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.

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.

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.

"Tempt Me" anytime you want to with the Temptations "Phoenix Rising" CD!! Everytime I hear "BO" the newest member of the group, ask the question, "How Could He Hurt You"? I want to answer him over and over again!! These guys will be around for many more years to come. When you've got the ability to reinvent yourself when needed, as this group does, "longevity" is far more than a state of mind. "Wonderful"...in a word, this CD is wonderful, no question!! The love songs included here, are soulfully presented with a touch of class. Who in their right mind could ask for more?? Motown better watch out!! They're going to have to double their promotion budget for their next CD. With this current line up...more and more hits are bound to come!! Having sold over 2 million copies to date, the future of this release knows no boundaries. Go on Tempts' do your thing, 'cause I want to "rock" with you well into the next decade!!! Much love and all possible success gentlemen!! (((Temptations Forever!!!!))))

I have followed the Temptations from their early days at Motown, and have always been impressed at the group's resiliency. Music critics have written them off many times, and they have always proven the critics wrong by responding with great music. When David Ruffin left, Dennis Edwards stepped in; when Paul Williams became ill, Richard Street filled in, and when Eddie Kendricks left, Damon Harris did an admirable job as tenor vocalist. Throughout the years, the faces and voices have changed, but the group has never lost its identity as the Temptations. There now seems to be quite a bit of disagreement about whether this lineup sounds "just like" the original Temptations or not. I don't feel that they do, or that they are trying to do so. The one thing that this album establishes is that Otis Williams has an exceptional ear for talent. He seems to be looking for talented vocalists, and not merely sound-alike replacements. It is a sad fact that Paul Williams, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, and Melvin Franklin are no longer with us (in fact, this is the group's first album without Melvin) and, when compared with the material and personnel of the original group, this album does not quite live up to the standard set by the original lineup. Of course, it is unimaginable that any group could duplicate that standard; the original Temptations were best R&B group of all time. However, taken on their own, the current lineup does quite well. I give the album itself three stars, and add another for Otis Williams'integrity in not attempting to sound like the old group. This is a highly enjoyable album by some very talented artists. May God bless Melvin, Paul, David, and Eddie, and long live the Temptations. Thank you, Otis!