With “Cloud Nine,” The Temptations and their label Motown heralded a new era in 1969: influenced by emerging rock and pop trends and increasing socio-political unrest, the album broke down the genre boundaries between rock, psychedelia and soul, while also presenting visionary arrangements and production techniques. The Temptations' ninth studio album was produced by Norman Whitfield and initially polarized the band's long-time fans with its stylistic reorientation. Nevertheless, it was extremely successful, entering the Billboard pop album charts at number 4.