The Temptations - Motown Lost & Found: You've Got to Earn It

So, as I start this blog - in which I rate things, including movies, music, food, books, concepts, objects... just about everything - I had some trouble deciding what to begin with. My decision to start out with an album of previously unreleased tracks by a soul group isn't what I thought I'd start out with, but in some ways, it works. First, it's a perfect example of the eclectic things I'll be reviewing. Second, the best beginning review would be one that isn't a perfect rating, but isn't a bad one either. By giving a fair review to something that is good but not perfect, I'll be starting with a critical eye, so that when the extremes come up. Third... I've already written this review (for the website RateYourMusic.com), which is important because I'm starting out trying to get the blog itself working before I get into writing the content.


So, here goes.
While all but a few of the tracks on this album are obscure and you probably won't find familiar, they all manage to be great anyways. The Temptations, along with the Motown house band and production staff, show so much talent that even on their minor works, they still sound fantastic. It's interesting to note how the groups sound evolved through the years (though this compilation doesn't cover the Dennis Edwards era or later) ; the earliest track, "My Pillow", is almost in a doo wop style and was recorded in 1962! Several of the later tracks were recorded in 1966-68; this happens to be my personal favorite Temptations era. 
Rating: 7 stars out of 10.



Many of the songs are extremely catchy, such as "Camouflage", "Forever in my Heart", and "We'll be Satisified", the latter of which features Paul, Eddie, and David each singing lead on a verse. Awesome! There aren't too many weak tracks; it's mostly a matter of opinion, but I found "Dinah" to be the worst on the album, mainly due to some really corny lyrics. 

Another problem I had with some of the tracks - and it's a minor but noticeably one - is that they were given some really lousy titles. For instance, "I know she's not a mannequin" is such a stilted title that it makes one really want to avoid listening (which you shouldn't do, it's actually a good song), and even some of the less awkward sounding titles are factually incorrectly descriptive of the lyrics  - "I now see you clear through my eyes" should actually be titled "I now see you clear through my tears" and "We'll Be Satisfied" should actually be titled "I'll Be Satisfied".

On a better note, one of the highlights is actually an alternative version of "Ain't too proud to beg", which is mostly the same - I'm pretty sure it's the same vocal take - but it features a string section that sounds brilliant! You many prefer the original, but it's still a good idea to check this out to see if you like it.

So, altogether, this is a strong album that I would definitely recommend to Temptations fans and Motown enthusiasts, but also to anyone who likes good, dance-able soul & pop music!