It's obvious that by now, that the Temptations were tiring of the "psychedelic soul" sound. For a while they had been complaining about the redunancy of some of the songs they were recording, but their producer Norman Whitfield ignored them. It continued on with this album, SKY'S THE LIMIT, but thank goodness this time around, the emphasis was not so much on psychedelia but on ballads, which is something that the Tempts had wanted. Eddie Kendricks' vocals dominate this album, and he does some of his finest work as a Temptation here (he had complained that he had not been getting enough leads). Most likely it was an effort to discourage him from leaving the group. (He left anyway, after this album was completed.)

SKY'S THE LIMIT isn't all that bad, in fact the highlight of the LP are the ballads, which are mostly handled by Kendricks. We already know about the smash "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)", which went to Number One in 1971. A smoothed-out version of a song the guys did in '69, "Gonna Keep On Tryin' Till I Win Your Love" is included, as is the gorgeous "I'm the Exception to the Rule" and "Throw A Farewell Kiss" (lead vocals by Dennis Edwards on the latter). The ballad "Man" has Eddie out in front and some muted background harmonies by the Tempts, and touches upon man's failure to give thanks to God for all that he has accomplished ("Will he take a moment to give thanks before he's on his way? Everybody wanna go to Heaven...don't nobody wanna pray") and the eventual destruction of the world if man does not acknowledge the wrongs he has done. It had to grow on me, but now this is one of my favorite tunes from this album. "Ungena Za Ulimwengu (Unite the World)" is a psychedelic shower of electric guitars, a funky bass, and Dennis Edwards' lionine-like delivery...not one of best cuts here, it's typical Whitfield for this period. Same thing goes the way too lengthy "Love Can Be Anything". Clocking in at over 9 minutes, this is another example of Whitfield not knowing when to quit - you're already tired of it halfway through. But not all the psychedelic stuff was bad: there's an excellent version (even though it is LONG, 12:35) of "Smiling Faces Sometimes" here featuring Eddie on lead that later went on to be a huge hit for the Undisputed Truth. Had Eddie not left the group, this would have been released as the next single and no doubt it would have been a monster.

Unfortunately, this album not only marked the end of Kendricks', but also Paul Williams' days as members of the group. Paul, an amazingly talented but underrated vocalist whose most well known leads were "I Want A Love I Can See" (1963), "Don't Look Back" (1966) and "For Once In My Life" (1967-68), only sang on two songs on this album ("Just My Imagination" and "Ungena Za Ulimwengu"; the reason being the latter song was recorded in 1970) and he was forced to retire from the group in early '71 due to health problems. His departure officially ended a classic and the most memorable era in Temptations history. However, SKY'S THE LIMIT is still a purchase worthy of your collection, and if you decide to get it, get it for Eddie's treatment on the ballads. You won't be sorry.

It is a shame that "Sky's the Limit" has somehow drifted into obscurity over the years. This is one of the best of the 70's 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 (Running Away with Me)," the set also includes a lengthy version of fellow Motown recording artists Undisputed Truth's "Smiling Faces (Sometimes)." The over twelve-minute opus lets the boys and the band cut loose with a masterful blend of funk and orchestral wizardry. The song is only matched by the group's "Papa was a Rolling Stone," which would appear a few years later.

As I stated in my title for this review this was the last album to feature the great vocals of Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams who were now relegated as sidemen for the "Norman Whitfield Machine" as Dennis Edwards strong baritone dominated most Tempts songs. Eddie was was getting very tired of all the social commentary and pychedelia that Whitfield was producing for the group and Paul was battling health problems. So in my opinion it seems that apparently Whitfield was listening to the group members and reach a compromise with Eddie and suddenly went back to their r&b roots...but not for long. Eddie leads most of the songs here and had his first lead singing song"Just My Imagination" that topped both the r&b and pop charts(which was also the last time the Temptation would ever do so). But you know Whitfield had to throw some of his lenthy pychedelic productions "Smiling Faces" and "Love Can Be Anything" in there for good measure. Personally not one of my favorites although I do love "Just My Imagination","Smiling Faces", and "I'm The Exception To The Rule". So in my conclusion of this review I guess Eddie Paul had to do what they had to do and the rest of the guys continued on with Whitfield and two additional members. Eddie did have a nice solo career so I guess it worked out for both parties. I would give this album a 4.5 but the rating system won't let me, so another 5 star rating from one of my favorite groups alltime. Get it if you can, but another out of print cd(damn Motown).

The last LP by the classic Temptations who would be inducted in the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. A tribute to departing lead Eddie Kendricks. Peaches 13: "Gonna Keep On Trying Til I Win Your Love" IS led by EJK on "Sky's The Limit". The Dennis Edwards led version you speak of is on "Cloud Nine". Your reference doesn't make your review "null and void" however, just makes it in need of correction ((Smiling Faces Sometimes)) ........Peace

I don't have this CD, but I do have the original vinyl album of "Sky's The Limit." Although this album is great, it's so sad that it was the last Temptations album with Paul Williams and Eddie Kendricks. Even their #1 hit single "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)" was their last with Eddie singing lead & Paul taking the bridge. Unfortunately, Paul didn't sing a note in other seven tracks, neither lead nor background. Simply because he was battling depression & alcoholism that ruined both his voice & dance steps. Eddie was singing lead in most of the tracks, like "Gonna Keep On Trying Til I Win Your Love," "Man," and "Smiling Faces Sometimes" (better than Undisputed Truth's version). To me, this album had launched Eddie's decision to go solo. Dennis Edwards did contribute on a couple of songs, but the spotlight was on Eddie.