The Temptations - The Definitive Collection (2008/2018)

Arguably Motown's longest-running and most consistent act, the Temptations were top-notch, and this single-disc Motown sampler offers plenty of proof of that, including the classic singles "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "My Girl," "Just My Imagination," "(I Know) I'm Losing You," "Cloud Nine," "Psychedelic Shack," and their dramatic masterpiece, "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone." The songs were always solid, and in spite of the stylistic sea changes of the music industry, the Temptations adapted to the market, continually issuing timeless material, and not many groups could boast a succession of lead singers like David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, and Dennis Edwards or producers (and songwriters) like Smokey Robinson and Norman Whitfield. There are several Temptations collections available, but this one presents all the big radio hits, so for most listeners, it'll be just what the doctor ordered.