A fitting hodgepodge of Temptations styles

Released to coincide with the Otis Williams' book, as well as the highly rated NBC biopic, "Phoenix Rising" is an appropriate title for an album that, like the mythical bird, represents a re-emergence of the legendary group. With Williams as the only surviving member of the original quintet, by the time of the album's 1998, many feel that the "Temps" glory days were behind them.

Boy, were (and are) they wrong!

The disc has enough of the "old" and enough of the "new" to satisfy old school purists and R & B novices.

The album begins with a forty-four second "interlude" entitled "Hereafter" that allows the respective voice parts to shine. Following that is the hit "Stay", a song that pays tributes to the group's roots. "False Faces", cut #3, has an 80's feel about it while the fourth track, "How Could He Hurt You" is as contemporary as anything by R. Kelly or Brian McKnight.

"This is My Promise" is the stuff that weddings are made of.

Other strong cuts are the Freddie Jackson-sounding "If I Give You My Heart", the funky "My Love", and the heavenly "Just Like I Told You".

Melvin, Eddie, Paul, and David may be gone, but their legacy continues with the present incarnation, thanks to the tenacity and determination of one Otis Williams to continue the Temp's tradition.

Love it from beginning to end

This is a great album. I've always loved the Temptations and this CD does not disappoint.

outstanding because of Theo

This is a wonderful CD due most in part
to the outstanding vocals of Theo Peoples
on Stay, This is My Promise, and If I Give You
My Heart. Although he is not credited on this
CD for his contributions his efforts should not
go unnoticed. He is my favorite Temptation and
now a member of the Four Tops. If you ever have
a chance to see him in concert don't pass it up.