21 catalog entries, grouped by year.
Begin with the concise harmony singles, continue through the longer psychedelic-soul recordings and finish with a later group favorite.
25 selections with release evidence; 8 beyond the yearly lists.
The Temptations developed in Detroit and signed to Motown in 1961. Their recordings paired carefully arranged vocal harmonies with coordinated stage movement, making the group sound and visual presentation closely connected. The Way You Do the Things You Do and My Girl helped establish their 1960s repertoire. Later recordings explored funk and psychedelic soul as the membership changed. Those phases remain part of the group's history, distinct from the solo work of singers who passed through it.
The Temptations - official group history
Detroit and 1961 Motown signing, harmonies/choreography, early repertoire, changing historical lineups and funk/psychedelic soul; current membership and chart totals are omitted. | Retrieved 2026-10-17
Profile reviewed: 2026-10-17. Artist background does not establish a song's creative origin or release date.
Get Ready is the Temptations' original 1966 studio recording. It is documented in the label's historical 1966 Motown singles program. This release history supplies the original year; the date of a later compilation...
Read background and sourcesSince I Lost My Baby is the Temptations' original 1965 studio recording. The historical Motown singles program identifies it within the group's 1965 releases. The first-release year is distinct from the publication...
Read background and sourcesWritten by Smokey Robinson and Bobby Rogers, inspired by playful pick-up lines.
View background statusWritten by Smokey Robinson and Warren "Pete" Moore.
View background statusWritten by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White.
View background statusThis recording brought David Ruffin to the lead microphone and became the group's first U.S. pop number one. The official Motown history treats it as a turning point in their career.
Read background and sources(I Know) I'm Losing You is the Temptations' original 1966 studio recording, documented in the historical Motown singles program for that year. Its original group performance and release year are retained separately...
Read background and sourcesWritten by Norman Whitfield and Eddie Holland about pleading for love
View background statusThe idea that true beauty comes from within
View background statusA soulful expression of complete devotion
View background statusRelease: 1967Source checked | Recent carryover
Source year-end #22The song expresses the pain of heartbreak through the metaphor of rain.
View background statusMotown connects the record's change of direction with Sly and the Family Stone's fusion of styles and Dennis Edwards' more forceful lead voice. That supports a musical influence, not a personal-life explanation of...
Read background and sourcesPart of the group's psychedelic soul phase, exploring new musical territories
View background statusRelease year not establishedDate review open
Source year-end #57The dangers facing a young runaway
View background statusRelease: 1970Source checked
Source year-end #24This socially conscious song addressed various issues of the time, including the Vietnam War and racial tensions.
View background statusThis funk-influenced track represented The Temptations' venture into psychedelic soul.
View background statusRelease: 1971Source checked
Source year-end #9Eddie Kendricks sings the delicate lead. Motown places this ballad just before his departure from the group, distinguishing its vocal character from the increasingly psychedelic records around it.
Read background and sourcesThe song appeared on All Directions. Motown credits Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong and arranger Paul Riser in its account of the record's Grammy success.
Read background and sourcesThe Temptations developed in Detroit and signed to Motown in 1961. Their recordings paired carefully arranged vocal harmonies with coordinated stage movement, making the group sound and visual presentation closely...
View background statusReported release: 1972Date needs verification | Recent carryover
Source year-end #100The song appeared on All Directions. Motown credits Norman Whitfield, Barrett Strong and arranger Paul Riser in its account of the record's Grammy success.
Read background and sourcesTreat Her Like a Lady is the Temptations' original 1984 recording from Truly for You. The licensed original album program identifies that performance and release year. The earlier Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose...
Read background and sources1960-2025. Each year contains 150 selections.