Modculture.com - The Collection by Undisputed Truth reviewed

It's easy to feel a little sorry for The Undisputed Truth. A group that could have been one of Motown's most successful acts during the experimental late-60's/early-70's , was little more than a Norman Whitfield creation with the aim of trying out his new compositions and various experimental studio effects (such as wah-wah guitars, bizarre percussion sounds, sweeping strings and funky Psychedelic rhythms).

By 1970, the hugely talented and prolific Whitfield had more tunes than groups to record them. Needing another outlet, he assembled The Undisputed Truth and in doing so created a talented group that very much fitted the Motown bill at that time - socially conscious, experimental, funky and decked out in crazy outfits. Sadly, Whitfield's obsession with other Motown acts (mainly The Temptations, by this time) and the label's lack of interest in The Undisputed Truth seriously effected the groups possibilities.

This collection brings together the 14 singles The Undisputed Truth released between 1971 and 1975, as well as the odd album track here and there. The groups biggest hit, 1971's "Smiling Faces Sometimes", is obviously included amongst many other strong tracks. A quick scan through the track-listing highlights Whitfield's thinking in creating The Undisputed Truth - "You Make Your Own Heaven And Hell", "Law Of The Land" and "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" (which, interestingly enough still managed to chart months before The Temptations Grammy Award-winning version despite no Motown promotion) are all included and were originally used as 'testers' for Whitfield prior to him handing them to label-mates The Temptations for chart-smashes months later.

However, don't let that put you off - this is quality Psychedelic-Soul with a serious Funk edge, and what runs through my mind when I play this album is how big could The Undisputed Truth have been if Motown had shown any interest in their work? The lesser heard mid-70's material, such as "I'm A Fool For You", "Lil' Red Riding Hood", "Spaced Out" and "UFO's" have stood the test of time superbly well, and puts a lot of other 'Funk' from around that time well and truly in the shade.

Amongst many highlights on this record, the one that just knicks it is their glorious nine minute cover version of "What's Going On" - male and female vocals intertwine beautifully, and the whole song is underpinned by a laid-back groove courtesy of bongos and some heavenly guitar sounds. I wonder if The Temptations could have handled this one as well as The Undisputed Truth....

Reviewed by David Steel (review posted on 1st May 2002)

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