Papa Was a Rollin' Stone - The Temptations | College Students' FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@andyandalex]

Make sure to hit the black history month stream we’re doing this Sunday @ 1pm EST! Going to hit loads of great Motown, classic R&B, Blues, Rock n Roll bangers! Cheers all enjoy this one from the Patreon vaults! 🔥

[@pattyg8464]

Can’t wait!

[@Shadowrider1872]

Definitely!!! 🤘🤘

[@detritus8095]

Be sure and hit Bad Brains - "Banned in D.C" would be a good choice.

[@tjtampa214]

Excited for Sunday's stream. This song excellent but damn it's a long version, timing not great for the real impact of the song. DEF listen to the more succinct version. This ok too but the more condensed radio version is best for overall effect. It's hits harder. Glad you finally hit it guys!! 🥂

[@O-sa-car]

since y'all are down for long-form jams you should listen to Walk On By - Isaac Hayes on the stream

[@cheryl83]

Seriously. Who makes music like this anymore? We were so spoiled back then and didn't even know it. No auto tune, no sampling. Just their own creativity. Ball of Confusion, Can't Get Next to You are required listening.

[@kathyterese7054]

Sooo true. Spoiled and we didn’t even know it! Music was just that good back in the day

[@jr-xs9tf]

Always assumed this kinda stuff would just show up regularly on radio. Boy was I naive.

[@bettybaby63]

Yea we definitely took it for granted. Never even thought about it.

[@tygre7]

Music used to take you on a journey, brothers.

[@sandrasanders706]

@@kathyterese7054 We just figured it would last forever..

[@swimrski]

papa may have been a rolling stone, but that bass line is eleven minutes and 45 seconds of unwavering dedication.

[@jimfrederick3907]

The attention to detail is perfection!

[@rosemary702001]

Absolutely! I’ve listened to this song since it came out and the bass line impresses me every time. Never falters as if it is the only steady thing that holds those boys together after “papa” didn’t.

[@jamesneedham-b4x]

Thanks to the funk brothers

[@ukesrule58]

WHAT is the ODD time signature of this piece?

[@rosemary702001]

@@ukesrule58 4/4 with a little syncopation?

[@allisonreed7682]

You’d be hard-pressed to find a song from the current era that even comes close to touching this. It has everything-so much sauce, genius songwriting and musicianship, soul-piercing vocals, all backed by a heartbreaking story. I miss the days that gave us this greatness.

[@Shadowrider1872]

Morning Allison!

[@allisonreed7682]

Hey @@Shadowrider1872! How’s your week going?

[@Gort-Marvin0Martian]

Absolutely

[@tommathews3964]

Amen, and Amen!

[@raymondmassie4898]

I was waiting for the big man to get up out of his chair and start bustin a groove. Can’t believe he was drowning in so much sauce and didn’t give it an S

[@powellpatterson4928]

This isnt the radio version. The motown studio musicians were next level. Brilliantly produced. I consider the music i grew up on as one of my greatest blessings. Its worth being old now to have been young then.

[@markwilliams352]

"It's worth being old now to have been young then." Wow, I love the way you put that. I also grew up in that era-35 miles from Detroit-listening to this music and other records produced by Motown. Motown was a POWERHOUSE. Way back then I knew its music was good; but listening to it now, my appreciation soars even more.

[@carriehunt9741]

Bless Motown music! It gave a silly young girl in a tiny town an introduction to a larger world.

[@RicoBurghFan]

The intro alone is worth the price of admission, what a great, great song. Such amazing production and spectacular vocals. And hearing it through your young ears makes me love it even more!

[@jiminut]

The intro is fire. Runner up goes to "The World is a Ghetto" by War.

[@dagmar.6954]

Agree. It is one of the best intros. So glad the guys did the longer version of this song.

[@sweethands4328]

Agreed... its stupid long and I don't care if it went on forever. Kinda like Shine on Crazy Diamond by Floyd!

[@danapaul3216]

@@dagmar.6954 Also agree with you… the AM version cuts most of this out. I’m not sure how long into this song it takes before vocals to come in but it’s even longer than some Prog rock songs lol. Love the Temptations!

[@medicalnegligence]

The Funk Brothers. Session musicians at Motown. The unsung heros of Motown. Long live James Jamerson!!

[@demonhoopa]

I don’t think I’ve ever heard this version with the full intro. That shit was fire

[@Arandomperson_online]

Me either this is awesome 😎

[@martinl8574]

This song is to Motown what Stairway to heaven is to rock. A G.O.A.T. level.

[@mothernaturesapothecary]

I agree!🔥🔥🔥

[@submandave1125]

12 minute masterpiece without a single chord change. It's a one-chord vamp through the whole thing without ever getting boring. Genius.

[@designstudio8013]

What chord? B dim6

[@sseltrek1a2b]

it's amazing that it's all one chord progression for almost 12 minutes...

[@barryshapiro3349]

“And when he died all he ever left us was alone”. Towards the end of the 60’s many Motown artists , led by Marvin Gaye, wanted to record more socially relevant songs.This is one of the best.

[@jbognap]

As a kid I thought the lyrics were "all he left us was a loan" 😄

[@free1855]

Based on rest of lyrics "a loan" makes more sense though.

[@barryshapiro3349]

"Ball Of Confusion" is another Temps masterpiece. More than 50 years later the lyrics remain relevant and it's sonically mindblowing...super groovy, man. lol..You guys rock. More Elvis Costello!!!!

[@GGLee315]

Me too…

[@GinMae]

that line.. when I heard it, I was a kid, and I thought it was "all he left us was a loan" - and I wasn't sure if it meant that his "loan" to them meant his relationship - and was gone when he died, or if they still owed money on his behalf! lol - I was a pretty dumb kid...

[@sherigrow6480]

Once upon a time, we just turned on the radio and got to grow up with this music.

[@kennethrandolph2495]

When Black Music was great!!

[@fmtalks1386]

It won 3 Grammy awards in 1973... Best R&B Vocal Peformance by a Group, Best R&B Instrumental, and Best R&B Song. Produced by the brilliant Norman Whitfield.

[@livinglife4835]

Barrett Strong co producer.

[@todvball]

If there's 1 song deserving of S+ tier rating.... this exact version would be the one. It's filled with abundant soul vibes...

[@MacSvensson]

couldn't agree more

[@Chilipotamus]

Yeah, I'm REALLY glad they picked the full intro version and sat there just vibing in the majesty. It's a long buildup but the payoff is so worth it and makes the message all the more potent

[@tmlfroggy5338]

I don't know how they only rated this an A+ and not an S. What the hell more did they have to do to get an S rating? To be honest that kind of shocked me.

[@todvball]

@@tmlfroggy5338 .... it's a matter of time; it'll grow on 'em ;) . They loved 'Black Water'.... This one ranks right up there

[@zoegartham312]

There are probably a handful of songs that objectively should be considered S+ tier. This version of this song is one. Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody would be a second. I'd argue strongly for Metallica's 1991 Moscow performance of Enter Sandman to be S+ Tier as well. Beyond that, I'm not sure. Eminem should definitely be S+ tier as an artist, but I can only think of a couple of his tracks that might qualify to be S+. The sheer number of amazing hits he has put out over the decades though, the poetry and artistry, is beyond compare.

[@andrewcastillo3110]

This song is a work of art, period!

[@randycannon3452]

The radio version never included the extended intro and instrumental break, so a lot of folks have never heard the full length track. Glad to see you react to the album version of this...

[@sbolfing]

I still remember being blown away when a friend of mine played the album for me, and I got to hear the full song! Wow! My wife and I made sure our kids listened to all kinds of music - and this was just one they listened to (they're now in the 30s/40s)

[@dennisvaughan8456]

First time hearing the full version. WOW...Thankyou for this treat!!!

[@65tosspowertrapl36]

Has to be the most AWESOME into ever!!😀

[@65motowngirl]

Exactly! I only remember the radio version. Which I loved. I’m a get to the point kind of gal. I don’t have the patience for long dragged out intros.

[@secondhandlyon2603]

Let's take a moment to appreciate the fact that this was most likely recorded on a 16 track tape console. They had actual strings and horn sections. Not to mention the raw talent of the Temptations .

[@Gynecologist]

Don’t forget that harp!

[@anthonyblakely399]

"Ball of Confusion" by The Temptations would be the next Ear Candy for you guys. Incredible reactions from you guys!!!! Your response was like my response when I heard this song on the radio.☺

[@johndef5075]

Had that on 45!

[@mrunderhill40]

Agreed, Ball of Confusion should be next.

[@dave123r]

Yes, or Psychedelic Shack.

[@Martin.Wilson]

For sure...Ball of Confusion will blow their minds for sure.

[@bonitameadows599]

Absolutely

[@AliasMark69]

Us drummers really respect the High-Hat.... never stopped or changed... awesome.

[@donnawiederhold7590]

I love watching another generation appreciate the music I love

[@michaeldowson6988]

Adele hates wah-wah guitar

[@andyandalex]

@@michaeldowson6988 Adele hasn’t heard good wah before. Haha.

[@johnnymartin49]

Here, here!! That's why I brought my 3 son's up to appreciate the older music that set the ground work for everything that came after! 😎

[@dicklindell948]

We were so lucky in the 60's and 70's , weekly classics!

[@Jack-D-Ripper]

The best Motown song ever. I’ve always loved it; the music, the orchestration moves me to tears. Beautiful!

[@davidnelson6874]

One of the greatest songs ever in any genre. This song could only have come out in the early Seventies. So many influences were converging then and there was so much musical freedom.

[@derekgarcia1030]

They talk about country songs being full of heartache and sorrow, but this is the deepest song ever written.

[@daviddobson477]

For me it's S tier. The feel of this song is incredible.

[@chrisbrugma1811]

Right all the way "Ssssssssssssssssssssssss" tier!

[@bellodrade]

You cannot understate the impact The Temptations have made upon the world of music, along with The Stylistics, The Four Tops, The Delphonics, The Ojays, as well as others who have always been overlooked.

[@michaeldaniels8462]

The very definition of "S Tier". I envy virgin ears that experience this classic for the first time....nothing else like it. A true transcendent musical experience.

[@emilyflotilla931]

Me too!

[@jrusso4753]

A&A. Thank you very much!!! I'm a 70 year old, white dude, prog rocker for the majority of my musical existence. This song has been in my personal top 10 since it's release. A true classic. Find me any other 11 minute pop tune that has an entire percussion track of only hi-hat on the quarter notes and a kick drum on 2 and 4. That's it! Nothing else. With an unchanging 3 note bass line for the whole song! The orchestration, arrangement, production and mix...flawless. This is the Temps at their finest. Prove me wrong. You can't. This made my day and I thank you guys. Peace out, my brothers.

[@shivaumesh1129]

Not to sound nitpicking but the rhythm that’s being played on the hi hat is eighth notes.

[@jrusso4753]

@@shivaumesh1129 Correct, sir. I'm a bassist, so I can't count. Nit pick away. Be well, my friend. Peace.

[@ezwriter5589]

Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, the same guys who wrote "I Heard it Through the Grapevine", not to mention a ton of other Motown classics. Whitfield was a genius songwriter and producer, and reportedly a very eccentric guy who sometimes drove the various members of the Temptations crazy.

[@garymcghee2249]

@Gerald H Agreed.

[@CapAnson12345]

One of the greatest songs ever written, performed by the greatest vocal group of all time, with music by one of the two greatest studio groups (The Funk Brothers.. the other being the Wrecking Crew). I mean how can you go wrong?

[@danconroy8293]

You can't forget the Swampers from Muscle Shoals.

[@kenttaylor9238]

So many great tracks to check out by the Temptations. I highly recommend "Can't Get Next to You"

[@Jillyconjem]

That has always been my favorite of theirs. 💜

[@baronofgreymatter14]

@@Jillyconjem Ball of confusion! perfect song for today

[@beckyrivas4595]

My ultimate favorite Temp tune ♥️

[@centuryrox]

"My Girl" and "I Wish It Would Rain" are my favorites.

[@Jillyconjem]

@@baronofgreymatter14 Truth.

[@SharonChartier-c9x]

Thank You for keeping our Music Alive!

[@kitzer11]

I’m from Motown and I have to say this is one of the best arrangements, if not the best, to come out of this town!! Luv this channel!! Keep up the GREAT work fellas!!

[@nebbindog6126]

Me too. CKLW, WKNR, on the little table top am radio.

[@kitzer11]

@@nebbindog6126 ….jingle….”CKLW, The Motor City”

[@nebbindog6126]

@@kitzer11 Keener 13!

[@jesusontiveroz7051]

Southwest

[@donr9861]

If I'm not mistaken didn't Rare Earth sign with motown ? Their remake of get ready long version is worth a listen. But this song right here is one of the best to come out of motown

[@Cheryl_Haydon]

So I haven't heard this song for a minute or two, and have forgotten just how great it is. Thanks guys, for giving us "old" people the chance to hear these amazing songs again as if it were our first time as well. ☺

[@MartyGlenn72]

I've never heard this extra long version before today, and I was 11 years old when it originally came out! And from that point until sometime in 1998, I never heard a stereo version either! Great stuff!

[@miquelpp]

My recording was 6:59. I´ll buy this one too. A masterpiece.

[@steveandme63]

Came here to say this.. I was just about to start singing and suddenly a keyboard comes in! Its like an extra cherry. You guys really need to SEE them perform this. Their moves are so smooth and cool.

[@michaelandreozzi4717]

Same. I’m 63 and have heard the standard radio version thousands of times but this…..! Absolutely f’ing sauce. Good AirPods help.

[@loudog2326]

This Song Was Edited For Radio Air Play !! I'm With You on This Version !!

[@ScottHz]

the claps at 6:50! LOVE this version!

[@sandrad9695]

That’s some quintessential 70’s guitar right there.

[@CorePathway]

Waka-waka-wahwahwah

[@christhornycroft3686]

Ball of Confusion is another great one by these guys.

[@douglaspensack3499]

This is musical brilliance all around. Imagine how many talented musicians were involved in just this one song?

[@PK1971PK]

Can't go wrong with the Temptations! One of my favorites by them is "Ball of Confusion"--good sixties political commentary. A very similar song to this that yall should check out and compare is "Theme from Shaft" by Isaac Hayes. And a similar vocal group would be Smokey Robinson and the Miracles--"The Tracks of My Tears" to get started.

[@bonniealbo3324]

Yes! "Theme from Shaft" ; very reminiscent

[@bengilbert7655]

'Shaft' by Hayes and 'Superfly' and 'Freddie's Dead' by Curtis Mayfield. Also 'Across 110th Street' by Bobby Womack.

[@gdubbya804]

Love this song

[@cretins]

I was thinking more along the lines of 'Walk On By' by the former South Park Chef.

[@WRRHalum]

Theme from Shaft? Yes! but do the entire soundtrack LP: Reggio's.. Bumpy.. ALL of it.

[@ChasBeauregarde]

In the 50 plus years this song has been out I didnt know there was a 12 minute version. I thought the long version was the single. First listen - incredible version. Thank you!!!

[@827dusty]

This Motown group started in the mid 1960s, and never looked back. So many iconic hit songs to enjoy. Those were the days.

[@Martin.Wilson]

Wait until the boys discover, The O'Jays, the Spinners, The Commodores and my personal favourite, Rare Earth. Back in the day there was more good music that came out in 10 weeks than there is in 10 yrs now. So glad I was there, coming of age an hour from Motown in the early seventies. Truly a magical time.

[@cyndiebologna7365]

@@Martin.Wilson Great comment:) it really must’ve been a magical time with this music as the backdrop. I was a toddler then and discovered this music much later on, but I have to agree with you..the very best music had to come from the mid 60’s through to the mid 70’s. And not just this genre, but rock, soul, folk and even some of the pop.

[@virgilfulton4426]

"Poppa was a rolling stone, where ever he laid is hat was his home, and when he died, he left us nothing but alone"... you tell me any other economy of words that stories so much. You can't. You just can't.

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

Andy and Alex get funked up; momma's so proud, sniff.

[@carlcauch2413]

I’m 69 years old and this is why my generation had not only the best music, but the best cars, and the best concerts. Haight Ashbury and this generation knew how to party, get wasted in-such a way that the music led you to new universes. Watch the entire filming of Woodstock and peace, love and good times were the word of the day.

[@choos6919]

Funk Brothers is the band backing the Temptations. Standing in the Shadows of Motown is one to be added to your movie list.

[@karlsinclair9918]

Its not the usual funk brothers btw, there's a consortium of musicians here, like wah wah Watson for example who play on later motown stuff, but it's not the same guys playing on older recordings. The idea that the funk brothers were a unit is wrong as there was a revolving door of musicians there. Also it's interesting to note that the funk soul rock stuff was deeply inspired by Whitfield seeing Black Merda, a detroit band inspired by Hendrix amongst others and the other funk spul rock artist Fugi, playing live in the local clubs. Look them up. The music is really a product of Whitfields experimentation and vision as a producer.

[@gel2718]

I second that

[@troilusand]

Wow. I'd never heard this "actual studio, definitive version" before. Obviously this version was not the one played on the radio back in the day. Did not know what I was missing. Agree with the person below who said the into is worth the price of admission. Thank you guys.

[@tonycocchiola7192]

Yes .This version was played on the radio."Back in the day"

[@sarahjane8146]

Not on my radio stations. I’m a Temptations fan, but had never heard this version (didn’t have this album)-and I =love= it.

[@xaspirate8060]

@@sarahjane8146 I heard shorter version as well (assuming 45) on radio-- would be years later til I heard direct off album. As far as those shorter versions go, this one carried pretty damn well. Usually I slag posters when they put up short version vs album vers.

[@suecook1326]

Yep, CKLW in Detroit never played this long version!!

[@sarahjane8146]

@@suecook1326 I grew up in Flint-same!

[@gino88]

I am commenting midway through the video. Thinking out loud "If they don't give this an S tier then I have to re-examine my respect for these two lads." We shall see. It's looking good though.

[@35mmview18]

What a song! Still gives me goosebumps.

[@Haltech007]

Imagine playing this while cruising along an empty road at night with the windows down. This was a serious groove just drowning in sauce.

[@AP-gb3eh]

When cars were cars and you could feel the engines . Driving and music was a experience

[@livinglife4835]

Guys, producer Barron Strong just died 1/28/2023😭😭😭. Motown had awesome music.

[@kentclark6420]

It's too bad that people behind the scenes don't get much credit or notice.

[@ammie8659]

"Can't Get Next To You" by the Temptations is really a great song. You should do it soon.

[@derekjhpeterson3882]

Check out the Savoy Brown cover of Can't Get Next To You!

[@SaverioP]

". . . But my life is incomplete and I'm so blue, 'cause I can't get next to you."

[@markadolph8715]

The first time I went to a record store in Harlem and bought 45's, I picked up the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" and "Can't Get Next to You".

[@xaspirate8060]

Yes. It has the best "HeeeeeYAAAHH" in music history!

[@xaspirate8060]

@@derekjhpeterson3882 WOW! Totally forgotten. SB an acquired taste...I think that was my favorite song by them but then again it was a cover. They were raunchy as F!

[@franciswright6672]

It’s the percussion, it’s hypnotic, you can’t help but move your body to the music. The violins , the cello , it’s a whole orchestra. I love it!

[@MadeInNewYork73]

The O'Jays's BACKSTABBER. Didn't make it up...same era. What they say is true about folks who " smile in your face"

[@Giselle62]

and the similar song "Smiling Faces"

[@MadeInNewYork73]

@@Giselle62 Lol!!!!!! My sister & I always sang it playing Spades..trying to bluff we had a handful!! Thx 4 the wonderful memory. We DID have great music ❤

[@11dsw]

The Nascent Disco Era...awesomeness. ...as complicated as it could get with real people playing real instruments.

[@tommathews3964]

Mama: "Papa was a rolling stone, wherever he laid his hat was his home, and when he died, all he left us was ALONE!" Brutally honest summation by Mama! One of my favorite lyrics in modern music! No sugar coating, just tells it like it is/was! Glad you did the long version! Lot of "psychedelic soul" during this period. Speaking of psychedelic, you need to do "Psychedelic Shack" by The Temptations too! I've been listening to these guys since they burst onto the scene in the sixties and still listen often!

[@jaycorby]

Tom Matthews Likewise! Nothing like it today. Rap and Hip Hop are pale by 70s standards in 'black' music: Philadelphia Sound, Motown etc.

[@tommathews3964]

@@jaycorby And let's not forget that a lot of that music was created in Muscle Shoals and Memphis with a large percentage of the studio musicians being white. (surprised the hell out of a lot of folks coming down to record, especially in Muscle Shoals!)

[@zoeystar4668]

Wow. I love this song and really appreciate the long version. It's so groovy good to soak in all the instrumentation and vocals are blended perfectly. Like the perfect smoothy. I regret not listening to more of them back in the day. Going to check out Psychedelic Shack now.

[@Manageode]

They did a "Shack" song by the Temps on Patreon.

[@xaspirate8060]

@@jaycorby The question is why does HipHop perservere? I just don't get it. There is so little range song to song. If someone can tell me to check out a rap song that can contend with this, please lay it on me.

[@Michael-xk3sp]

The "same groove that never got old" reflects the tension and despair of the song and the children caught in this oppressive hell.

[@marygoodson4920]

I was a little kid when this song came out and I have never heard this long version before! Definitely S tier. The Temptations were the bomb. Check out Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Al Green.

[@nancy9478]

Such a deep rabbit hole! All excellent choices.

[@Stefnmaddy]

Same!

[@alanmusicman3385]

On the UK Single the long version was on the flip side. Not sure if it was the same on the US single though.

[@kev7161]

As a truck driver, my father was literally a rolling stone. And all those things they sang about? That pretty much fits his life (save the preaching stuff).

[@kerryliles1846]

My two brothers and I lost our father in September of 1968. Some fifty years later we all admitted that this song reminded us of our dad and that we each tear up when listening to it.

[@lvalles4800]

I think the thing about this masterpiece is it's uniqueness! They just don't make music like this anymore. I mean the production is first class, it's so wonderful, the whole thing takes your breath away! And that trumpet playing is to die for, the strings, the bass, and finally the Temptations. It's just so sad and mystifying that they make music like this anymore it's 50 years since and counting.

[@patd4317]

Can’t go wrong with the Temps. Music in the background is the Funk Brothers. They were the Motown sound. Thanks for sharing guys.

[@margaretesalazar]

If memory serves, there was a movie about the Funk Brothers entitled Standing in the shadows of Motown. It's been a long time since I've seen it, so I'm looking for it now!

[@patd4317]

@@margaretesalazar yes I did see this Motown special about the Funk Brothers. Amazing musicians.

[@johnhurkett778]

@@margaretesalazar you can rent the movie here on KZbin or watch for free on Tubi

[@gravyjohn]

@@margaretesalazar Correct!

[@karlsinclair9918]

@@patd4317 hey there Much credit is to the producer, Norman Whitfield. Its not the usual funk brothers btw, there's a consortium of musicians here, like wah wah Watson for example who play but it's not the same guys playing on older recordings. The idea that the funk brothers were a u it is wrong as there was a revolving door of musicians there. Also it's interesting to note that the funk soul rock stuff was deeply inspired by Whitfield seeing Black Merda, a detroit band inspired by Hendrix amongst others and the other funk spul rock artist Fugi, playing live in the local clubs. Look them up. Next up I'd go with..full versions of Curtis Mayfield move on up or right on for the darkness or if there's a hell below, we're all gonna go

[@makeadifference4all]

One thing I love about the lyrics is you could read the chorus two different ways: "All he left us was alone" or "All he left us was a loan." Either one is heartbreaking.

[@jeffmorse645]

The story telling aspect was SO vivid. I can picture in my mind a tired mother trying to tactually answer her kids questions about their father without smearing his memory. I can see the scene - probably in a run down house in a poor area. Its incredible and yes, the musicianship and production was perfect. One thing that really stood out to me - real hand clapping! Perfectly on time.

[@rpmfla]

How you could not give this "S" tier I don't know. This one of the greatest songs ever.

[@dagmar.6954]

Love the Temptations music. This is part of the Motown era & they had a lot of hits in the 60's-80's. "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" is one of my favorites. Other great songs are "Ain't Too Proud To Beg", "I Wish It Would Rain", "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)", "I Can't Get Next To You", "Treat Her Like A Lady", "My Girl" etc. They were known for their harmonies, choreography & dress style.

[@armadillotoe]

"My Girl" has been called the perfect love song.

[@sst3d]

Can’t get next you…A+

[@laurenval2370]

No shit...those were the days...

[@kerranz]

I don't know why but it always makes me smile when the one guy says "Dad-gum it" in the middle of a chorus. Since the first time I heard this back in the 70's.

[@johnbeardshall2898]

All these years and I still know every verse word for word my favorite R&B song of all time

[@Every_Day_islike_Sunday]

Me and my three stepkids used to sing this together when they were little. This was in the 80's! Great song!

[@cherylwoodward]

I am here to say I have never heard this version. Absolutely stunning intro.

[@victorsixtythree]

If you haven't seen it, I bet you guys would really like the 2002 documentary "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" - all about the largely unknown musicians that played on almost all of the classic Motown hits. Great movie!

[@JoTracy]

The clapping sounds are just genius

[@NathanWind99]

Goosebumps at the falsetto parts. Good job going with the long version. Hit Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield next!

[@johndef5075]

OmG! Thats crazy how high and clean hes singing

[@mikesanmiguel2954]

Spot On - you have Good taste ! ✌

[@sueprator9314]

This song is a masterpiece of its time. However, this is the extra-long intro one. Always gives me chills. Their voices are so powerful hard to wait until they start.

[@JeffOfTheMountains]

For more of the Temptations, check out "My Girl" and "Just My Imagination".

[@patd4317]

These two are my fav songs by the Temps. Yes 👍

[@robertcartier5088]

My original 45 rpm single of "My Girl" is so worn out that when I play it, I can almost hear the other side in reverse!

[@echopryme]

As a drummer, there are NO WORDS to explain how much respect I have for the pocket groove happening with just the right hand for, what feels like, 10 minutes!!! The ICONIC grooves don't need that fancy bullshit... just the DRIVE off the cliff. 😎

[@amitychief3061]

The Temptations were sooo good, just incredible. Another band / song you might want to hit is "Who's That Lady" by The Isley Brothers. Also, just a friendly reminder to hit Rory Gallagher again for St. Patrick's day. If you do, the road will rise up to meet you.

[@EastPeakSlim]

Ernest Isley burns the studio DOWN with his guitar work on "Who's That Lady." I concur!

[@karlsinclair9918]

Ah yes, Rory. I always loved Just The Smile off his first solo lp but his more musical excursions on his first 2 lps are stunning

[@jaycorby]

Amity Chief I see you're 'tribe' as well, lad. Long live Ireland, and her heroes and heroines!

[@MADHippiesLife]

Welcome to the 70s gentlemen. You've opened up a rabbit hole of a genre that will blow you away, do step in and indulge yourselves. 😎

[@raineyj560]

💯

[@loriemoorhead9017]

Now you know why it is hard for those of us who grew up in this era have a hard time listening to rap. We had so much depth to our music. We played all the music without distinction ...bubble gum, Motown, Southern, pop, rock.....black and white, it didn't matter. It was all rich. Listening to Temptations and Chicago back to back was all a music lesson. And we didn't listen to it on headphones. List were on scratchy AM radio before FM became a thing. You guys would have loved it. Great reactions to this song.

[@kimn9802]

Genuine masterpiece. The very definition of funk and soul.

[@christianman73]

This is one of the best, most hard-hitting of the "social commentary" soul songs of this musical era. Some credit must go to the great writer and producer, Norman Whitfield, who played a *huge role* in The Temptations choosing to go in this tougher direction, with their lyrics and music. This great song speaks to some painful truths for too many people. Father's Day isn't always a happy day.

[@Lakeshore14]

We can’t ignore the fabulous musicians that backed most of the Motown artists. The Funk Brothers were legendary and unfortunately did not receive the recognition they should have received.

[@michaelshelton6512]

Done by some of the best studio session musicians ever. The Funk Brothers...

[@MrUnderdog-vn3zf]

Damn! I had no idea that I've been listening to a shortened version all my life!

[@vanburger]

To me...the greatest piece of American music of all time. No loops no sampling no autotune..hair's stood up on the back of my neck all the way through your reaction. You have to remind yourself "This was the 70s"

[@TheCosmicGenius]

The next Temps tune you should hit is, 'Ball of Confusion'.

[@jodyhintenach6461]

Without a doubt! Talk about timeless.

[@calebdouglas7622]

My personal favorite

[@Minceir]

This was a cover version, of which the producer of this version was the one who wrote the song for his band (undisputed truth).

[@AnthonyT50]

My first time to hear the long version. The vocals, instrumentation and arrangement were all superb. To me this is S+ tier.

[@anthonyrobillard2304]

This song is a masterpiece! Since you've started down the Temptations rabbit hole you'll definitely wanna check out Ball of Confusion and I Can't Get Next to You.

[@surlechapeau]

Temptations version: Lead vocals by Dennis Edwards, Melvin Franklin, Richard Street, and Damon Harris Background vocals by Dennis Edwards, Melvin Franklin, Richard Street, Damon Harris, and Otis Williams Arranged and conducted by Paul Riser Instrumentation by the Funk Brothers (specific musicians listed below) and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Guitars by Melvin "Wah Wah Watson" Ragin and Paul Warren Fender Rhodes Electric Piano by Earl Van Dyke Organ by Johnny Griffith Trumpet by Maurice Davis Bass by Bob Babbitt or Leroy Taylor Drums by Aaron Smith Written by- Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong .

[@xaspirate8060]

I forgot about Wah Wah Watson on this. He was such a big deal back in 1970's -- had like a Midas touch = heavily sought after dude!

[@JPMM316]

I thought Jamerson played bass on this

[@GreenMother1]

Damn, Eddie's voice always gets me. "Just My Imagination" is my fave of theirs.

[@bodhisattva3774]

This is my jam right here! ❤ Killer groove. Keep hitting that sweet funky soul music. How about some more Sly?

[@walthodgson5780]

Wow I'd never heard that long version - I didn't know what I'd been missing for decades!

[@joelmastrobattisto422]

I believe this was the Funk brothers playing this track!!! They have played on more hits than anyone. I suggest you go watch the documentary “standing in the shadows of Motown” is absolutely amazing and puts light on the actual musicians that are playing on the tracks. One of my favorite documentaries ever

[@drogusmaxwell6640]

I first heard this song in 1979 on WLS in Chicago, and it made me realize I wasn't the only one who had a dad who was never around....I was 10

[@chuckmadden2251]

The perfect song.

[@AliasMark69]

Massive KUDOS to the guitarist... So Cool

[@fitless]

First and what a song. I love it.

[@JoeWexler]

One of the best songs ever

[@Martin.Wilson]

This is the one I've been waiting for. Probably the best produced track ever recorded.

[@guidosarducci]

Man, am I old...LOL! I was 23 when this song was released... Absolute BOMB song! Thank you!

[@AliasMark69]

First time hearing this iconic classic when it was released... Cruising Pacific Coast Highway in O.C. in a 55 Ford Panel truck with 3 friends. Pioneer stereo 300 watts. 6- 3 way speakers. We all were in a trace listening to this story.

[@Mr05Chuck]

Bet you were high as hell too. Lol

[@AliasMark69]

@@Mr05Chuck 3 times per day since I was 13..... 55 years of happiness and health.

[@keelsmac01]

You had an old panel truck? My friend had one..we delivered parts in LA in that old panel with no power steering, no brakes…but like yours had a kick ass stereo! We needed a good stereo to cover up all the rattling that went on. Lol…good times. 18yrs old and not a care in the world. He just died and had that panel truck in his yard until the day he died. Miss that old truck!

[@AliasMark69]

@@keelsmac01 No rattles in my panel. Custom interior from a Porsche. Real Walnut paneling and padded carpeting. 302 from a 69 BOSS 302 Mustang 378 HP.....with C-6 Auto trans Overdrive.

[@NoviJimB]

A perfect example of Motown's greatness. The singers, the songwriters, the studio musicians, the producers and arrangers... 'Can't Get Next To You' and 'I Wish It Would Rain' are two other must-hears by the Temps, also 'Get Ready' and 'Ain't Too Proud To Beg', and the old standard, 'My Girl'.

[@JStarStar00]

The development of MOTOWN is very similar to the Beatles in that they started with fantastic party pop songs that were perfect for the teen market, then the songs and arrangements got more complex, the teenyboppers from the early audiences came along for the ride and were ready to handle it when their later era songs became nearly classical art. And yes the two genres did influence each other.