The Temptations - Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today)
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The Temptations – Ball Of Confusion (That’s What The World Is Today) (1970)
A landmark of psychedelic soul from The Temptations, capturing the social and political turbulence of the late 1960s and early '70s. Released on Gordy Records in May 1970, “Ball Of Confusion” is driven by a relentless funk groove, swirling guitars, punchy horns, rolling bass and Stevie Wonder’s distinctive harmonica. Produced by Norman Whitfield and co-written with Barrett Strong, the track marked another bold step in the group's move away from traditional Motown soul towards a heavier, more experimental sound.
With Dennis Edwards, Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams sharing lead vocal duties, the song delivers a rapid-fire catalogue of the issues dominating the headlines: racial tension, war, poverty, political unrest and social change. Its urgent delivery and constantly shifting musical backdrop make it feel almost like a news report set to funk.
The recording was built around an extended instrumental jam by Motown's legendary Funk Brothers, with the original session running considerably longer than the finished single. The track reached No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 7 in the UK.
A powerful slice of socially conscious soul, and one of the great psychedelic funk records of the Motown era.