With only Otis Williams dating back to the group's most famous hits, "The Temptations" is more a concept or a lineage than the actual aggregation that had chart success throughout the '60s and '70s. But while other historical bands have only tenuous connections to their ancestry (and careers that simply retread past glories), the Temptations are still quite vital and creative. Their first album for New Door covered hits that had been recorded by other Motown artists; this second effort winningly expands the group's reach to soul and pop hits from beyond Motown's studio.

Covers of Barry White ("Never Never Gonna Give Ya Up"), Sam and Dave ("Hold on I'm Comin'"), the Staple Singers ("Respect Yourself"), and Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes ("Wake Up Everybody"), find the Tempts applying their multipart vocals to hits from Stax, Atlantic and Philadelphia International. There's terrific chemistry between the group's choreographed Motown musical roots and the songs of these other great soul houses. Pop hits from the Bee Gees ("How Deep is Your Love") and the Doobie Brothers ("Minute by Minute") are pleasant, but less resonant with the Temptations style.

This is a big improvement on the group's previous outing. The arrangements are sharp and funky, and by stretching themselves beyond Motown the Temptations find something fresh. It's ironic that a modern-day edition of the Temptations captures the groove of non-Motown tunes better than their home team's material; but then, may of these modern day Temptations weren't ever cloistered in Studio A with the Funk Brothers. This is a fun, energetic, soulful and funky set of covers that could well light up your party.

1. Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up 4:25
2. Hold ON, I'm Comin' 3:03
3. Wake Up Everybody 5:45
4. Minute By Minute 4:42
5. I'm In Love 3:17
6. Don't Ask My Neighbors 4:37
7. Love Ballad 4:41
8. Let It Be Me 4:55
9. How Deep Is Your Love 4:28
10. (Every Time I Turn Around) Back In Love Again 4:25
11. Respect Yourself 4:41