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All Directions

by The Temptations

Released: July 27, 1972

Soul, funk, psychedelic soul

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

Despite initial resistance from the group regarding "Papa," it became a signature song and highlighted their shift in sound. "All Directions" is a 1972 album by The Temptations, released under the Gordy label Motown. The album marked the end of Barrett Strong's involvement as a lyricist for The Temptations, as both his contributions to the album were covers.

Inside the Recording

Produced by Norman Whitfield, the album achieved significant success, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 and becoming their twelfth album to top the Top R&B Albums chart.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The album also includes the Edwin Starr cover…

The album also includes the Edwin Starr cover "Funky Music Sho' 'Nuff Turns Me On," as well as "Love Woke Me Up This Morning" and "I Ain't Got Nothin'," showcasing a mix of styles and themes.

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Essential Tracks

Papa Was A Rollin' Stone

All Directions features the iconic #1 hit "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone," a cover of a song by The Undisputed Truth, which won three Grammy Awards in 1973.

Love Woke Me Up This Morning

The album also includes the Edwin Starr cover "Funky Music Sho' 'Nuff Turns Me On," as well as "Love Woke Me Up This Morning" and "I Ain't Got Nothin'," showcasing a mix of styles and themes.

I Ain't Got Nothin'

The album also includes the Edwin Starr cover "Funky Music Sho' 'Nuff Turns Me On," as well as "Love Woke Me Up This Morning" and "I Ain't Got Nothin'," showcasing a mix of styles and themes.

Mother Nature

Although the first single "Mother Nature" had modest success, "Papa" propelled the album to major acclaim, solidifying The Temptations' legacy in music history.

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Explore the Album

The Temptations - All Directions

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Then

Reception

Produced by Norman Whitfield, the album achieved significant success, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 and becoming their twelfth album to top the Top R&B Albums chart. This marked it as the band's most successful non-collaborative album on the charts, showcasing their influential sound during that era. All Directions features the iconic #1 hit "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone," a cover of a song by The Undisputed Truth, which won three Grammy Awards in 1973.

Now

Legacy

Although the first single "Mother Nature" had modest success, "Papa" propelled the album to major acclaim, solidifying The Temptations' legacy in music history.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"All Directions" is a 1972 album by The Temptations, released under the Gordy label Motown. Produced by Norman Whitfield, the album achieved significant success, reaching number two on the Billboard 200 and becoming their twelfth album to top the Top R&B Albums chart. This marked it as the band's most successful non-collaborative album on the charts, showcasing their influential sound during that era.

All Directions features the iconic #1 hit "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone," a cover of a song by The Undisputed Truth, which won three Grammy Awards in 1973. The album marked the end of Barrett Strong's involvement as a lyricist for The Temptations, as both his contributions to the album were covers. Despite initial resistance from the group regarding "Papa," it became a signature song and highlighted their shift in sound.

The album also includes the Edwin Starr cover "Funky Music Sho' 'Nuff Turns Me On," as well as "Love Woke Me Up This Morning" and "I Ain't Got Nothin'," showcasing a mix of styles and themes. Although the first single "Mother Nature" had modest success, "Papa" propelled the album to major acclaim, solidifying The Temptations' legacy in music history.