The Temptations “Just My Imagination” hit #1

Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me) The Temptations

Writer(s): Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield (see lyrics here) Released: January 14, 1971 First Charted: January 29, 1971 Peak: 12 BB, 11 CB, 12 GR, 11 HR, 33 AC, 13 RB, 8 UK, 72 CN, 6 DF (Click for codes to charts.) Sales (in millions): 2.0 US Airplay/Streaming (in millions): 2.0 radio, 84.35 video, 96.10 streaming

Awards: Click on award for more details.

About the Song: The Temptations formed in 1960 with Eldbridge “Al” Bryant, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, Otis Williams, and Paul Williams. By 1971, they’d undergone relatively minor personnel changes, but “Just My Imagination” represented the last hurrah for Kendricks and Paul Williams. The former left for a solo career while the latter was forced to retire due to health issues. WK They went out on top, though. “Imagination” was the third song by the Temptations to top the Billboard Hot 100 after “My Girl” in 1964 and “I Can’t Get Next to You” in 1969. The latter represented the group’s move to a more psychedelic sound, which had much to do with Norman Whitfield. The band’s early years were overseen by Smokey Robinson as a producer while Whitfield stepped in later. DM He and Barrett Strong co-wrote “Imagination” and other songs establishing the “newer” sound for the Temptations with “I Wish It Would Rain,” “Cloud Nine,” “Ball of Confusion,” and other hits. Those songs focused on more dance-heavy beats and socially conscious lyrics, but “Just My Imagination” recalled the band’s classic sound, partly out of demand from fans wanting the band to return to its roots. RC It was written in 1969 but the band didn’t tackle it until a year later RC when they were recording tracks for their 1971 album Sky’s the Limit. The Motown house band, the Funk Brothers, played on the track along with members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Kendricks’ lead vocals are “subtle and introspective, the musings of a dreamer.” DM Writer Thomas Ryna called it “the most mesmerizing and relaxed performance of his career.” SS The protagonist’s “tenyous hold on reality could perhaps land him in an institution; but we identify completely with his sweetly desperate yearning as he drifts in to warm delusions.” SS Resources: RC Rod Couch (2015). The Top 500 Songs of the Rock Era: 1955-2015. Page 391. DJ David Jasen (2002). A Century of American Popular Music: 2000 Best-Loved and Remembered Songs (1899-1999). Routledge: Taylor & Francis, Inc. DM Dave Marsh (1989). The Heart of Rock & Soul: The 1001 Greatest Singles Ever Made. New American Library: New York, NY. Pages 368-9. SS Steve Sullivan (2013). Encyclopedia of Great Popular Song Recordings (Volumes I & II). Scarecrow Press: Lanham, Maryland. Page 788. Related Links: First posted 1/20/2024.