What makes Check Yourself by The Temptations notable?

The album's title track reached number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, establishing The Temptations as a rising force in the music industry. Its blend of doo-wop and rhythm and blues not only showcased their vocal prowess but also helped define the Motown sound during the early 1960s. Released on November 7, 1961, 'Check Yourself' was The Temptations' debut single, marking the beginning of their influential career in Motown. This early release set the stage for their later success, showcasing their unique vocal style and paving the way for more iconic hits.

How many songs are on Check Yourself?

Check Yourself has 2 tracks, running approximately 5 minutes.

Check Yourself

The Temptations · 1961

5 min · 2 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of rhythm and blues infused with doo-wop harmonies and soulful melodies that evoke deep emotional resonance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Check Yourself — As the lead track, it introduces listeners to The Temptations' signature blend of harmony and rhythm, setting a precedent for their future recordings. The call-and-response structure highlights their vocal interplay, a hallmark of their style.
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Your Wonderful Love — This track showcases a softer side of The Temptations with smooth melodies that emphasize emotional storytelling through their lyrics. It further solidifies their ability to convey deep feelings while maintaining an engaging rhythm.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong vocal interplay and energetic arrangements typical of early Motown, establishing its distinct sound.

What we noticed

The title track features a call-and-response vocal style, with the lead singer alternating lines with background harmonies.
The arrangement includes a prominent horn section that punctuates the rhythm, enhancing the upbeat feel of the song.
Both tracks are under three minutes long, maintaining a brisk pace and encouraging repeated listens.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This debut single established The Temptations' presence in Motown.
Themes: Motown debut· early '60s optimism
Career context: Released on November 7, 1961, 'Check Yourself' was The Temptations' debut single, marking the beginning of their influential career in Motown. This early release set the stage for their later success, showcasing their unique vocal style and paving the way for more iconic hits.
Stylistic neighbors: The Supremes· Marvin Gaye· Earth, Wind & Fire