Temptations 60 The Temptations

• 1 Let It Reign 02:43
• 2 When We Were Kings 04:51
• 3 Is It Gonna Be Yes Or No 04:11
• 4 Time For The People 05:25
• 5 Elevator Eyes 04:07
• 6 My Whole World Stopped Without You 04:04
• 7 You Don’t Know Your Woman (Like I Do) 04:00
• 8 How Do You Spell Love 04:10
• 9 Calling Out Your Name 05:34
• 10 I Want It Right Now 04:21
• 11 Breaking My Back 04:04
• 12 Come On 06:17
• Total Runtime 53:47

Info for Temptations 60

A brand new album of brand-new songs from the No. 1 R&B Group of All Time, The Temptations. Features tracks written and produced by Narada Michael Walden, the young hip-hop producer K. Sparks, longtime group member Ron Tyson, founding member Otis Williams, and the equally legendary Smokey Robinson, whose classic songs launched the group’s original hit streak. The new album release will coincide with Otis Williams’s 80thbirthday, and the Broadway return (and road show edition) of the hit musical, Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations.

As The Temptations have done throughout their career, their latest album balances love songs with topical tracks, showcasing their enduring strength across the generations. Williams co-produced, with Dennis Nelson and Thomas "TC" Campbell, five of the album's 12 tracks, including the harmony-infused ballad, "Calling Out Your Name" and the up-tempo tracks "You Don't Know Your Woman" and "How Do You Spell Love." Williams also co-produced an updated version of "Come On," a song that had been the first recording by Otis Williams & the Distants, a precursor to the Temptations, in 1959, and features a special monologue about the group's history.

The first single released from the album, "Is It Gonna Be Yes Or No," is written and produced by and features Motown superstar Smokey Robinson. In all the years Robinson has delivered such timeless Temptations' hits "The Way You Do the Things You Do," "My Girl," "Since I Lost My Baby," "Get Ready" and more, the duet marks the only time he and The Temptations have sung lead together, save for a recording of "The Christmas Song" in 1989.

TEMPTATIONS 60 also features two brand-new songs produced by Grammy-Winning Narada Michael Walden, who produced their last platinum-selling album, Phoenix Rising; he delivers the biographical beauty, "When We Were Kings," available now, which sums up the Temptations legacy to this point, and "Breaking My Back," a love song that evokes the classic Tempts' catalog.

Longtime Temptation leading vocalist and songwriter Ron Tyson, and Thomas "TC" Campbell produced two tracks, including "Time For The People," a powerful statement addressing modern issues – a "Ball of Confusion" for the 21st Century – and the island-flavored love song, "I Want It Right Now." Dave Darling, who produced the group's last album, All the Time, brought to the album a stunning cover of the Vintage Trouble song, "My Whole World Stopped Without You."

Reflecting the rich musical influences of the third decade of the 21st Century, the album opens with a uniquely contemporary track "Let it Reign," featuring Queens New York, Hip Hop artist K. Sparks. Much in the way "Cloud Nine" marked a bold update in the group's sound back in the late 60's, so too does this song, a modern-day shift from the group's vintage roots, that weaves together the powerful fusion of hip-hop, smooth jazz and soulful flavors.

The Temptations are today one of the most iconic, bestselling brands in the entertainment world; Billboard magazine named them "The No. 1 R&B Artist of All Time." With original member Dr. Otis Williams, the group's track record of continuing to sell decades worth of history-making music is breathtaking.

The Temptations are commemorating their 60th Anniversary. The national anniversary campaign launched this summer and will run through 2022, in a celebration befitting one of the most revered and prolific musical institutions of all time. The year-long campaign includes the new album in 2022; a national concert tour through fall of next year, including a trip abroad in fall of 2022; remastering of their music videos, including "Standing on the Top" with Rick James, and their No. 1 hit "Stay;" a new content series; the Imperial Theatre re-opening on October 16, 2021, of the Broadway musical, Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations, based on Otis Williams's personal journey that was nominated for 12 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, and won the Tony Award for Best Choreography at the 73rd Tony Awards ceremony in June 2019 and whose UMe cast album was GRAMMY®-nominated; the national launch of the musical's touring company; and celebratory events along the way including Dr. Otis Williams' 80th birthday, which was on October 30, 2021. Their Emmy® Award-Winning Television mini-series, The Temptations, which first aired to rave reviews in 1998, is still on air or streaming every day somewhere in the world. Williams' critically acclaimed autobiography, Temptations, was released as an audiobook edition for the first time in 2020, with a new introduction by Williams.

Reflecting on The Temptations' legacy, and the new album, Dr. Otis Williams said:

"Delivering our 60th anniversary album is a special moment for me. Being back in the studio this time filled me with so many memories of my journey and reminded me of how long and rewarding a journey it has been. I get emotional every time I think about it, because we poured every ounce of our heart and soul into making this album extra special, and only when we were satisfied that it was in keeping with our unique style, did we put our stamp on it. I can proudly say it showcases brand new songs that reflect the best of what's vintage, and modern, in our music. A capstone of my career, this album represents generations of unique melodies, lyrics and songs, distinctly our own. Some of the new songs echo our original ballads and love songs, while others capture current, topical vibes of the 21st Century. It also includes new songs that reflect the times we are living in now.

It brings together again several great producers we have worked with in the past, including Smokey Robinson, Narada Michael Walden, Dennis Nelson and Thomas "TC" Campbell. Now, as divine grace would have it, we got another chance to collaborate again."

The Temptations

The Temptations
For more than forty years, The Temptations have prospered, propelling popular music with a series of smash hits, and sold-out performances throughout the world.

'The crowds are bigger, the sales are sizzling,' says one industry report. 'The outpouring of affection for this super group has never been greater.'

The history of the Temptations is the history of contemporary American pop. An essential component of the original Motown machine, that amazing engine invented by Berry Gordy, the Temps began their musical life in Detroit in the early sixties. It wasn't until 1964, however, that the Smokey Robinsin written-and-produced 'The Way You Do the Things You Do' turned the guys into stars.

An avalanche of hits followed, many of which - 'My Girl,' for instance-attained immortality. 'It's Growing,' 'Since I Lost My Baby,' 'Get Ready,' 'Too Proud to Beg,' 'Beauty Is Only Skin Deep,' 'I Wish It Would Rain'-the hits kept coming.

The classic lineup was Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin. Beyond the fabulous singing, the Temps became known for smooth stepping and flawless presentations. The Temptation Walk became a staple of American style, Flair, flash and class. Millions of fans saw their Temptations as cultural heroes.

When the sixties and seventies turned political, the Temps got serious. They changed their tone, dress and music. Producer Norman Whitfield led the way. His Temptations hits, many featuring Dennis Edwards who had replaced David Ruffin, burned with intensity. 'Runaway Child,' 'Cloud Nine,' 'I Can't Get Next to You,' 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone' and 'Psychedelic Shack' still smolder.

Other stellar singers-Richard Street, Ali-Ollie Woodson-joined, adding their luster to the group's growing fame.

No matter the change in personnel, the Temptations remained true to the Temptations tradition. They survived the whims of fashion, whether disco or techno, and stuck to their guns.

'Great singing,' says Otis Williams, 'will always prevail'

In the eighties, the Temps prevailed with smashes like 'Treat Her Like a Lady.'

Then in the nineties, another Temptation explosion:

It began with their appearance on Motown 25 in 1983; it continued with the NBC mini series that chronicled the group's history, a ratings triumph over two nights in prime time.

Then came a series of acclaimed records:

For Lovers Only, a collection of love standards, termed an instant classic by critics, remains among the most cherished of all Temptations recordings.

Phoenix Rising went through the roof, a platinum-plus mega-hit featuring 'Stay' the Narada Michael Walden-produced song that topped the charts.

Ear Resistible nailed a Grammy and a legion of new fans.

Awesome, released in 2001 is The Temptations at their freshest, strongest, and most appealing.

Reflections was released in 2005, nominated for a Grammy and brought to the world The Temptations versions of some of Motown's greatest songs

The current lineup consists of Otis Williams, Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Joe Herndon and Bruce Williamson.

'The more we change,' says veteran Ron Tyson, 'the more we stay true to ourselves. We're about singing straight-up soul. It's a style that will live on forever.'

'The Tempts have always been known for great lead singers', says Williams. 'Today we have three of the greatest leads in the proud history of the group.'

The soaring voice of Ron Tyson, perhaps the best high tenor in the business.

Terry Weeks, who grew up in Alabama and spent eight years in the Air Force before his makeshift audition for Otis on a Hollywood street corner, who's smooth textures and tones, express an extraordinary full range of feelings.

Newest member, Bruce Williamson started singing in a church choir at the ripe age of 5 years old and hasn't stop since. He has sung in everything from commercials to musical to the top showrooms in Las Vegas. Bruce was introduced to Otis by Ron Tyson.

'Our challenge,' says Williams, 'is to live in the present while respecting the past. Our past is filled with riches only a fool would discard. At the same time, we thrive on competition. As a Motowner, I grew up in the most competitive musical atmosphere imaginable. But we also understand that for a group with history, no matter how glorious that history might be, reinvention is the name of the game.'

'When I tell people we are God's group,' says Otis, a remarkable modest man, 'I don't mean it arrogantly. It's just that we have been tested time and time again and keep coming back. We have suffered the deaths of so many lengendary singers...Paul Williams, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin. Other's like Dennis Edwards, Richard Street, Ali-Ollie Woodson and Theo Peoples have left, and yet our unity is tighter, our sound brighter and our popularity greater. Someone has watched over this group. Someone has protected our integrity. Someone has said...just go on singing and it'll get better.' Copyright ©2003 TheTemptations.com. All rights reserved.

This album contains no booklet.