Solid Rock (The Temptations album)
Solid Rock is a studio album by the American Motown group The Temptations, released in 1972. It marked a significant departure from their previous psychedelic soul and funk-infused sounds, venturing into a harder, rock-influenced style with strong social commentary. While not as commercially successful as some of their earlier work, it's considered a notable entry in their discography due to its thematic content and experimentation.
The album's songs address themes of social injustice, poverty, and the struggles of the working class. The title track, "Solid Rock," is a powerful anthem about standing firm in the face of adversity. Other notable songs include "Take a Look Around," which criticizes societal problems, and "Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are)," a cover song that warns against the dangers of fame and losing touch with one's roots.
Solid Rock was produced by Norman Whitfield, who had previously been instrumental in shaping The Temptations' psychedelic soul sound. However, the album's rock influences were met with mixed reactions from both critics and fans. Some praised its bold themes and musical experimentation, while others felt it was a departure too far from the group's signature sound. Despite the mixed reception at the time, Solid Rock has since been re-evaluated by some as a courageous and thought-provoking album in The Temptations' catalog.