Cloud Nine

Released in 1969, *Cloud Nine* signaled The Temptations\' power move into a psychedelic soul zone. With Norman Whitfield calling the shots from behind the boards, the title track sets the template of deep and funky grooves. Its centerpiece is the cautionary tale \"Runaway Child, Running Wild,\" which finds the group embarking on an audacious, nine-minute musical journey that veers off into a freaky, hard-rocking jam session fueled by vicious organ riffs.

Best known for their silky soul vocals and smooth-stepping routines, the Temptations were firmly entrenched as the undisputed kings of Barry Gordy's Motown stable when cutting-edge producer Norman Whitfield walked into the studio and announced that it was time to shake things up.