What makes People ... Hold On by Eddie Kendricks notable?

This album is significant for its critical acclaim, showcasing Kendricks' smooth falsetto and lyrical depth that influenced the soul genre. It features tracks that became staples in the genre, earning him respect as a solo artist and paving the way for future Motown acts to explore their own sounds independently. Released in 1972, 'People ... Hold On' is Eddie Kendricks' debut solo album after leaving The Temptations. At this point in his career, he was transitioning from a celebrated member of one of Motown's most iconic groups to carving out his own artistic identity as a solo artist.

How many songs are on People ... Hold On?

People ... Hold On has 10 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

People ... Hold On

Eddie Kendricks · 1972

42 min · 10 tracks · soul

Soulful melodies intertwine with poignant lyrics, creating an uplifting yet reflective listening experience that resonates deeply.

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Top tracks — play these first

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My People... Hold On — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of hope and resilience, featuring a powerful message delivered through Kendricks' emotive vocals over a lush arrangement.
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Girl You Need a Change of Mind — This track stands out for its intricate arrangement and strong narrative about personal transformation, showcasing Kendricks' ability to blend introspective lyrics with catchy melodies.
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Let Me Run Into Your Lonely Heart — A heartfelt plea wrapped in melancholic undertones, this song highlights Kendricks' expressive vocal delivery and emotional depth, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Kendricks' debut showcases strong melodies and vocal arrangements, balancing reflective and uplifting themes effectively.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong mid-tempo track that sets a reflective tone, followed by a series of songs that gradually introduce more upbeat elements.
Kendricks' falsetto is prominent throughout, often layered with harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections, allowing for moments of musical exploration between verses.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 If You Let Me 3:24
2 Let Me Run Into Your Lonely Heart 3:12
3 Day by Day 3:19
4 Girl You Need a Change of Mind 7:44
5 Someday We’ll Have a Better World 3:45
6 My People... Hold On 5:41
7 Date With the Rain 2:43
8 Eddie’s Love 3:33
9 I’m on the Sideline 2:56
10 Just Memories 5:50

What to play next

Listen next

Eddie Kendricks

1973

Go back to

All by Myself

1971

Full Eddie Kendricks discography Artists like Eddie Kendricks

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata