An emotional song in every sense of the word, the song depicts the groups history. Otis Williams describes the opening track as "the spirit and creed of the Temptations" and those words have never rung truer. The track gives the album a fantastic opening and shows fans that the group is certainly 'Still Temptin'. This song as with a lot of the offerings from the album is produced by Steve 'the Scotsman' Harvey famed for his work with Nu - Soul heroes Impromp2.
Next up another Steve Harvey penned track this time the driving 'Round Here' which features lead vocals once again from Terry Weeks and G.C Cameron.
'Stay Together' continues in the same vein with both tracks particularly show casing the capabilities of Terry Weeks from smooth and sensual to gritty and determined.
Other stand out tracks from the album include the Chicago groove feeling 'Love To The Music' very much in the style of recent R Kelly releases such as Happy People and Step In The Name Of Love.
'You are nessceary in my life (the wedding song)' opens with The Tempts in a classic accapella moment leading into a heart warming love song led by G.C Cameron, this particular track perfectly shows the blend of harmonies between the group something which was less evident in 'Awsome'.
Steve Harvey's range of talents are in evidence with his production on Mr Fix It a track which once again utilises Joe Herndon and finds him in great form with a voice that is strangely identical to the late Melvin Franklin and in turn he adds another dimension to the group which has been missing somewhat for a number of years.
'Why can't we be lovin friends' follows a popular trend of some more recent Temptations releases by pairing the lead vocalist with a female counterpart. This works well with Danesha Simon sharing lead once again with G.C Cameron although at times her vocals do sound stretched in the most part she works well on this particular song. It is also interesting to note that former lead singer Ali Ollie Woodson worked with the group on this record which he co - wrote with Otis Williams back in the Eighties.
The only real down point for the album is the lack of a full lead vocal from Ron Tyson although his voice is an integral part of The Temptations harmonies.
All in all a great album for The Temptations and one that perfectly showcases the talents of this new line up of Temptations. The days of Ruffin, Kendricks, Edwards etc are long gone but The Temptations are still going strong despite the obstacles life throws at them.
Un-chartered waters are ahead for the group with the ending of a near 45 year asscoiation with Motown and the search for a new record label which will truly showcase and promote this groups talents. Along with the search for a new label the group's hardest task is yet to come. They have to stay true to what they know whilst also keeping up with the times in this ever increasingly youth dominated Music Industry.
Iam happy to say that 'Leagacy' does just that it show cases the true talents of these five individuals and with a record label behind them that will put the effort and support needed behind the group they will suceed no matter what.
Temptations For Ever!
Sean Livesey
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