The Temptations – Wings Of Love

The Temptations – Wings Of Love

Released in 1976 on Motown's Gordy subsidiary, Wings Of Love captures The Temptations exploring a more contemporary direction, blending their trademark soul harmonies with funk rhythms, smooth balladry and touches of the emerging disco sound. Produced by Jeffrey Bowen and Berry Gordy, the album is a fascinating chapter in the group's extensive Motown catalogue, reflecting the changing musical landscape of the mid-1970s.

With Dennis Edwards taking the lead vocal on all but one track, the album places particular emphasis on his powerful, expressive voice. Edwards brings a distinctive intensity to the material, moving between soulful, rhythm-driven performances and more restrained romantic ballads. Richard Street takes the lead on 'China Doll', adding another dimension to the group's vocal sound.

One of the album's most interesting moments is 'Up The Creek (Without A Paddle)', co-written by Sly Stone of Sly & The Family Stone. Stone's influence is particularly fitting given the relationship between the two acts, with members of the Family Stone also contributing to the album. The track brings an infectious funk sensibility to the record and connects with the adventurous psychedelic soul and funk sounds that had influenced The Temptations during their late-1960s and early-1970s period.

The seven-track collection also features the atmospheric 'Sweet Gypsy Jane', the soulful 'Sweetness In The Dark' and the extended 'Mary Ann', while the title-inspired 'Dream World (Wings Of Love)' and closing track 'Paradise' explore the smoother, more melodic side of the group's sound.

Although Wings Of Love was not among the group's biggest commercial successes, it remains an interesting and worthwhile listen for anyone exploring The Temptations' 1970s output. Its combination of classic Motown vocal craftsmanship, contemporary funk influences and richly arranged soul makes it an appealing addition for fans of Dennis Edwards-era Temptations, vintage Motown, 1970s soul and funk.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Sweet Gypsy Jane (4:28)

2. Sweetness In The Dark (3:06)

3. Up The Creek (Without A Paddle) (3:28)

4. China Doll (3:26)

Side B

1. Mary Ann (7:41)

2. Dream World (Wings Of Love) (5:38)

3. Paradise (3:26)