with The Temptations

Surface Thrills (1983)

Originally released by Gordy/Motown

  1. Surface Thrills
  2. Love On My Mind Tonight
  3. One Man Woman
  4. Show Me Your Love
  5. The Seeker
  6. What A Way To Put It
  7. Bring Your Body Here (Exercise Chant)
  8. Made In America

Fun Fact

Surface Thrills found The Temptations experimenting with a more rock-influenced studio sound than fans were used to hearing from them. Producers Dennis Lambert and Steve Barri surrounded the group with top session musicians, including Jeff Porcaro, Raymond Lee Brown, and Fred Wesley, giving the album a glossy, energetic 1980s edge while still keeping The Temptations’ signature harmonies at the center.

Discography

Explore the musical legacy of Melvin Franklin through an extensive discography spanning decades of legendary recordings with The Temptations. From groundbreaking Motown classics and chart-topping albums to soulful ballads and unforgettable collaborations, Melvin’s rich bass vocals became an essential part of the group’s signature sound. This collection highlights the albums, singles, and recordings that helped shape the history of soul and R&B music.

For Lovers Only

For Lovers Only (1995)

Milestone

Milestone (1990)

Special

Special (1989)

Together Again

Together Again (1987)

To Be Continued…

To Be Continued… (1986)

Touch Me

Touch Me (1985)

Truly for You

Truly for You (1984)

Back to Basics

Back to Basics (1983)

Surface Thrills (1983)

Reunion

Reunion (1982)

The Temptations

The Temptations (1981)

Give Love at Christmas

Give Love at Christmas (1980)

Power (1980)

Bare Back

Bare Back (1978)

Hear to Tempt You

Hear to Tempt You (1977)

Do The Temptations

Do The Temptations (1976)

Wings of Love

Wings of Love (1976)

House Party

House Party (1976)

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Listen to Melvin with

Experience the unmistakable bass voice of Melvin Franklin through his timeless recordings with The Temptations. From smooth ballads to classic soul hits, Melvin’s deep, resonant vocals helped define one of the most iconic sounds in music history. You can stream his work anytime on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music—making it easy to revisit the songs that shaped generations and continue to inspire today.

Apple Music

Spotify

Amazon Music

Blue in the Spotlight

View a collection of memorable photographs capturing Melvin’s journey with The Temptations and beyond. From iconic stage performances and studio sessions to candid moments behind the scenes, the gallery offers a closer look at the man behind the legendary voice. Explore rare images spanning decades of music history and celebrate the style, charisma, and lasting impact of one of Motown’s most beloved performers.