Sky's The Limit - THE TEMPTATIONS***

Gonna Keep On Tryin' Till I Win Your Love/Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)/I'm The Exception To The Rule/Smiling Faces Sometimes/Man/Throw A Farewell Kiss/Unite The World/Love Can Be Anything

Sky’s The Limit from Motown’s premier soul group the Temptations was one of their more diverse releases featuring ballads, some funky numbers and a hint of psychedelia. Includes the US chart topper Just My Imagination, which reached No. 8 in the UK. (US:16)

“Here's a record that tries to be everything for everyone. I think it was meant to appeal to both their more conservative and younger fans. Out of the eight tracks, we get four ballads, and from these only the all time smoothest Just My Imagination is on the classic level.”

“The quasi-psychedelic trappings of some of The Temptations' albums of this vintage are largely absent from Sky's The Limit. In its place are some of Norman Whitfield's most lush and tasteful orchestrations. The album's smash hit Just My Imagination is the best example of this approach. The group's take on Smiling Faces Sometimes comes closest to the psychedelic shack sound. Despite a couple of weaker numbers on side two the album closes out with a bang thanks to Unite The World and the funky rocker Love Can Be Anything.”

“An album with everything that was great about Motown: epic funky jams, upbeat love songs, soulful ballads that are all kept interesting by some standout arrangements and shining vocals.”

“There are so many great ideas within these songs, whether it's in the singing, production or arrangements, to keep my attention. Just My Imagination was the big hit but there's a few on here that I think are even better. Gonna Keep On Tryin' has little percussion, reverberated piano chords and a wonderful guitar line that sounds like it's quivering. The ballads would be decent enough just with the great harmonies, but every song has something interesting going for it.”

“It is a shame that Sky's The Limit has somehow drifted into obscurity over the years. This is one of the best featuring the group's patented harmonies, equally matched by one of the best session bands in history. Featuring the quintet's number one hit Just My Imagination the set also includes a lengthy version of fellow Motown recording Smiling Faces Sometimes. This over twelve-minute opus lets the boys and the band cut loose with a masterful blend of funk and orchestral wizardry.”