5 Protest Songs of The Temptations

The Temptations during a 1969 performance on the Ed Sullivan Show. Credit: Bernie Ilson, Inc. / Publicity for Motown Records & The Ed Sullivan Show.

On February 1, 2018 Dennis Edward died at the age of 74. Even though he had a stint with The Contours and had some solo success, he was most known as member of The Temptations. He joined them as a lead singer in 1968 at a time when the group was starting to become more edgier and psychedelic with their music. The lyrics of the music was also starting to become more socially conscious. Here is a list of five of their more political songs.

Cloud Nine (1968)

This 1968 hit single was also the title track of their 1969 album. Both the album and song represented a new direction for the group. The song lyrics explored the challenges of living in poverty.

 

Message From A Black Man (1969)

This black empowerment tune was from the 1969 album Puzzle People. The song wasn’t released as a single or performed live because the group were worried that the message might be too direct, but it was a popular radio request. The song also makes reference to James Brown 1968 hit, “Say it Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud”.

Slave (1969)

Another non-single track from Puzzle People. The song examines the broken penal system and the need for prison reforms. Sadly it is still relevant.

War (1970)

Edwin Starr’s version of “War” is more well known, but The Temptations recorded it first. It appeared on their 1970 album, Psychedelic Shack. Even though it was never released as a single, the direct anti-war message hit home in light of the Vietnam War. Because of this, many college students wrote to Motown requesting that the song be released as a single. The label worried about a potentially controversial single being linked with one of their more well-known artists. Instead they had the lesser known Starr record his version and it became a massive hit and influential anti-war protest tune.

Ball of Confusion (That’s What The World Is Today) (1970)

This hit single also appeared on the 1970 compilation Greatest Hits II. The songs addresses issues such as racial tensions, gun violence, drug abuse and other social ills. Sadly these issues continues to be relevant.