The Temptations - Phoenix Rising - 1998 - Motown

If we forget their "For Lovers Only" set for the moment, then I can say with some conviction that this is one of the best and most consistent Temptations albums since 1984's "Truly For You" (see 80s reviews). For Lovers Only was a masterpiece, and this set is as essential, but in a different way. Over 11 years have passed since I bought this, and I still cannot stop playing it as every track is strong, soulful and is aimed at the quality soul lover. Although the line-up changes like the weather, their unique sound remains the same and it is a tribute to the strength and commitment of Otis Williams to keep the flame burning following the sad and early death of Bass, Melvin Franklin. I cannot fault one single track on here - all tracks are worthy of the highest praise possible. A track that will both surprise you and excite you is the first track to be lifted as a single, which is "Stay". The Temptations actually sample themselves with the bassline and guitar riff of their 60s smash, "My Girl", and with the production magnificence of Narada Michael Walden they delivered a top-drawer and totally unmissable summertime smash. This is the sort of track (and album) that grabs your attention.

The following cuts will impress you greatly, too. If ballads are your bag then there are plenty, including a more downtempo reading of For Lovers Only's 1994 cut, "Take Me in Your Arms". This is mouth-watering soul at its very best. Terry Weeks of For Lovers Only has now been a fully-fledged member of the group for 11 years and he still fits like hand in glove. There are some classy dancers and midtempo songs, too that defies the current obsession with the tired hip-hop / RnB formula. The guys had obviously gone into the studio and took time to create a CD of enormous appeal, longevity and quality that I imagine that creativity was taken out of the hands of Motown executives!!! Check the amazing "My Promise". This actually features Theo Peoples on lead vocal, and was recorded prior to his departure. What a powerful singer he is. The Temptations have still to better this track this side of Y2K. This is the sort of soul CD that REALLY sorts the men from the boys! Do not delay in acquiring this album as you can find it dirt cheap on Amazon, and do NOT overlook it. Every track a quality cut and an album that cannot be beaten. SOUL HEAVEN.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

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The Temptations - For Lovers Only - 1995 - Motown

This album was released in the autumn of 1995 with very little fanfare. I find it very annoying that most albums I consider essential, classy and timeless receive little press, scant cover or – worse – derision from the media, including those which allegedly support soul music. I am guilty of derision, especially where albums of cover versions are involved. I generally feel that the trend towards sets of covers is not only lamentable but also alarming. Some albums, though, warrant trumpeting, such as this one purely because they are different. What the Temptations, along with veteran producer, Richard Perry, did on this album was to take some classic, household-known standards and then completely dissect them, not limb from limb, but almost molecule from molecule. These songs were reassembled into interpretations and not merely covers. No stone was left unturned in an effort to make the songs fresh, different and, well, sound like brand spanking new. Their efforts paid off. The timbre of the album is certainly an emotional one from many viewpoints. This was the last album recorded with Melvin Franklin prior to his early and untimely passing – to hear him on here is not only poignant, but also pitched emotionally beside the beautiful, haunting and touching melodies that really do cement these album’s fortunes.

Anyone who knows me will know that as soon as I hear that an album is a set of cover versions my eyes roll, I sigh and give some resigned comment. This is exactly what I did with this album, and so I ignored it. It was almost 6 months before I heard it via friend who bought it from a regular pilgrimage to London. I was intrigued that he bought it in the first place, but when I heard it I was instantly blown away. Theo Peoples joined the team in 1994 and his powerful vocals dominated the set along with the awesome Ali-Ollie Woodson. “Some Enchanted Evening” is a well-loved song, but the Temptations really make this their own vehicle. Their harmonies are tighter than the top of a Scotsman’s purse, and Isaias Gamboa on the mix makes it more than a memorable moment. One of the scene-stealers is “What A Difference A Day Makes” – no one has, and ever will cut this song in such a powerful fashion. This is indeed one magical brew of skilled production, soulful interpretation courtesy of Ron Tyson and first class lyrics. Johnny Britt’s muted trumpet is a killer, too. Twelve years after release, this song still gets me every time. “That’s Why I Love You So” displays some magnificent harmonies atop a soulful plateau. The vocal interchanging is superb. The haunting and melancholic “Melvin’s Interlude” melts into the sublime “Life Is But A Dream” where the good old-fashioned street corner harmonies come into play. The Temptations rarely get better than this. “Time After Time” commences with the words “Drop the groove”, and the fellas do exactly that – I’m not certain what Cahn and Styne would make of this version, but I for one love it to pieces. Since the release of this album, the Tempations have gone on to release two albums of cover versions – both do not even compare to this Masterpiece. “For Lovers Only” is a landmark Temptations recording and should not be a set that you ignore. As essential today as it ever was, “For Lovers Only” stands tall in the impressive and unequalled Tempations catalogue.

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe