Arguably Motown's longest-running and most consistent act,
the Temptations were top-notch. The group's songs were always solid, and in spite of the stylistic sea changes of the music industry,
the Temptations adapted to the market, continually issuing timeless material, and not many groups could boast a succession of lead singers like
David Ruffin,
Eddie Kendricks, and
Dennis Edwards or producers (and songwriters) like
Smokey Robinson and Norman Whitfield. This set, the first of two volumes celebrating the 25th anniversary of
the Temps, was originally issued in 1986 and includes the classic singles "My Girl," "Since I Lost My Baby," "Get Ready," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," and "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)," as well as rare live versions of "Cloud Nine" and "I Can't Get Next to You," among other interesting tracks. ~ Steve Leggett