” touches on real life topics, which the Temps have been known for speaking on. This groove will not only make you think, but do a step or two while in thought. The ballad “Calling Out Your Name” is another highlight on the release, and if you’re looking for that classic Temptations, “Breaking My Back” is that track.
The final track on the album “Come On,” tells the story of the Temptations from the start till now in their own words.
Other UB Highlights; “Elevator Eyes,” “My Whole World Stopped Without You” and “Is It Gonna Be Yes Or No” with Smokey Robinson.
Stream “Is It Gonna Be Yes Or No” and “When We Were Kings” below and Pre-order!
To celebrate The Temptations’ 60th anniversary and their new album, the legendary group is presenting a three-chapter YouTube documentary series.
The documentary offers brilliant insight into the group and the history of Motown Records. In “Chapter 1: The Beginning,” Smokey Robinson remembers the early days.
“At that time, nobody was paying us. I mean, all the other record companies, the national record companies, they paid you if they wanted to. And if they didn’t want to, they didn’t, especially if you were Black,” Smokey explains.
“I mean, whatever they felt like giving you, they may give you a car rather than giving you your royalty money. So anyway, everybody was doing just like that. So, Berry borrowed $800 from his family to start Motown. And that was how I came to be hooked up with Motown because I was hooked up with him before he started Motown.”
The three-part YouTube documentary series on the group promises to offer fans new and old unprecedented insight into the formation, creative process, and brilliance of The Temptations.
