AMG Review of Temptations

Craig Lytle
All Music Guide

The Temptations waited nearly ten years to work with '70s hit-making producer Thom Bell. While the Temptations sound as impeccable as ever, the compositions lacked the magic for which the quintet was known among their R&B followers. This collection of songs leans more toward the pop format. "Aiming at Your Heart" is an uptempo, homegrown R&B cut featuring Richard Street and Glenn Leonard on lead vocals, and it was the only single to crack the Billboard R&B charts (#36, 13 weeks). While Street gets gritty with his blaring baritone, Leonard's contrasting falsetto blossoms with agility as the two storm their way through the vamp. Melvin Franklin takes center stage on "What Else," a beautifully written number with a bright melody and a Temptations-style arrangement. Franklin's distinguishable bass sails through this mellow tune. While all the songs are worthy, the album should have been marketed to a crossover audience.