Search - Temptations :: Phoenix Rising

A fitting hodgepodge of Temptations styles

Reginald D. Garrard | Camilla, GA USA | 07/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Nothing Came Close

buzzdavis | APO, AE United States | 04/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Now I won't go into the depth of the music because it's been pretty well documented by the majority of the reviewers. All I will say is that this is far more consistent, and unbelieveably well sung, than any soul (or attempted soul) cd released in 1998. Nothing was even close. For those of you who gave it lukewarm reviews, it would be interesting to know what you thought topped it, because this has no equals, what I'd call timeless. The original Temptations collectively never sounded better than this-as good maybe, but never better, and I've been a Tempts fan since the 60's, which gives me mad credentials. I've got practically all of their music, so I have a lot to compare this with. You can play this one years from now and it'll still sound fresh. Miss at your peril."

Great harmonizing, great songs I can relate to.

sharon lucas | united states | 10/19/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have not bought a CD in over a year. But when I heard one of the cuts "How can he hurt you" I decided then and there that I was buying Phoenix Rising. I was not sorry for my purchase- I love every track. I listen to it every day to and from work. You can tell alot of thought went into this project. The lyrics and music were paired perfectly together. I would reccommend this CD to everyone. It's easy listening and its something you can listen to with your children.(Compared to some rap songs that are out now) Simply, the temptations are #1 in my book. I look forward to their next CD."