"The Temptin' Temptations" is the third studio album by the American vocal group, The Temptations, released on November 1, 1965, by the Gordy (Motown) label. This album served as a significant milestone in their career and established the ensemble as a successful act in America with a series of chart-topping hits.
The album was produced by Smokey Robinson and features several popular singles such as "The Way You Do the Things You Do", "My Girl", and "It's Growing". The first two songs were the group's first United States top-20 hits; "My Girl" became their first US number-one single.
Though featuring only five songs on each side, the album contains a wide array of music genres ranging from soul, R&B, to doo-wop, all of which nicely blend with the group's gospel-influenced harmonies. The songs of the album mainly address the themes of love and relationships.
Notably, this album includes tracks featuring each of the original Temptations: Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin, Otis Williams, and David Ruffin. It helps to solidify the collective image of the group as five equally important members, rather than having just one dominant frontman.
"The Temptin' Temptations" reached number 11 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart, and propelled the group to new heights of fame and recognition. Its best known track, "My Girl," remains one of the signature songs of the Temptations and is a definitive Motown classic.
