I know some of you all are gonna assume that this is just a covers album, but it's all new, original material this time around and judging from some of the song previews, it doesn't sound that bad!



The Temptations, who have maintained a successful recording career for almost 50 years, are releasing their 49th album, 'Still Here,' in stores May 4. Their notable five-part harmonies are instilled in their upcoming album, but with R&B contemporary touches -- thanks to current members Ron Tyson (first tenor and lead), Terry Weeks (baritone, second tenor, first tenor and lead), Bruce Williamson (sings lead, baritone and second tenor), Joe Herndon (bass) and only original member Otis Williams.

Executive produced by Williams and released on the Temptations own label 10:30 International, the politically-driven and soul record features tracks such as 'Listen Up,' pulling inspiration from their 1970's psychedelic soul 'Ball of Confusion (That's What the World is Today)' and 'Shawtyismygirlooyeah,' a modern, R&B take of the classic ballad and signature song 'My Girl.' Other notable songs are the soul-funk 'Soul Music' with prominent bass vocals and 'Change Has Come,' which features a rap interlude and a string-driven melody similar sounding to a Black Eyed Peas hit. Lead by Bruce Williamson, the track is a tribute to the successful election of President Barack Obama.

The quintet just finished their UK leg and are now embarking on their North American tour, which runs through November. 'Still Here' is a followup to 2007's 'Back to Front,' which reached the R&B Top 20 Billboard charts. Check out the tracklisting below and tune into AOL Radio's New R&B First station to hear a selection of songs from their forthcoming release.

Tracklisting:

1. 'Still Here' (Prelude)
2. 'Change Has Come'
3. 'One of a Kind Lady'
4. 'Let Me Catch Your Diamonds'
5. 'Hold Me'
6. 'Warm Summer Nights'
7. 'First Kiss'
8. 'Shawtyismygirlooyeah'
9. 'Still Here With Me'
10. 'Soul Music'
11. 'Woman'
12. 'Listen Up'
13. 'Going Back Home'
14. 'Still Here' (Reprise)

Despite its changes to the lineup, I have to admire the fact that this group is still around after all these years. Their first recordings were in 1961 and they're still making records today. That's inspiring. I enjoyed their Phoenix Rising album and slightly Ear-Resistible (which featured Wanda Hutchinson of the Emotions in some songs) was tolerable, wasn't interested in buying their other albums afterwards, let's hope this album is good.

Though I have trouble with that song title Shawtysomething lol

Otis will be 69 later this year, Joe Herndon is 61, Ron Tyson is 62, Terry Weeks will be 47 and Bruce Williamson is the youngest at 46.

So none of them are exactly spring chickens.

Timmy84 said:

Watch the clip that's posted. I initially thought it would be some Auto-Tune pop crap, but surprisingly it's not. Could've been given a better title, but the song sounds decent.

silverchild said:

I heard it.

Timmy84 said:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY by the way!

silverchild said:

Thanks.

Timmy84 said:

Yeah that sounds like a Jermaine Dupri track


I'm pulling for them. I hope it's good.
I really liked their Phoenix Rising album.
I believe the dude singing lead on the hot singles
from that album went solo.

phunkdaddy said:

Theo Peoples is a member of the Four Tops now. He left right before Phoenix Rising was released. Barrington Henderson, the man who replaced him (and is on a solo career now), replaced him last minute and that's where "How Could He Hurt You?" comes from. Theo sung lead on everything else except "False Faces" (Terry) and "That's What Friends Are For" (also Terry). I think Barrington is on those tracks singing backup though.

Timmy84 said:

Alright. Stay was slick. I remember i used to turn the radio
all the way up for that one.

phunkdaddy said:

When I heard "Stay" I was like "YES TEMPTATIONS! YES!"

phunkdaddy said:

Yeah Stay is just one of the many precious highlights for the Tempts. It takes me right back to my childhood and how it used to be played back and forth on various radio stations. A big cut and album for them as well.

I want this album!

Timmy84 said:

I haven't really followed the Temptations but I do like the fact that there aren't any real kids in there. That is always kind of embarrassing.

I'm kind of surprised they aren't on Motown (I figured they would just keep the group forever). The video makes me kind of interested in the album. It's certainly not trying to be new, which is good!