Critic's Review
Stephen Cook, All Music Guide
Since supplanted by a few new anthology releases, this initial Temptations overview will still be an attractive slice of soul history for bargain-bin-minded music-lovers. Spanning close to ten years, the 41 tracks here cover the group's prime, from the early Smokey Robinson hits ("The Way You Do the Things You Do," "My Girl") on through Norman Whitfield's incredible run of smashes circa 1966-1972 ("Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "I Wish It Would Rain"). And that's not to forget such pinnacles of psych-soul as "Ball of Confusion," "Cloud Nine," "Psychedelic Shack," and "Papa Was a Rolling Stone." Essential listening for novice and expert crate-diggers alike.
