Barnes & Noble
The follow-up to the surprising, platinum-plus success of 1998's PHOENIX RISING finds the Temptations once again melding their five-part harmonies and drawing inspiration from a reservoir of romance and intimacy. For their whopping 57th recording, these Motown icons worked with an impressive array of producers including contemporary soul sensations Joe and Gerald Levert, along with the legendary Narada Michael Walden. These collaborations result in the Temptations credibly pouring their 40 years of expertise into a contemporary R&B mold, rather than becoming a stagnant oldies act primed for a Sinbad-sponsored, classic soul tour. Founding member Otis Williams leads the way, cowriting five songs including the slow burn "Kiss Me Like You Miss Me," the future quiet storm standard "Got To Get on the Road," and the playful "Elevator Eyes." Elsewhere, this talented quintet pick up the tempo with "Party," a funky workout with vocal arrangements reminiscent of their classic "I Can't Get Next to You." The Temps draft Wanda Vaughan of the Emotions to help them wrap up EAR-RESISTIBLE with "Error of Our Ways," a moving plea for mankind to right societal wrongs. And while such grandiose statements in pop songs are dicey business, these elder statesmen handle it gracefully -- who better to sing about a world where harmony reigns.Dave Gil de Rubio
All Music Guide
Ear-Resistible marks the 57th album for R&B/pop's most popular and star-crossed groups. Although many people may still have an image of one particular Temptations lineup, the 1964-1968 group, the group has persevered over everything from exiting members to label indifference. Their 1997 CD Phoenix Rising was their first CD to ever go platinum. But the effort found the group playing it too safe. With Ear-Resistible the group turns in its strongest set since 1984's Truly for You. The first song, "I'm Here," produced by R&B crooner Joe sets the stage for an infinitely likeable album. With a dramatic arrangement and confident vocals, led by smooth tenor Terry Weeks, it's a mix of a timely production well rooted in the mechanics of classic R&B male group singing. Songs like "Your Love" and "Selfish Reasons" are in the same neo-classic, back to the future vein. But what makes Ear-Resistible is a trio of skillfully arranged ballads that pit Ron Tyson's starry-eyed falsetto to Barrington Henderson's raspy tenor. From the sensual "Kiss Me Like You Miss Me" to the adultery/late-night sneaking lyrics of "It's Alright to Be Wrong," the group effortlessly trades leads all the while creating intricate harmonies. The CD's best track, the Gerald Levert-produced "Proven and True" is a steady and sure ballad that plays on the chemistry between Tyson and Henderson. Co-executive produced by Kedar Massenburg and Otis Williams, Ear-Resistible proves that you don't need rap cameos or expletives to make a great R&B album. Jason Elias
Vibe
...these guys continue to deliver singing that sounds like sunshine on a
cloudy day. Elysa Gardner