I'm a baby Boomer, and this song was so ahead of it's time when it was released in 1970, describing the state of the country! The timeless words of this song, still sadly applies today!!!
"Shooting rockets to the moon, kids growing up too soon." Some things never change. I was 15 when this came out. This is the kind of music that is why we Boomers say back in the day there was real music! You should check out Edwin Starr's - "War".
My husband and I have loved this song for years and years. And it always seems that it fits the times, no matter what decade you are in when you hear it.
The fact that 54(?) years later, this song is still relevant saddens me to my very core. I remember (at 70 years old now) how - when this first came out - I was SO SURE that the world would change, that we would wake up and things would be different. Only to find out that, in 2024, we are MORE embedded in this "Ball of Confusion" than we ever were.
When this song came out in 1970, it summarized the political climate at the time: disillusionment from assassinations, the war in Viet Nam, poverty and crime, race relations, narcotics. The vocals - four members sang lead and background - and the playing are stellar. A+
One of the greatest Motown records. This 16 year old learned all the lyrics and sang along to the record incessantly. Dennis Edwards was on fire on this one.
This song was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, and has been described as psychedelic soul, in the same category as Jimi Hendrix and Sly & The Family Stone. To me, this is a timeless classic. It's sad that the lyrics are still so relevent today. Good choice!
It's ironic but the song came out in 1970 and if you listen to the lyrics a lot of subject matter hasn't really changed that much hopefully we will keep working on it❤
I used to love this song when it came out. It was 1970 and i was only 9, but I have a very vivid memory of being in the backyard with my big sister’s battery operated 45 rpm record player. I was listening to this song playing on the swing set by myself. I have no idea why I remember that.
Great reaction to a great song! Considering this song is over 50 years old and the same sh*t is still going on gives the line "And the band played on" even more weight. Nothing changes but the faces and the names.
You should check out "Cloud Nine", "Runaway Child Running Wild" and "Psychedelic Shack" if you wanna hear more social commentary songs. When Dennis Edwards joined in 1968, that is when they started doing more socially songs and "Cloud Nine" was the first to come out.
This is some stuff I grew up singing with my choir teacher. God bless you, Mr Schultz. I got the fever for singing and playing funky music from this and " Poppa was a rolling stone "
This song was on the radio a lot when I was growing up!!! Sad to think all these years later (50 years ago I believe) not much has changed, still talking about the same things..
Wow!!! This song took me all the way back. I grew up in an all black community in LA and I remember this song being played while friends and family were sitting around arguing and playing the card game Bid Whist. Love this song. The crazy thing is the all of the problems they're signing about haven't changed a bit. smh
Wow, I haven't heard this song since I was a child! I distinctly remember it being played on the radio. I'm sure we had it on a 45, that's a record, BTW. I recall that the meaning was beyond my comprehension as a child. But I loved it, still! Thanks for rating it and bringing it to our attention.
The lead vocalist in this tune, Dennis Edward's, was a friend of mine. I had the pleasure of harmonizing with him and the bass vocalist Melvin Franklin. It blew my mind!
This song was one of the first ones recorded at the start of the psychedelic music part of their career after David Ruffin left and was replaced by Dennis Edwards. This is one of the best songs by the group and sadly it is still relevant in today's world.
1970 , 7th grade, This song and I'll be there by MJ was all that played on our cafeteria juke box at lunch. Yes Surattsville Jr High had a juke 6:19 in it.
This was basically a protest song which was very common during the 60s and 70s. When this song was written, the Vietnam war was still going on. And that is the war they referred to in the lyrics.
Love that you listened to this one, it's truly timeless! (One tip, please turn up the volume on the video you're watching, I'm cranking my speakers here and it is still pretty low!) ❤
I've waiting for so long for you guys to react to this song. Back in 1970 when this came out, it blew up like a 20 meggaton bomb! making people shaking people's up to what was all goin on around us and it hold truth to today with everything they mentioned.
Thanks for the heads-up on the “Sister Act” version Asia! That was hilarious, even more so when you put in context how we heard the song when it first came out.
I'm an old white boy from Northern Virginia who grew up listening to Motown, Temptations, Supremes, Four Tops and so many more. My teen years with the music I grew up with blows away anything you grew up with (not trying to dog ya'll) was the best. Just for shits and giggles if ya'll haven't heard it before or had the suggestion try Chambers Brothers, Time Has Come Today ....you'll love it, keep on keeping on
Niiiceee pick, guys. To me, it's the Temptation's best. And you've heard the Motown ace of bass James Jamerson before on " Papa Was A Rolling Stone", Johnny Guitar Watson I think you reacted to one of his, and Stevie Wonder played the harmonica. Loved the reaction and Asia's Batman t-shirt from a early 70's issue, that's the art of Hall of Famer Neil Adams,( The Avengers, Green Lantern, Thor, X-Men, Aquaman, etc..) always cool!
I got goose bumps too @Asia! I first heard this song coming over the airways as a young ten year old. I was in elementary school during the hippie era with a 4th grade teacher who was an actual Hippie. Maan...yall just don't know that feeling. You could actually be a socially conscious kid!😅😅
I glad you youngins appreciate this classic Temps tune! Also, you now have an example of why I always say “It’s all relative” … because as you’ve heard in the song, a lot of the same things that are going on now were also going on in 1970! “The sale of pills is that an all-time high Young folks walking around with their heads in the sky” Sounds like 2024 right? If you get a chance, watch the live performance video of the Temps doing this song… It’s awesome! ❤🙏🏽
This was my favorite song on the radio when I was 13. Glad you got to react to it. Try The Motown Song by Rod Stewart featuring The Temptations Not the feeling of this song but a great tribute to the Motown era.
When Dennis Edwards joined the group to replace David Ruffin, there music began to reflect the 70's and the social climate of the time. Dennis brought and edge to the group.
In the late 60's-early 70's, Motown artists branched from the cutesy love songs (which are sitll great) to songs related to the society of the time, like Marvin Gaye's "What's goingn On" and" Mercy, Mercy Me".
What a song grew up listening to them I just about know all the words to their songs. I'm white almost seventy and live in Arkansas WOW still listen to them.
Great song. When it first came out, I remember feeling inspired and hopeful that SOMEONE would really HEAR the lyrics and the world would actually change. Unfortunately, the lyrics apply even MORE today than “yesterday”.
They installed a computer program at my office which was mandatory to use but, at the same time, impossible for non-experts to understand. I bring this up because one of my co-workers re-named the Windows icon for the program 'Ball Of Confusion' on his desktop. But this a fantastic song with intelligent lyrics and the later Temptations' classic sound. The movie you're thinking of is 'Sister Act' with Whoopi Goldberg.
Hey, ya'll I grew up listening to this listening to music as a white boy in the 60s in the south where people like ya'll had negative thems . .....love ya'll, I grew up in a beautiful time, Al Green, Sly and the Family Stone, Marvin Gaye , Supremes, Temptations,.....keep on keeping on, luv yer content
Turn of the 1970s "Psychedelic Soul" with Norman Whitfield producing - I love the gritty vocals of Dennis Edwards. Check out other great examples like :"Cloud Nine", "Runaway Child, Running Wild", "I Can't Get Next To You" and "Psychedelic Shack" - Please.
LOVE IT.... Now please try (If u haven't already) PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE. I always thought these 2 jams stuck together like twin brothers. THX, BJ/ASIA.
I know I'm late to the party. I remember when this came out it was very relevant. I was a young person and I thought our country was moving forward and getting better. However, after the recent horrible horrible election, it's still a ball of confusing. Trying every distraction to keep my mind busy and positive. Hang in there you guys, hopefully things will get better again.
Asia and BJ. These great songs were a part of my junior high school days. SUPERSTAR ( REMEMBER HOW YOU GOT WHERE YOU ARE). PLASTIC MAN, & MASTERPIECE. As much as the original Temptations were the best group of the early Motown Sound, when Drnnus Edwards replaced David Ruffin as lead singer, I became a bigger fan of their music. Maybe you'll react to Sylvia and her erotica song PILLOW TALK. Keep going and enjoy the music.
I'm a baby Boomer, and this song was so ahead of it's time when it was released in 1970, describing the state of the country! The timeless words of this song, still sadly applies today!!!
"Shooting rockets to the moon, kids growing up too soon." Some things never change. I was 15 when this came out. This is the kind of music that is why we Boomers say back in the day there was real music! You should check out Edwin Starr's - "War".
yes conservatives never change - it is in the name - they always want to control peoples lives
i was 11, loved this stuff too and the L.A. dj's played it to death.
@@icmman7 Art Laboe played this a lot.
My husband and I have loved this song for years and years. And it always seems that it fits the times, no matter what decade you are in when you hear it.
Motown Baby!!! This song is STILL relevant to today and the Politics! Ugh. Great song!
The fact that 54(?) years later, this song is still relevant saddens me to my very core. I remember (at 70 years old now) how - when this first came out - I was SO SURE that the world would change, that we would wake up and things would be different. Only to find out that, in 2024, we are MORE embedded in this "Ball of Confusion" than we ever were.
Preach! I was thinking the same. Couldn't have said it better!
You are not kidding. What a revolting development. Us 70s kids thought we were moving forward.
When this song came out in 1970, it summarized the political climate at the time: disillusionment from assassinations, the war in Viet Nam, poverty and crime, race relations, narcotics. The vocals - four members sang lead and background - and the playing are stellar. A+
And they go right along with today. Sadly.
So true for real
Yes. It was a messed up time
I’m 71 and remember when this song was on the radio. They should release it again. It’s more relevant now than it was then
Saw the Temps and 4Tops. Same concert. Fabulous. Had a blast.
At 62, I've always been a fan of old school Motown.
The lyrics makes this song timeless. Thanks for this reaction! ✌💙✌
The "Funk Brothers" backing up the Mighty Mighty Temps!! #Motown4Life💯
🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤🎼🎵🎶
And YOU know how "Amazing & Awesome" the Funk Brother's were. (The Funk Brother's were MOTOWN'S badest in-house Band!!
@@missjoyceakaladyj6628 Preach....💯💯💯👌
One of the greatest Motown records. This 16 year old learned all the lyrics and sang along to the record incessantly. Dennis Edwards was on fire on this one.
Just listen to the words. I remember this song when I was in 6th grade (67 yrs old now) and these words fit today.
Same here. 66 yo. Loved here in Montana.
The kids dont have their heads in the sky ,they have them down on those phones
63 here and vividly remember the song and the times we were living in. My brother was off the coast of Vietnam at the time in an aircraft carrier.
@@IDriveAnAudi Neighbor was on the USS Forrestal off the coast at that time.
@ronstucker3550: Me too . 67 Yr's old. These lyrics "still ring true", to this very day.
This song just goes to show, "Nothing has changed" the world is still going around in circles. 😎
This song was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, and has been described as psychedelic soul, in the same category as Jimi Hendrix and Sly & The Family Stone. To me, this is a timeless classic. It's sad that the lyrics are still so relevent today. Good choice!
It's ironic but the song came out in 1970 and if you listen to the lyrics a lot of subject matter hasn't really changed that much hopefully we will keep working on it❤
I used to love this song when it came out. It was 1970 and i was only 9, but I have a very vivid memory of being in the backyard with my big sister’s battery operated 45 rpm record player. I was listening to this song playing on the swing set by myself. I have no idea why I remember that.
Ain't heard this one in a long time. Truly a classic!!!!
Great reaction to a great song! Considering this song is over 50 years old and the same sh*t is still going on gives the line "And the band played on" even more weight. Nothing changes but the faces and the names.
You should check out "Cloud Nine", "Runaway Child Running Wild" and "Psychedelic Shack" if you wanna hear more social commentary songs. When Dennis Edwards joined in 1968, that is when they started doing more socially songs and "Cloud Nine" was the first to come out.
It’s so alarming. I’m 68 and never really took the words in at the time. This is the world today! Over 50 years on.
This is some stuff I grew up singing with my choir teacher. God bless you, Mr Schultz. I got the fever for singing and playing funky music from this and " Poppa was a rolling stone "
This song was on the radio a lot when I was growing up!!!
Sad to think all these years later (50 years ago I believe) not much has changed, still talking about the same things..
One of the best songs from my past ❤The Temptations❤
Wow!!! This song took me all the way back. I grew up in an all black community in LA and I remember this song being played while friends and family were sitting around arguing and playing the card game Bid Whist. Love this song. The crazy thing is the all of the problems they're signing about haven't changed a bit. smh
The Temptations, my growing up years😊. Motown at its best and it was good.‼️‼️🔥👍🔥🔥
Wow, I haven't heard this song since I was a child! I distinctly remember it being played on the radio. I'm sure we had it on a 45, that's a record, BTW. I recall that the meaning was beyond my comprehension as a child. But I loved it, still! Thanks for rating it and bringing it to our attention.
The lead vocalist in this tune, Dennis Edward's, was a friend of mine.
I had the pleasure of harmonizing with him and the bass vocalist Melvin Franklin. It blew my mind!
This song was one of the first ones recorded at the start of the psychedelic music part of their career after David Ruffin left and was replaced by Dennis Edwards. This is one of the best songs by the group and sadly it is still relevant in today's world.
Nice reaction! This one and “I Wish It Would Rain “ are my two favorite Temptation songs😁👍
1970 , 7th grade, This song and I'll be there by MJ was all that played on our cafeteria juke box at lunch. Yes Surattsville Jr High had a juke 6:19 in it.
Night and Day by the Temptations is such a beautiful song
54 YEARS LATER, and so little has changed!!! Crackin' tune!
This was basically a protest song which was very common during the 60s and 70s. When this song was written, the Vietnam war was still going on. And that is the war they referred to in the lyrics.
Amazing this song is still relevant, maybe more so, today than ever!!!
Motown... the sound of young America!!!
Love that you listened to this one, it's truly timeless! (One tip, please turn up the volume on the video you're watching, I'm cranking my speakers here and it is still pretty low!) ❤
Thank you, Paul for the great suggestion. This is the music of my youth
The "Temps", the (4) "Tops", and "Smokey & The Miracles" were it !
Great great band! A staple of our childhood ❤
I've waiting for so long for you guys to react to this song. Back in 1970 when this came out, it blew up like a 20 meggaton bomb! making people shaking people's up to what was all goin on around us and it hold truth to today with everything they mentioned.
50 years later the world is still a ball of confusion
Thanks for the heads-up on the “Sister Act” version Asia! That was hilarious, even more so when you put in context how we heard the song when it first came out.
Haven't heard this song in years and I forgot all about that killer bass line! Thanks for the reminder.
When the Temps got socially conscious they produced their best music. Their album "Masterpiece" was all songs of this nature. Their best album IMHO.
Wonderful Song, Great, Great Group.😊😊😊😊
I'm an old white boy from Northern Virginia who grew up listening to Motown, Temptations, Supremes, Four Tops and so many more. My teen years with the music I grew up with blows away anything you grew up with (not trying to dog ya'll) was the best.
Just for shits and giggles if ya'll haven't heard it before or had the suggestion try Chambers Brothers, Time Has Come Today ....you'll love it, keep on keeping on
They updated their message in 1980 with a song called "Power" which is very timely during this election season.
Can’t Go Wrong With The Temptations!!!
Asia, I got goose bumps too hearing this song again.
BJ with the Tigers hat on was wildly appropriate for this song lol.
Niiiceee pick, guys. To me, it's the Temptation's best. And you've heard the Motown ace of bass James Jamerson before on " Papa Was A Rolling Stone", Johnny Guitar Watson I think you reacted to one of his, and Stevie Wonder played the harmonica. Loved the reaction and Asia's Batman t-shirt from a early 70's issue, that's the art of Hall of Famer Neil Adams,( The Avengers, Green Lantern, Thor, X-Men, Aquaman, etc..) always cool!
I got goose bumps too @Asia! I first heard this song coming over the airways as a young ten year old. I was in elementary school during the hippie era with a 4th grade teacher who was an actual Hippie. Maan...yall just don't know that feeling. You could actually be a socially conscious kid!😅😅
I glad you youngins appreciate this classic Temps tune!
Also, you now have an example of why I always say “It’s all relative” … because as you’ve heard in the song, a lot of the same things that are going on now were also going on in 1970!
“The sale of pills is that an all-time high
Young folks walking around with their heads in the sky”
Sounds like 2024 right?
If you get a chance, watch the live performance video of the Temps doing this song… It’s awesome!
❤🙏🏽
Love your channel, appreciate you guys. Peace and love and may your path always rise up to greet you!
Protest song at it's time most everybody loved this song
The bass line unforgettable
Right on brother right on
This was my favorite song on the radio when I was 13. Glad you got to react to it.
Try The Motown Song by Rod Stewart featuring The Temptations
Not the feeling of this song but a great tribute to the Motown era.
When Dennis Edwards joined the group to replace David Ruffin, there music began to reflect the 70's and the social climate of the time. Dennis brought and edge to the group.
In the late 60's-early 70's, Motown artists branched from the cutesy love songs (which are sitll great) to songs related to the society of the time, like Marvin Gaye's "What's goingn On" and" Mercy, Mercy Me".
The fact that it could have been written yesterday...still a ball of confusion. And yes, in Sister Act 2, the nuns sang it😂
What a song grew up listening to them I just about know all the words to their songs. I'm white almost seventy and live in Arkansas WOW still listen to them.
My joint favourite song of all time along with The Beatles "A Day in the Life".
The Temptin Temptations Can't Be Beat!!!
Great song. When it first came out, I remember feeling inspired and hopeful that SOMEONE would really HEAR the lyrics and the world would actually change. Unfortunately, the lyrics apply even MORE today than “yesterday”.
They installed a computer program at my office which was mandatory to use but, at the same time, impossible for non-experts to understand. I bring this up because one of my co-workers re-named the Windows icon for the program 'Ball Of Confusion' on his desktop. But this a fantastic song with intelligent lyrics and the later Temptations' classic sound. The movie you're thinking of is 'Sister Act' with Whoopi Goldberg.
This was the first 45 I ever bought. Flip side was Just my imagination. Too cool
I remember this back in the late 60s or early 70s i'm 65 , San Antonio Texas 🌞
The Temptations were as big as the Stones or the Beatles in my house while I was growing up 🆙
The song is just as relevant today as it was back in the day lyrically.
I love The Temptations!
This song is on more than one of my playlists
Hey, ya'll I grew up listening to this listening to music as a white boy in the 60s in the south where people like ya'll had negative thems
.
.....love ya'll, I grew up in a beautiful time, Al Green, Sly and the Family Stone, Marvin Gaye , Supremes, Temptations,.....keep on keeping on, luv yer content
Turn of the 1970s "Psychedelic Soul" with Norman Whitfield producing - I love the gritty vocals of Dennis Edwards. Check out other great examples like :"Cloud Nine", "Runaway Child, Running Wild", "I Can't Get Next To You" and "Psychedelic Shack" - Please.
LOVE IT.... Now please try (If u haven't already) PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE. I always thought these 2 jams stuck together like twin brothers.
THX, BJ/ASIA.
This is a great song !! Love it
An old school classic that is even more relevant today.
Another great Vietnam era song and we came home to a ball of confusion...
Social commentary in a classic song Timeless music
An American Treasure singing, speaking truth.
Ironically, the words ring true today...
Good memory Asia, the movie was Sister Act 2
I know I'm late to the party. I remember when this came out it was very relevant. I was a young person and I thought our country was moving forward and getting better. However, after the recent horrible horrible election, it's still a ball of confusing. Trying every distraction to keep my mind busy and positive. Hang in there you guys, hopefully things will get better again.
A song as relevant today as when I first heard it on a pocket transistor radio.
LOVE the Sister Acts!! 😁
Your right BJ after David left the group they added more of a funky sound and became more socially conscious in their music
A great one.
As we say in Texas; y'all be safe.
I haven't heard this in years. 🔥
This song is more relevant than ever!
Gold standard doesn't get any better. Decades ahead of it's time, and the world hasn't learned. Best regards from the UK.
Sad to say.... but everything in this song STILL applies today
As relevant today as it was 50+ years ago 🇺🇸♥️
On my bucket list is being a Temp for a day. 😎
Look up a group called The Undisputed Truth. They take the song to a whole new level.
This is one of those riding in mom’s car songs ❤
Soul Music- music that was made to last a forever
Genius 👏😎
I even love it soo much 💕
That Song is Relevant today!!!
Goes to show that all this confusion has been going on for decades!
This song is still so relevant today
Great! You might also like to check out the Love and Rockets cover.
Asia and BJ.
These great songs were a part of my junior high school days.
SUPERSTAR ( REMEMBER HOW YOU GOT WHERE YOU ARE).
PLASTIC MAN,
& MASTERPIECE. As much as the original Temptations were the best group of the early Motown Sound, when Drnnus Edwards replaced David Ruffin as lead singer, I became a bigger fan of their music.
Maybe you'll react to Sylvia and her erotica song PILLOW TALK.
Keep going and enjoy the music.