Masterpiece Songwriting Credits by The Temptations

Masterpiece is the thirteenth studio album by The Temptations, released February 21, 1973 on Motown's Gordy label. It is the fullest expression of producer Norman Whitfield's psychedelic soul vision, built around extended orchestral funk arrangements and social commentary rather than tight pop singles. The centerpiece is the near fourteen-minute title track, a sprawling instrumental-heavy piece that pushed the group's vocals into a supporting role and drew criticism from members who felt the Funk Brothers had taken over the record. Whitfield wrote and produced every song, with arranger Paul Riser scoring the strings and horns that define the album's cinematic sound. The set reached number one on the Billboard R&B albums chart and number seven on the Billboard 200, and its lead single 'Masterpiece' topped the R&B chart while reaching the pop top ten. It marked one of the last major collaborations between the group and Whitfield before the partnership fractured over creative control.