The Temptations Anthology Series: The Best of the Temptations (2-CD)

ANTHOLOGY was originally released in 1973, but this revised 1995 version features a slightly altered track listing.

The Temptations: Elbridge Bryant, Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, Paul Williams, Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Dennis Edwards, Richard Street, Damon Harris (vocals).

Producers include: Smokey Robinson, Norman Whitfield, Ronald White, Frank Wilson, Nickolas Ashford, Berry Gordy.

This is part of the Motown Anthology series.

Personnel: Rick James (vocals, background vocals); Damon Harris, David Ruffin, Dennis Edwards, Eddie Kendricks, Theo Peoples, Ricky Owens, Glenn Leonard , Paul Williams , Eldridge Bryant, Louis Price, Ali-Ollie Woodson, Melvin Franklin, Richard Street, Ron Tyson, Diana Ross (vocals); Mary Jane Girls, The Andantes (background vocals).

Audio Remasterer: Danny Caccavo.

Liner Note Author: Harry Weinger.

Unknown Contributor Role: Jerry Long.

Arrangers: Cornelius Grant; Don Costa; Rick James.

An augmented two-disc recapitulation of the mammoth triple-vinyl ANTHOLOGY released in the mid '70s, this 44-track set is the best place to start for any Temptations fan. Collecting all of their chart singles from "The Way You Do the Things You Do" through the early '80s collaboration with Rick James, "Standing on the Top," this is like a one-band history of soul. The Temptations had a remarkable ability to change with the times, moving from the slick soul of the Holland-Dozier-Holland years to the grittier sound of the Norman Whitfield era and from the sweet-voiced Eddie Kendricks to the growly David Ruffin and Dennis Edwards. The tunes speak for themselves. There was no better vocal group in pop music history than the Temptations, and ANTHOLOGY is the most concise and satisfying way to discover their magic.