In the mid-60s Motown was blessed with such riches that few Temptations fans would have noticed that the fab five was at a crossroads in 1966. The hits kept flowing, and were of such an elevated standard that each became a classic of their type: 'Ain't Too Proud To Beg', 'Get Ready', 'Beauty Is Only Skin Deep'... this was dancefloor soul of the highest order. The group's two lead singers, Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin, had never sounded better. Paul Williams and Melvin Franklin, usually harmonisers alongside fifth member Otis Williams, were also impressive on the occasions the spotlight fell on them, as 'Lonely, Lonely Man Am I' makes clear here. Gettin' Ready, originally released on 15 June 1966, was accomplished, smooth, seamless, exciting, intimate, occasionally sassy - and, of course, deeply soulful. And a turning point. And it really couldn't come more highly recommended.
