The Temptations celebrate their 60th anniversary with a new album

The Temptations are back with a new album, which includes an appearance from Smokey Robsinon!

Author: Alastair SteelPublished 7th Dec 2021
Last updated 27th Jan 2022

The Grammy-winning Motown legends The Temptations are marking their 60th anniversary with their latest album- TEMPTATIONS 60. The new record sees founding member Otis Williams leading the production on an album of nearly all original material with vocalist Ron Tyson and the great Smokey Robinson both featuring on the album.

The first single on the album by the "Emperors of Souls'", 'Is It Gonna Be Yes Or No', is written and produced by and features Motown superstar Smokey Robinson.

The group said the project represents “a modern-day shift from their vintage roots, that weaves together the powerful fusion of hip-hop, smooth jazz and soulful flavours”.

The Temptations are today one of the most iconic, bestselling brands in the entertainment world; Billboard magazine named them “The No. 1 R&B Artist of All Time.”

Impressively, the group has been inducted into the Rock & Roll, National Rhythm & Blues Music, and Vocal Group Halls of Fame, and they have a star on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Apollo Theater’s Walk of Fame. The group have also created 16 No. 1 R&B chart albums, 44 Top 10 R&B chart hits, including, 14 No. 1 R&B singles, plus four No. 1 Hot 100 singles.

Reflecting on The Temptations’ legacy, and the new album, Dr. Otis Williams said:“Delivering our 60th-anniversary album is a special moment for me. Being back in the studio this time filled me with so many memories of my journey and reminded me of how long and rewarding a journey it has been. I get emotional every time I think about it, because we poured every ounce of our heart and soul into making this album extra special, and only when we were satisfied that it was in keeping with our unique style, did we put our stamp on it. I can proudly say it showcases brand new songs that reflect the best of what’s vintage, and modern, in our music. A capstone of my career, this album represents generations of unique melodies, lyrics and songs, distinctly our own. Some of the new songs echo our original ballads and love songs, while others capture current, topical vibes of the 21st Century. It also includes new songs that reflect the times we are living in now.