Now perceived by some as little more than an antiquated cabaret act, there was a time when this legendary Motor City quintet was at the cutting edge of popular music. That was the 60s and early 70s, of course, and since those glory days when Motown ruled the world, the group has steadfastly continued recording and performing, even though there have been myriad incarnations and only Otis Williams remains from the original 60s line-up.
That said, this new album is their best in a long while, though a cursory glance at the uninspired tracklisting (covers of songs made famous by Barry White, Sam & Dave, and… wait for it… The Bee Gees) is more likely to induce a yawn or cry of disbelief than precipitate a heady frisson of excitement. Mercifully, the album turns out to be a wholly engaging package where The Tempts’ performances transcend the familiarity of their material. The group’s newest recruit, Bruce Williamson, proves a good asset, his resonant baritone fronting a gutsy revamp of Big Bazza’s Never, Never Gonna Give You Up. Also listen out for a terrific sanctified version of the Doobie Brothers’ Minute By Minute, which ends with a churchy a cappella breakdown. Very tempting indeed.
