Ball Of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today) - the Temptations

Ball Of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today) - the Temptations

4:06

single, 1970

Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong

An example of perfect funk and an excellent protest song.  That incredible bass delivery by Melvin Franklin!  "And the band played on."  A sort of proto-rap break out in the first verse: "Segregation, determination, demonstration, integration / Aggravation, humiliation, obligation to our nation."  This proves that you don't have to sacrifice musicality to deliver the news of the world.  I'm looking at you, Phil Ochs.

Shakey Ground - The Temptations

Shakey Ground - The Temptations

4:02

A Song For You, 1975

Written by Jeffrey Bowen, Alphonso Boyd, Eddie Hazel

Gee, I guess the Temptations turned super funky in their later years.  I mean, they were always about the psychedelic soul, but this song thumps like a Funkadelic track.  Which isn't too far off, as I later found out, because Funkadelic bassist Billy Nelson plays on it.  This song, once you get past the wall of funk, is a a "baby left me" song.  He's got bad luck, man.  "Girl, you better throw me a life preserver / 'Cause I'm about to drown in my own tears."