12 Protest Songs of The Temptations

The Temptations were one of the most successful vocal groups of all time. In the late 60s-early 70s, the smooth sound of the Motown legends evolved into a more edgier and psychedelic sound with its music. The lyrics of the music were also starting to become more socially conscious. Here is a list of 12 of their more political songs.

Cloud Nine (1968)

This 1968 hit single was also the title track of their 1969 album. Both the album and song represented a new direction for the group. The song lyrics explored the challenges of living in poverty.

 Message From A Black Man (1969)

This black empowerment tune was from the 1969 album Puzzle People. The song wasn’t released as a single or performed live because the group was worried that the message might be too direct, but it was a popular radio request. The song also makes reference to James Brown’s 1968 hit, “Say it Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud”.

Slave (1969)

Another non-single track from Puzzle People. The song examines the broken penal system and the need for prison reforms. Sadly, it is still relevant.

War (1970)

Edwin Starr’s version of “War” is more well-known, but The Temptations recorded it first. It appeared on their 1970 album, Psychedelic Shack. Even though it was never released as a single, the direct anti-war message hit home in light of the Vietnam War. Because of this, many college students wrote to Motown requesting that the song be released as a single. The label was worried about a potentially controversial single being linked with one of their more well-known artists. Instead, they had the lesser-known Starr record his version and it became a massive hit and influential anti-war protest tune.

Ball of Confusion (That’s What The World Is Today) (1970)

This hit single also appeared on the 1970 compilation Greatest Hits II. The songs address issues such as racial tensions, gun violence, drug abuse, and other social ills. Sadly, these issues continue to be relevant.

Ungena Za Ulimwengu (Unite the World) (1971)

This single off the album Sky’s the Limit, the main title “Ungena Za Ulimwengu” is a Swahili translation of its parenthetical title. This is a galvanizing call for unity, which also references topical concerns of the time, which still resonate.

Take a Look Around (1972)

This gospel tinged tune is from their album Solid Rock. It is a poignant social commentary on the perils of life on the streets.

Stop The War Now (1972)

Another tune from Solid Rock. Gritty and psychedelic, it is an epic over 12-minute anti-Vietnam War tune. It also refers to their previous tune “War” (“War what it is good for, nothing”).

Run Charlie Run (1972)

This funky tune is from their album All Directions (an excellent album which also features the iconic “Papa Was A Rolling Stone”). The lyrics expose racists who don’t want black people to move into their communities. It also exposes religious hypocrisy.

Law of the Land (1973)

This tune is from the album Masterpiece. The song critiques the societal rules that are imposed on humans by other humans. It also has a hopeful message that it is possible to rise above those limiting situations. As was common, it was also recorded by The Undisputed Truth, who had a minor hit with it.

Ain’t No Justice (1973)

This tune is from the album 1990. This was the last album produced by Norman Whitfield, who was influential in their psychedelic sound and for composing their socially conscious material. By this point, the band was starting to express a desire to deviate from message songs and go back to the traditional ballad route. This song is fairly self-explanatory in its denouncements of social injustices.

1990 (1973)

This is the title track of the album of the same name. The lyric “Well, we got trouble in the White House” could have been written in 2025. The lyrics also refer to an array of issues, such as poverty, unemployment, the space race, and air pollution.