Phoenix Rising is a 1998 studio album by American vocal group The Temptations. It was released on the Motown label on August 18, 1998. Featuring the debut of new Temptations members Barrington "Bo" Henderson, Terry Weeks, and Harry McGilberry, following the departure of Ali-Ollie Woodson, who ended his tenure with the group (following the release of the 1995 album For Lovers Only); as well as the final Temptations album for Theo Peoples, who Henderson replaced.

The album, the Temptations' first million-selling album in over twenty years, features the hit single "Stay" Although not commercially released as a single, "Stay" became a top 30 hit on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, peaking at number 28. It also peaked at number one on the Urban Adult Contemporary charts and nominated for Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal at the 1998 Grammy awards. Later singles "This Is My Promise" and "How Could He Hurt You" became top five hits respectively on the latter chart as well. Phoenix Rising was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on November 15, 1999.

Critical reception

AllMusic editor Andrew Hamilton wrote that "Temptations' albums used to feature a baritone voice distinct from the tenor not only in register, but in style and phrasing; here the voices are too similar. Still, not a bad silver platter when you take the personnel changes into consideration."

Commercial performance Phoenix Rising became the band's first studio album to receive a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Track listing

Notes denotes additional producer(s)

Personnel The Temptations Terry Weeks - tenor/baritone vocals Barrington "Bo" Henderson - tenor vocals only on "How Could He Hurt You" Theo Peoples - second tenor/baritone vocals; all except “How Could He Hurt You?” Otis Williams - second tenor/baritone vocals Ron Tyson - first tenor/falsetto vocals Harry McGilberry - bass vocals

Charts

Weekly charts + Weekly chart performance for Phoenix Rising Chart (1998) Peak position

Year-end charts + Year-end chart performance for Phoenix Rising Chart (1998) Position US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) 52 Chart (1999) Position US Billboard 200 179 US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) 40

Certifications

References