“The Way You Do the Things You Do” by The Temptations: The Beginning of a Motown Legacy
Released in 1964, “The Way You Do the Things You Do” marked a significant turning point in the career of The Temptations and in the history of the Motown label itself. Written by Smokey Robinson and Bobby Rogers, members of another iconic Motown group, The Miracles, the song was crafted during the long bus rides of the Motortown Revue tour. It began as a playful exchange of witty pick-up lines between Robinson and Rogers, eventually evolving into a polished piece that would change the trajectory of The Temptations’ career. This single became their first major hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number eleven, and achieved the top spot on the Cash Box R&B chart.
At the time of its release, The Temptations were still finding their footing in the competitive world of American pop and R&B music. Prior to this, they had experienced limited success, with only one song, “Dream Come True,” reaching number 22 on the R&B singles chart, and several singles failing to gain traction. However, “The Way You Do the Things You Do” not only made the public take notice but also set a precedent for what would become a series of chart-topping hits throughout the 1960s and beyond.
Eddie Kendricks‘s smooth falsetto lead brought a unique and compelling sound to the song. His voice, tender yet confident, lent itself perfectly to the clever lyrics, which were filled with charm and metaphor: “You got a smile so bright, you know you could have been a candle.” The playful nature of the song combined with its catchy melody captivated audiences and helped it stand out during a time when the charts were filled with many memorable tunes.
Interestingly, the recording of this song came at a pivotal moment for The Temptations. Just two weeks prior, the group’s founding member, Elbridge Bryant, had been replaced by David Ruffin, who would later become one of the most famous voices in soul music. Though Ruffin would not sing lead on this track, his presence marked a new era for the group. His performance during the Motortown Revue caught Smokey Robinson’s attention, and shortly thereafter, he was chosen to lead what would become The Temptations’ first number-one hit, “My Girl.”
Upon learning of their success with “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” members Otis Williams and David Ruffin were overwhelmed with emotion. After a slow start to their careers and multiple setbacks, the song’s rapid climb up the charts was the breakthrough they had been waiting for. It was a moment of triumph, not just for the group, but for the entire Motown label, which was proving to the world that its artists could compete with the biggest names in music.
This single became a staple of the group’s live performances and appeared on two of their mid-1960s albums: Meet The Temptations (1964) and The Temptations Sing Smokey (1965). More than just a song, it marked the dawn of a golden era for The Temptations. As their first hit, “The Way You Do the Things You Do” opened the door to a string of future successes and laid the groundwork for their transformation into one of the most enduring and influential acts in music history.
With its clever lyrics, infectious rhythm, and unforgettable performances, “The Way You Do the Things You Do” remains a testament to the talent and artistry of The Temptations and a cornerstone of the Motown sound that defined a generation.
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