Let's face facts...the best vocalists the Temptations ever had were David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams and Dennis Edwards, and the songs that they recorded with the group are timeless classics. I doubt if anyone could dispute this. But what about on their own as soloists? Well, ONE BY ONE give us more proof that these guys could still bring the house down without being Temptations.

Eddie Kendricks was by far the most successful, and this 2 CD set is dominated by both his hits and popular cuts from his albums. From him we have the unedited version of his gorgeous jazz-influenced ballad "Can I"; the isolating sadness of "This Used To Be the Home Of Johnnie Mae"; the breakup tune "Tell Her Love Has Felt the Need", the Christian-themed dance hit "He's A Friend", one of the pioneering records of the disco movement, "Girl You Need A Change Of Mind", the lively dance track "Date With the Rain" and the reggae-tinged, feel-goodness of "Eddie's Love", the last three being from Eddie's sophomore LP, the excellent PEOPLE...HOLD ON, which in my opinion is the tightest soul album ever recorded. The extended versions of his two biggest hits, "Keep On Truckin'" and "Boogie Down" are also included. His work is well represented here, although there were several other songs that should have also been added.

David Ruffin, one of the most electrifying talents ever in the Motown stable, was not so consistent as a soloist...his debut album, MY WHOLE WORLD ENDED, was a big seller in 1969. But afterward he struggled for six years, mostly recording material that really was not worthy of his talents until he blew up again in 1975 with a Van McCoy-produced tune, the exquisite "Walk Away From Love". Still, though, this collection does feature some real gems, like "The Double Cross", "Common Man", "Heavy Love", "Everything's Coming Up Love", "Just Let Me Hold You For A Night" and "Statue of A Fool". His version of Gamble and Huff's "I Miss You" kind of pales in comparison to the Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes' rendition, but he gives it a good effort.

What saddens me the most about the Paul Williams' songs "Feel Like Givin' Up" and "Once You Had a Heart" is the promise that was lost when Paul died in 1973. We can only wonder what would have happened in his career had he lived and these songs were released then. It's plain to see that this man was remarkably talented. But if you can put aside the sense of loss for a few minutes when you listen to his contribution to this CD, you will see and hear that Paul had one of the most soulful and heartfelt voices ever. By the way, "Feel Like Givin' Up" was written and produced by none other than Paul's best friend, Eddie Kendricks!

Dennis Edwards really didn't come into his own until the 1980s, but when he did, he set the music world on its ear, with the much sampled R&B classic "Don't Look Any Further" (1984). Prior to then, Dennis was in and out of the Temptations: his first solo single, "Which Way To My Baby" (1967) was never released and it wasn't until the mid '70s that Dennis became a soloist again with another unreleased single, "When The Lights Come Down On Love". Also featuring Dennis on lead vocals is a haunting, bluesy ballad that was originally slated for the Temptations' 1975 album A SONG FOR YOU, but was pulled at the last minute: "Soulmate".

So there you have it. These guys were the greatest of all the Temptations! David, Eddie and Paul are gone, but in this collection, their memories burn bright!

This two CD package was heaven sent when released a couple years ago. I do think, however, that Motown has many many unreleased gems that could have been included here and are not. Case in point, Paul's magnificent "Last One Out" (w/ the Tempts) which appears on the '99 release "Lost and Found, You've Got to Earn It" would fit here nicely. Or Dennis' "What Become Of the Brokenhearted". But what is here is great and representative of what made/makes Paul, Eddie, David and Dennis great vocalists and not just great Temptations group members. Great songs "Soul Mate", "Johnnie Mae", "Statute of a Fool", "Don't Look Any Further", "Can I" "Once You Had A Heart" the list goes on and on. A 3rd CD could have been added easily for me. I guess like James Brown, "I'm a Greedy Man".

I am a hardcore Tempts fan and absolutely love this CD. Lots of good stuff from Eddie and David. But not enough of Dennis and defintely not enough of Paul Williams. The CD only has two of Pauls's songs which is dissapointing considering Paul had a very soulful voice.

though they needed more songs by Paul Williams. They only had two on this CD. I've always loved his voice. But the CD is great, lots of great stuff from the late great David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks. "Can I" by Kendricks "I Miss You", sang by Ruffin are probably the best songs on this duo CD. And of course Dennis Edwards sounded wonderful as always.

The solo careers of former Temptations David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, and Dennis Edwards were remarkably underrated. Kendricks succeeded the most, but even his songs lacked the recognition they deserved. Paul William's sang his songs on this CD during hard times, but his performance shined as usual. David Ruffin's voice is a pleasure to listen to, and Eddie Kendricks songs prove that he was truly the artist! Although I am not the biggest Edwards fan, his songs are a lot of fun too!